Wikipedia

Gaz Fabilouss

Fabrice Ndongidila, known professionally as Gaz Fabilouss, is a Congolese rapper, producer, bandleader, lyricist, and record executive. Often referred to as "Shina Rambo",[1][2] he is considered one of the most influential Congolese rappers of all time.[3][2] His lyrics often delve into themes of derision, humor, rivalry, and social commentary.[4]

Gaz Fabilouss
Birth nameFabrice Ndongidila
Also known as
  • Siniama
  • Gazfa
BornMatete, Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo
OriginDemocratic Republic of Congo
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • bandleader
  • record producer
  • record executive
Instruments
Years active2012–present
Labels
  • Afronotes Music and Cinema
  • P4SELL
  • Goldie
  • Jeunes Courageux
Formerly of
  • B16 Music
  • Show Slime Music

Born and raised in Kinshasa, Ndongidila first received mainstream recognition in 2016 for his debut single "You-p-yeah".[5][6][7] The following year, he released the mixtape Nyamanitude, which was supported by the single "Tika Makolo Na Nga".[8][9] In May 2018, Ndongidila released the single "Zuwa", which achieved nationwide success.[10] His Extended play, Jeune courageux, released in July 2018, spawned his breakout singles "Aye" (featuring Koffi Olomide), "Salaire", "Love Story", and "Mwasi Nzambe" (featuring Hamisa Mobetto).[11] Ndongidila's debut studio album, Balle réelle koleki-satan, came out in 2019,[12] followed by his second album, Glissement, in 2023.[13]

He is the founder of the record label Jeunes Courageux, which also operates as his backing band and is based in Kinshasa's Matete commune.[14][15]

Early years

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While Ndongidila's exact birth date remains unknown, he was born in Kinshasa and was raised in the Debonhomme neighborhood of Matete commune.[16][17][18] He began playing music at a young age and participated in a Catholic choir from 2005 to 2006.[18][19] Influenced by rappers 50 Cent, Youssoupha, The Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac Shakur, he soon ventured into rapping.[18] In 2012, Ndongidila teamed up with fellow Congolese rapper Hervé Muya from his neighborhood to form the rap collective B16 Music, and in 2013, they recorded their debut studio tracks "On est blindé" and "BBN".[20][16] After a brief stint with B16 Music, Ndongidila left the group and co-founded Show Slime Music with JL du Ghetto, Zman Mukulu, Christian Young Thug, and KLB Mi-Zidi.[20] His role in Show Slime Music distinguished him, and his prominence paved the way for his subsequent solo career.[20]

Career

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2016–2022: from "You-p-yeah" to Balle réelle koleki-satan

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In September 2016, Ndongidila premiered his debut solo single, "You-p-yeah", which depicts the challenges and perseverance of Kinshasa's youth.[21] The accompanying music video showcased a group of young rappers, with Ndongidila rapping about the disdain society holds toward them, with some calling them "worthless".[21] "You-p-yeah" became a countrywide hit and was often played in nightclubs and bars.[21] Buoyed by its success, he dropped the mixtape Nyamanitude in 2017, featuring the sleeper hit "Tika Makolo Na Nga", which gained attention the next year.[8][9] On 14 April 2018, he appeared at Métro Bar in Kinshasa for its second anniversary, sharing the stage with Innoss'B.[22] The subsequent month saw the release of his nationwide hit "Zuwa", taken from Nyamanitude.[20][9][10] In June, Ndongidila appeared in the video for Innoss'B's single "Lelo Lelo".[23]

Ndongidila released his four-track Extended play (EP), Jeune courageux, in July 2018, which was supported by singles "Aye", "Salaire", "Love Story", "Mwasi Nzambe". Jeune courageux was produced by the German label Goldie and includes guest appearances by Koffi Olomide and Hamisa Mobetto.[24][25] This project also marked the official introduction of his supporting band, which doubled as his independent record label, also named Jeune Courageux. The EP's breakout track "Aye", featuring Koffi Olomide, garnered over one million views within five days of its release and became one of the top trending Congolese videos on YouTube of that year.[26][27][28] The ndombolo- and rap-infused single "Salaire" also yielded his furthest commercial success and amassed significant viewership on YouTube.[29][30] Produced by fellow Congolese producer King Kuba, "Salaire" captivated audiences and remained in constant play.[29][30] Four months after its debut, Ndongidila told the Congolese digital news outlet Talents2kin he was working with Ivorian singer Serge Beynaud on "Salaire Remix", which came out on 14 December 2021.[31][32]

