By BigEyeUg Team
Today, February 22, 2026, Congolese singer-songwriter Ampire Joven’s officially released his latest EP, Urizi, a project that signals a deliberate artistic shift from the dominant Rumba sounds of Kinshasa to the rich folk traditions of the South Kivu highlands, rooted in the culture of the Bashi people.
The eight-track EP is more than just a musical release—it is a cultural statement. While Ampire Joven’s gained national recognition as the runner-up in the 2022 Vodacom Best of the Best competition and later performed at the iconic Stade des Martyrs alongside Fally Ipupa, Urizi sees him intentionally returning to his foundational roots.
A Journey That Began in 2008
Ampire Joven’s musical journey began in 2008 under the mentorship of his grandfather, who introduced him to storytelling through song. Those early lessons now form the backbone of Urizi. The title itself refers to heritage—serving as a bridge between the ancestral Bushi kingdom and the modern Congolese diaspora.
Composed primarily in Mashi, a Bantu language native to the Mitumba Mountains, the EP layers traditional proverbs over sonic influences drawn from 1970s soul and folk. The result is a textured body of work exploring resilience, identity, and the social realities of the Kivu region.
He describes the sound as “Pondu with meat”—a metaphor inspired by the nourishing Congolese dish, symbolizing music that is rooted, heavy with substance, and spiritually fulfilling.
“This music started with the stories my grandfather told me,” says Ampire Joven’s. “It isn’t just about the melody or the lyrics; it’s about the ‘Obushi’—the collective spirit of our people. I wanted to create something that sounds like the soundtrack to a film about our hills, but played in the streets of the city.”
Modernizing Tradition Without Losing Its Soul
Focus tracks such as “Juwe” and “Koleza” highlight his ability to modernize traditional folk rhythms while preserving their spiritual depth. The project’s production blends acoustic instrumentation with subtle contemporary textures, creating a soundscape that feels both ancestral and urban.
His visual identity mirrors this fusion. The EP’s aesthetic combines contemporary Kinshasa fashion with traditional Bashi sartorial elements—another deliberate attempt to bridge past and present.
From National Spotlight to Cultural Preservation
Born Ampire Babone Ovain, the Kinshasa-based artist defines himself through versatility and cultural preservation. Though comfortable within Afro-pop and Rumba spaces, his recent work leans heavily into soul and folk influences inspired by global icons such as Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman, and Ben Harper, alongside Congolese legends like Franco Luambo and Papa Wemba.
A pivotal career moment came in 2022 when he secured second place in the national Vodacom Best of the Best competition, solidifying his presence on the national stage. He also opened for Fally Ipupa at the Stade des Martyrs, further increasing his visibility.
Beyond mainstream recognition, he has earned accolades including a provincial award for best composition for a song dedicated to Mgr Christophe Muzihirwa, performed by Daniella Kalumuna.
Creative Process and Vision
Ampire Joven’s creative process often begins late at night, sparked by emotion or personal encounters. One of his songs, for instance, was inspired by a stranger who claimed to be starving and accused of witchcraft—an experience that shaped his reflections on suffering and humanity.
Typically starting with guitar or piano, he develops songs that explore love, resilience, self-discovery, and everyday social realities. His goal remains clear: to keep his music accessible and universal while preserving the authenticity of Mashi language and Bashi tradition.
Through social media and live streams, he continues to engage directly with fans, guided by his personal mantra: “Let’s just live, everything else will follow.”
With Urizi now available on all major streaming platforms, Ampire Joven’s is preparing live performances and new collaborations aimed at strengthening his musical universe. His medium-term ambition is to expand the presence of Mashi within the global Afro-soul conversation.