Abeti Masikini

Elisabeth Finant, celebrated professionally as Abeti Masikini, was a trailblazing Congolese singer, composer, and bandleader often hailed as the "Queen of Soukous." Born on November 9, 1954, in Kisangani, she emerged from an upper-middle-class family, with her mother being a church choir leader whose musical influence nurtured Abeti's early singing passion. Despite initially working as a secretary after completing her secondary studies, her dedication to music led her to a talent contest in 1971 where she was discovered by Togolese producer Gérard Akueson. Abeti Masikini was a significant figure in 20th-century African music, noted for modernizing Congolese rhythms by fusing them with elements of folk, blues, and pop. A powerful advocate for gender equality, she was the first Congolese woman to front her own band, Les Redoutables, which served as an important launchpad for numerous female artists. Her international fame was confirmed by a groundbreaking career that included being the first Central African female artist to perform at prestigious venues like the Olympia Hall in Paris, New York's Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Apollo Theater. Over her nearly three-decade career, she recorded over twenty studio albums. Tragically, she passed away from uterine cancer in Villejuif, Paris, on September 28, 1994, at the age of 39, leaving behind a profound legacy of musical innovation and female empowerment.

Top Tracks

1

Usisilike

2

Je suis fachée

3

Liwela

4

Mobutu Praise Song 1

5

Tuikale

6

Bibile

7

Traditional Folk Song

8

Wandugo Wampenzi

9

Mobutu Praise Song 2

10

Yamba Yamba

Top Albums

Beach Diggin’, Vol. 1

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Souvenirs, souvenirs

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Planet Collection - Afro Dance

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