In 2019, Ndongidila released his debut studio album Balle réelle koleki-satan, through the record label P4SELL.[33][34][12] The album consisted of 12 tracks and included guest appearances by Fabregas Le Métis Noir, Robinio Mundibu, Innoss'B, Rebo Tchulo, Titan Dangereux, and Kozi.[34][12] To promote Balle réelle, Ndongidila performed at Village Chez Ntemba on 27 September 2020.[16] He then appeared on Innoss'B's rap-tinged single "Best" music video the following month,[35][36] which was succeeded by the release of his breakout single "Kaka Boye!".[37][38] On 7 November, Ndongidila headlined his debut concert in Tanzania.[39] Despite the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, he capped the year off with a live concert titled "A Night" in Cape Town, South Africa.[40] In August 2022, Ndongidila headlined a concert at Village Chez Ntemba, with guest appearances by Samarino and Rebo Tchulo.[41]

2023–present: Glissement and "Nde Nini"

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In January 2023, Ndongidila announced on Instagram that his second studio album, Glissement, was in the conclusive phases of production.[42][43] The next month, he collaborated with Innoss'B on the album's ndombolo-influenced smash hit "Caler son".[44] Thereafter, he kicked off his American tour, visiting US cities such as Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, followed by Canadian stops in Ottawa and Montreal, and ended the tour with a performance in Vancouver after returning to Los Angeles for another concert.[45] Earlier that February, during the tour, Ndongidila disclosed that he had contacted Lil Wayne for collaboration on Glissement.[46] The album was officially released on 27 October 2023 through Jeunes Courageux.[47][48] It consisted of 12 tracks and included guest appearances by Didier Lacoste, Asnath Dosantos, Dylan, Gally Garvey, MC Baba, Innoss'B, Boozy Neega, Hessam Le Professeur, and Razeur Boule, along with a bonus track "Miami" featuring American rapper Lil Wayne.[47][48] However, shortly after its release, "Miami" stirred controversy. While a voice similar to Lil Wayne's appeared in a fan-uploaded YouTube video, the rapper was conspicuously missing from the video.[48] The track was reportedly unavailable on several streaming platforms, and Ndongidila offered no explanation.[48]

On 23 March 2024, he released the freestyle single "Nde Nini", which delved into themes of humor, clash, and societal criticism.[49] Grady Mugisho, in a review for the Congolese digital news outlet Ouragan.cd, noted that Ndongidila employs humor in the chorus when addressing how certain musicians and music columnists have tainted the country's image.[49]

Discography

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Albums

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  • Balle réelle koleki-satan (2019)
  • Glissement (2023)

Extended Plays

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  • Jeune courageux (2018)

Mixtapes

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  • Nyamanitude (2017)

Awards and nominations

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Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref.
2023 JCC Awards Best Congolese Rapper Himself Nominated [50]

