Denise Kusala Yondo (born 1958), known professionally as Yondo Sister is a Congolese musician mainly associated with the soukous genre of music and the kwassa kwassa dance.[1][2] She is often referred to as "the queen of soukous" or "the queen of rumba".[3]
Yondo Sister | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Yondo Kusala Denise |
| Born | 23 April 1958 Zaire, Belgian Congo now Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Genres | Soukous, kwassa kwassa music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Labels | Air B. Mas Production, Melodie, T.J.R. Music, |
Early life
editShe was born in the city of Bukavu, in a musical family, the daughter of a Congolese father and a Belgian-Congolese mother.[4]
Career
editShe began her career as a singer in Tabu Ley Rochereau's band L'afrisa International, alongside her sister, Chantal Yondo. She initially planned to become a dancer and credits Rochereau with her switch to a musical career.[4]
Personal life
editYondo currently resides in Paris.[4]
Discography
edit- Agenda (2003)
References
edit- ^ Pareles, Jon (31 March 2000). "Pop and Jazz Guide". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
- ^ Ewens, Graeme (2000) [1999]. "Congo: Heart of Danceness". In Broughton, Simon; Ellingham, Mark; Trillo, Richard (eds.). World Music: Africa, Europe and the Middle East. London: Rough Guides. p. 464. ISBN 978-1-85828-635-8.
- ^ Chirisa, Sharon (7 October 2020). "Rhumba Queen Yondo Sister Coming Back To Zimbabwe For Last Show". iHarare. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
- ^ a b c "Is Yondo Sister on her way to Dar es Salaam?". The Citizen. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2023.