Fally Ipupa celebrates 20 years of solo career at the Stade de France [Interview]

 

He is known as the eagle, DiCaprio, El profesor…. We will simply call him Fally!

Fally Ipupa, the Congolese artist who has far surpassed the borders of his native Democratic Republic of Congo, is celebrating 20 years of his solo career this year. To mark this anniversary, he is releasing his eighth studio album, XX , the first part of which will be released on April 17, followed by a second part on June 10 , exactly 20 years after the release of his first album, Droit Chemin .

The highlight of this celebration: two exceptional concerts at the Stade de France on May 2nd and 3rd , an unprecedented performance for a French-speaking African artist.

A career driven by vision and hard work

Looking back on his beginnings in 2006, when he left Quartier Latin to launch Droit Chemin , the artist acknowledges that he imagined a long career, but not necessarily one as rich.

"Long, perhaps, but not as rich. I still had the vision of being a serious artist."

He attributes his success primarily to his hard work: "I work for this. So, in a way, I think it's deserved. But it's always nice."

Reinventing oneself and taking risks

Twenty years after his debut, Fally Ipupa continues to surprise and explore new artistic directions.

"Just listen to my latest single, Cinéma. Today, it's causing controversy. People don't necessarily understand the artistic direction, but it's also generating positive buzz."

For him, taking risks is essential: "An artist must take risks before proposing projects. I have no problem with that."

A deliberate artistic openness

Over the years, the artist has distinguished himself by his desire to broaden the horizons of rumba by multiplying collaborations, notably with MHD, Ninho, Aya Nakamura or even Booba.

His new album XX follows this tradition, with contributions from Guy2Bezbar, Joé Dwèt Filé, Angélique Kidjo, Lokua Kanza, Trésor, Wizkid and the group Calema.

"This is a different vision from previous albums. The first part will be more urban, and the whole project is really conceived as a celebration of 20 years."

A historic event at the Stade de France

With two consecutive dates at the Stade de France, Fally Ipupa marks a historic turning point. Due to overwhelming public demand, a second date was added after the first concert sold out in record time.

"We're planning a huge two-day celebration with different shows. It will truly be a celebration for everyone."

While some consider him a cultural ambassador for Congo, the artist clarifies: "I am not an ambassador, but I defend and promote Congolese culture and African music in general."

An event open to all: "There won't just be 'warriors'. There will be fans, of course, but also people who simply love music, even those who have never been to a concert."

An opening towards cinema

Alongside his music career, Fally Ipupa is now exploring cinema. He recently played his first major role in Rumba Royale , a film that revisits the tensions in the Belgian Congo before independence, set against a backdrop of rumba music.

"It's something I've loved for a long time. This first experience has been very enriching. I've learned a lot, and there will be other projects."

An invitation to celebrate

To mark his 20-year career, Fally Ipupa's main goal is to bring people together.

"This is an event not to be missed. May 2nd and 3rd at the Stade de France, the best concert in history. Come and experience it!"

More than a concert, the artist promises a moment of sharing, at the crossroads of cultures, for all music lovers.