References

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  1. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (16 October 2020). "Découvrez le clip "Kaka Boye" de Gaz Fabilouss" [Discover the video clip "Kaka Boye" by Gaz Fabilouss]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b Mutombo, Onassis (29 September 2020). "Gaz Fabilouss, la musique urbaine a (désormais) son "King"!" [Gaz Fabilouss, urban music (now) has its "King"!]. Arts.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  3. ^ Badibanga, Walter (11 August 2020). "5 rappeurs au top en RDC" [5 top rappers in the DRC]. Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  4. ^ Mugisho, Grady (25 March 2024). ""Nde nini", un freestyle très solide de Gaz Fabilous" ["Nde nini", a very solid freestyle from Gaz Fabilous]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Gaz Fabilouss". Music in Africa (in French). 30 April 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  6. ^ "Le rappeur congolais Gaz Fabilouss attendu samedi en Espagne pour un concert" [Congolese rapper Gaz Fabilouss expected in Spain on Saturday for a concert]. ACP (in French). 1 April 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  7. ^ "You Pie Yeah ! la chanson qui cartonne dans tous les bars de Kinshasa" [You Pie Yeah! the song that is a hit in all the bars in Kinshasa]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 27 November 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Gaz Fabilouss tacle DDT, Air D'ici et les stars de Télé Crochet dans son nouveau single "Bougie"" [Gaz Fabilouss tackles DDT, Air D'ici and the stars of Télé Crochet in his new single "Bougie".]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 16 July 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  9. ^ a b c "Gaz Fabilouss dévoile la danse de son prochain single "Tika Makolo Na Nga"!" [Gaz Fabilouss unveils the dance from his next single "Tika Makolo Na Nga"!]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 9 October 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  10. ^ a b Matanda, Alvin (8 February 2023). "Le rappeur Gaz Fabilouss annonce sa tournée américaine" [Rapper Gaz Fabilouss announces his American tour]. Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  11. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (23 July 2021). "Découvrez l'EP "Jeune courageux" de Gaz Fabilouss" [Discover the EP "Jeune courageux" by Gaz Fabilouss]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  12. ^ a b c "Fabregas le Métis Noir, Innoss'B et Robinio Mundibu invités par Gaz fabilouss dans son album "Balle réelle"" [Fabregas le Métis Noir, Innoss'B and Robinio Mundibu invited by Gaz Fabilouss in his album "Balle réelle"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 26 September 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  13. ^ Lukau, Onésime (26 October 2023). "Gaz Fabilouss sort ce 27 octobre 2023, son nouvel album "Glissement"". Ouragan.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  14. ^ Mansangu, Raphaël (4 January 2023). "Musique: Gaz Fabilouss annonce son 1er album "Glissement"" [Music: Gaz Fabilouss announces his first album "Glissement" for May 2023]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  15. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (9 July 2022). "Gaz Fabilouss en collaboration avec son groupe "Jeune Courageux"" [Gaz Fabilouss in collaboration with his group "Jeune Courageux"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  16. ^ a b c Mutombo, Onassis (29 September 2020). "Gaz Fabilouss, la musique urbaine a (désormais) son « King » !" [Gaz Fabilouss, urban music (now) has its “King”!]. Arts.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  17. ^ "Gaz Fabilouss". Africaradio.com (in French). 29 November 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  18. ^ a b c Matanda, Alvin (8 February 2023). "Le rappeur Gaz Fabilouss annonce sa tournée américaine" [Rapper Gaz Fabilouss announces his American tour]. Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  19. ^ "L'artiste-rappeur Gaz Fabilouss annonce la sortie officielle de son album "Balle Réelle"" [Rapper Gaz Fabilouss announces the official release of his album "Balle Réelle"]. ACP (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  20. ^ a b c d "Gaz Fabilouss". Music in Africa (in French). 30 April 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  21. ^ a b c "You Pie Yeah! la chanson qui cartonne dans tous les bars de Kinshasa" [You Pie Yeah! the song that is a hit in all the bars in Kinshasa]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 27 November 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  22. ^ "Innoss'B et Gaz Fabilouss ont bougé Metro Bar" [Innoss'B and Gaz Fabilouss have moved Metro Bar]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 15 April 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  23. ^ "Innoss'B dévoile le clip "Lelo Lelo"" [Innoss'B unveils the music video "Lelo Lelo"]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 1 June 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  24. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (23 July 2021). "Découvrez l'EP "Jeune courageux" de Gaz Fabilouss" [Discover the EP "Jeune courageux" by Gaz Fabilouss]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  25. ^ "Surprise: Gaz Fabilouss balance un EP cette nuit" [Surprise: Gaz Fabilouss releases an EP tonight]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 22 July 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  26. ^ "YouTube: Pour une première, Gaz fabilous a atteint la barre de 1 million de vues" [YouTube: For a first, Gaz Fabilous has reached the 1 million views mark]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  27. ^ Badibanga, Walter (11 June 2021). "RDC: 10 vidéos qui font les tendances sur YouTube – Juin 2021" [DRC: 10 videos that are trending on YouTube – June 2021]. Music in Africa. