Advertisement
Fally Ipupa in Kenya: What to know about the Congolese music star
04th September, 2026 01:02 PM
Congolese music star Fally Ipupa is set to return to Nairobi on Saturday, September 5, 2026, for a major concert at Uhuru Gardens, bringing his blend of Congolese rumba, soukous, ndombolo and contemporary African sounds to Kenyan fans.
The singer, songwriter, dancer and producer has built a career spanning more than two decades and remains one of the best-known Congolese artistes across Africa and beyond.
From Quartier Latin to solo career
Born Fally Ipupa Nsimba on December 14, 1977, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, the musician began his career with the group Talent Latent before joining Quartier Latin International, the band led by legendary Congolese musician Koffi Olomide.
Ipupa spent several years with the group before launching his solo career in 2006 with his debut album, Droit Chemin. The album helped establish him as a solo artiste and opened the way for an international career that has seen him perform across Africa, Europe and North America.
His music has continued to combine traditional Congolese sounds with R&B, Afrobeats, pop and other modern influences.
Building an international career
Over the years, Ipupa has released several albums, including Arsenal de Belles Melodies, Power “Kosa Leka”, Tokooos, Control, Tokooos II and Formule 7. His catalogue includes popular songs such as Eloko Oyo, Original, Likolo, Canne à Sucre, Amore, A Flyé, Bad Boy, Sweet Life, Mayanga, Bloqué and Science Fiction.
He has also worked with artistes from different parts of the continent and beyond, including Nigerian star Wizkid and several French artistes.
In 2026, Ipupa marked 20 years as a solo artiste with the release of his eighth studio album, XX. The project also featured collaborations with artistes such as Angélique Kidjo and Wizkid.
Major career milestone
One of the biggest moments of Ipupa’s career came in May 2026 when he performed two concerts at Paris’ Stade de France as part of his 20th anniversary celebrations.
The two shows were sold out, adding another milestone to a career that has earned him several African music awards and international recognition. His achievements were also recognised in June 2026 when he was decorated in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a Chevalier of the Ordre National des Léopards.
Fally Ipupa and Kenya
Ipupa has maintained a strong connection with Kenyan music fans through several performances in Nairobi. He previously performed at the Walker Town Concert at Uhuru Gardens in 2023 alongside artistes including Tiwa Savage and Nyashinski.
He also returned to Nairobi in May 2026 for the Africa Forward Summit concert. His latest visit will see him headline the September 5 show alongside South African Amapiano star Kamo Mphela and DJ Maphorisa.
Kenyan artistes DJ Ice, Joe Mfalme, Tango Supreme and Kodong Klan are also on the line-up.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 3 pm and run into the early hours of Sunday, giving fans another opportunity to see the Congolese star perform his music live in Nairobi.
