At just 23 years old, Gloria Bash is establishing herself as one of the rising voices of the Congolese music scene. Originally from Goma, in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the singer blends music, humanitarian work and messages of peace in a region marked for years by armed conflict.
The most followed Congolese female artist on YouTube, Gloria Bash carries a message of unity, hope, and social cohesion through her songs. Her career has recently taken her to the international stage, notably to the Accor Arena for the "Solidarity for Congo" concert, alongside Gims, Dadju, Fally Ipupa, and Soolking.
In this exclusive interview with Africanews, the young artist looks back on her childhood in Goma, her commitment to peace, her musical career and current political events in the DRC.
As a woman, it's not always easy to speak up."
Malaika Élysée / Africanews : Gloria Bash, hello.
Gloria Bash: Hello.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews : Thank you for having us today.
Gloria Bash: You're welcome.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: You were born and raised in eastern DRC, a region marked by armed violence. How did your childhood shape your artistic identity?
Gloria Bash: Being a woman and growing up in Goma isn't easy. My childhood had beautiful things, but also war. I'm a child of Goma, and this reality greatly influences my music. In many of my songs, I talk about my city, I put Goma in the spotlight, and I also denounce the atrocities we experienced. Despite the hardships, my childhood was also happy.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: In such a difficult context, how has music been a refuge for you?
Gloria Bash: Music has allowed me to express myself. It's a way to say what I feel and to make my voice heard. As a woman, it's not always easy to speak out. We are often limited. For me, music is a true weapon of expression.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: You often talk about peace and social cohesion in your songs. What role can artists play in building peace?
Gloria Bash: Artists embody values. We have many followers, of all ages. Therefore, we have a duty to convey good messages and promote positive values.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: Do you consider yourself primarily as an artist or as a spokesperson for a social reality?
Gloria Bash: I am an artist to the core, but I also give a voice to the voiceless. Not just for Goma, but also for displaced people and the destitute. That's also why I do humanitarian work.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: We often talk about resilience in relation to your career. What does this word mean to you today?
Gloria Bash: Resilience is about carrying on despite everything. Goma has endured countless atrocities, but I chose to return to my city. At one point, I left, then I thought, “Goma is my city.” If everyone leaves, who will stay? With the visibility I have today, I want to show that Goma isn't just about war. There's also talent, culture, and life.
"Music is a weapon of expression."
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: Your participation in the "Congo Solidarity" concert marked a turning point in your career. What does this international visibility represent?
Gloria Bash: It was incredible. When you work so hard and then find yourself singing in front of more than 30,000 people, it shows that your work is paying off. And I think the best is yet to come.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: We're hearing a lot about your new EP. What should we know about this project?
Gloria Bash: The ZOSHI EP will be available this Sunday, May 10th. It's coming very soon.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: What does it bring that's new compared to your previous project?
Gloria Bash: My first EP was released in 2022. This second project puts Goma even more in the spotlight with a central message: hope. It also features Congolese rumba sung in Swahili. We're used to hearing rumba in Lingala, but I wanted to show that you can also make Congolese rumba in Swahili, in order to celebrate my culture and my city.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: You are currently signed to Gims' Black Star label. How is this collaboration going?
Gloria Bash: It's going very well. It's been a year now since I signed with Black Star. This collaboration brings me many opportunities and greater international visibility.
"Goma is not just about war."
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: You were born during the war, and even today, fighting continues in parts of eastern Congo. What message would you like to send to the warring parties?
Gloria Bash: We want peace. As young people, entrepreneurs, humanitarians, or simply citizens, we need to live in peace. When there is war, there are no opportunities. You cannot thrive in a country in a state of perpetual conflict. Enough is enough. We have already suffered so much.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: In the DRC, the debate surrounding a constitutional revision is currently causing controversy. As an influential artist and lawyer by training, what is your perspective on this issue?
Gloria Bash: Before discussing constitutional revision, we need to address the immediate crisis. Today, in May 2026, with everything happening in the DRC, particularly in Goma and Bukavu, which are experiencing extremely difficult situations, is this truly the priority? Yes, the Constitution can be amended, but is it urgent right now? I think there are far more important issues, especially peace. The current priority is finding solutions to restore peace to the DRC.
Malaika Élysée / Africanews: Thank you very much Gloria Bash.
Gloria Bash: Thank you.