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  28. ^ Badibanga, Walter (16 September 2021). "5 collaborations de Koffi Olomidé en 2021" [5 collaborations of Koffi Olomide in 2021]. Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  29. ^ a b Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (31 July 2021). "Découvrez le clip "Salaire" de Gaz Fabilouss" [Discover the video clip "Salaire" by Gaz Fabilouss]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  30. ^ a b ""Salaire", le nouveau clip vidéo de Gaz Fabilouss ce vendredi 30 juillet dans le bac" ["Salaire", the new video clip by Gaz Fabilouss this Friday July 30 in the bin]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  31. ^ "Nouveau titre: Gaz Fabilous remixe le titre Salaire en featuring avec l'ivoirien Serge Beynaud" [New title: Gaz Fabilous remixes the title Salaire featuring the Ivorian Serge Beynaud]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 14 December 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  32. ^ "Serge Beynaud, l'invité de Gaz Fabilouss sur son titre "Salaire Remix"" [Serge Beynaud, guest of Gaz Fabilouss on his title "Salaire Remix"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 14 December 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  33. ^ Badibanga, Walter (27 July 2020). ""Kaka Boye", le coup de gueule de Gaz Fabilouss" ["Kaka Boye", Gaz Fabilouss’s rant]. Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Gaz Fabilouss dévoile la tracklist de son album "Balle réelle koleki-satan"" [Gaz Fabilouss reveals the tracklist of his album "Balle réelle koleki-satan"]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  35. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (2020-10-15). "Découvrez la chanson " Best " de Innoss'B avec Damso – Mbote" [Discover the song "Best" by Innoss'B with Damso]. mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
  36. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (November 1, 2020). "Le clip " Best " de Innoss'B avec Damso cumule plus de 4 millions de vues" [The "Best" music video by Innoss'B with Damso has more than 4 million views]. mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
  37. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (16 October 2020). "Découvrez le clip "Kaka Boye" de Gaz Fabilouss" [Discover the video clip “Kaka Boye” by Gaz Fabilouss]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  38. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (14 March 2021). "Gaz Fabilouss annonce la de son EP" [Gaz Fabilouss announces the release of his EP]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  39. ^ "Gaz Fabilous en concert en Tanzanie" [Gaz Fabilous in concert in Tanzania]. Musique.cd (in French). 26 October 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  40. ^ Mansangu, Raphael (28 December 2020). "Cape Town: Gaz Fabilouss en concert virtuel ce 30 décembre 2020" [Cape Town: Gaz Fabilouss in virtual concert this 30 December 2020]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  41. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (20 August 2022). "Rebo Tchulo et Samarino invités au concert de Gaz Fabilouss" [Rebo Tchulo and Samarino invited to the Gaz Fabilouss concert]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  42. ^ "Le premier album de Gaz Fabilouss arrive en Mai" [Gaz Fabilouss' first album arrives in May]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 3 January 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  43. ^ Mansangu, Raphaël (4 January 2023). "Musique: Gaz Fabilouss annonce son 1er album "Glissement"" [Music: Gaz Fabilouss announces his first album “Glissement” for May 2023]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  44. ^ ""Caler son", le nouveau clip de Gaz Fabilouss feat Innoss'B enfin disponible" ["Caler son", the new clip from Gaz Fabilouss feat Innoss'B finally available]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 10 February 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  45. ^ Matanda, Alvin (8 February 2023). "Le rappeur Gaz Fabilouss annonce sa tournée américaine" [Rapper Gaz Fabilouss announces his American tour]. Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  46. ^ "Qu'en est-il de la rencontre entre Gaz Fabilouss et Lil Wayne?" [What about the meeting between Gaz Fabilouss and Lil Wayne?]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  47. ^ a b Lukau, Onésime (26 October 2023). "Gaz Fabilouss sort ce 27 octobre 2023, son nouvel album "Glissement"" [Gaz Fabilouss releases his new album "Glissement" on 27 October 2023]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  48. ^ a b c d ""Miami", la collaboration tant attendue de Gaz Fabilouss et Lil Wayne fait polémique" ["Miami", the long-awaited collaboration between Gaz Fabilouss and Lil Wayne, is causing controversy]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  49. ^ a b Mugisho, Grady (25 March 2024). ""Nde nini", un freestyle très solide de Gaz Fabilous" ["Nde Nini", a very solid freestyle from Gaz Fabilouss]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  50. ^ Mugisho, Grady (21 October 2023). "Gaz Fabilouss nominé aux JCC Awards 2023" [Gaz Fabilouss nominated for the JCC Awards 2023]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
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