Fally Ipupa, famously known as the Prince of Rumba, celebrates two decades of musical excellence with his highly anticipated 19-track album titled XX, released via Warner Music France on April 17.
This expansive project marks a major new chapter in the African pop icon’s prolific career by blending the global pop dynamism of his Tokoos era with the traditional Congolese rumba instrumentation that serves as his artistic anchor.
The star-studded album features high-profile collaborations with international heavyweights such as Wizkid on the priority track “Jam,” GRAMMY winner Angélique Kidjo on “Just For You,” and South African amapiano pioneer DJ Maphorisa alongside TRESOR on “Alifa”.
Other notable features include Joé Dwèt Filé, Calema, KeBlack, Guy2Bezbar, SDM, and Lokua Kanza. To bring this sonic vision to life, Ipupa worked with revered producers including Trésor Riziki, Dany Synthé and Seysey.
The album arrives following the success of his Gold-certified Formule 7 and includes the previously released hit single “Cinéma”. Fally Ipupa’s global influence is backed by over three billion streams, 2.5 billion YouTube views, and 30 million social media followers. His live performance legacy includes making history as the first African solo artist to sell out Europe’s largest indoor venue, the Paris La Défense Arena, alongside sold-out shows at Wembley’s OVO Arena and various stadiums across Africa. To commemorate his 20-year milestone and the release of XX, he is scheduled for two landmark concerts at the Stade de France on May 2 and 3, followed by a major international tour across the UK, Europe, and North America.
Beyond his musical achievements, Ipupa continues his impactful work as a national ambassador for UNESCO, the UN, and UNICEF, notably contributing to Congolese rumba being inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021.
