Linda TOMBO
Author / Composer
Singing
Drum
Guitar
Percussion
Jephté LUBUNGU
Songwriter
Drum
Percussion
Balafon
Choirs
Leah MBUYAMBA
Author / Composer
Bass
Piano
Choirs
Tychick SULUTEMO
Songwriter
Guitarist
Choirs
BIOGRAPHY
Born of the vibrant streets of Kinshasa, YOTSI (which means ‘star’ in Kimongo) embodies the unique
fusion of Congolese rhythmsand world sounds.of Congolese rhythms and world sounds.
The group is made up of Linda, Leah, Jephte and Tychick, four artists
who have been lulled from an early age by the chantin the churches of Kinshasa and the
traditional rhythms of family celebrations. Imbued witt his cultural richness, they have also explored
international musical influences via platforms, inspiring their motto : No Borders!
Refusing to limit themselves to a single style or language, YOTSI celebrate the power of
blends. Their music, deeply rooted in their Congolese heritage, boldly ventures into
daringly ventures into diverse sonic territories, offranting an experience that is both authentic
yet modern. Their musical project was born of a burning desire to create a unique Congolese music
while drawing on the many influences they have absorbed.
In 2019, a decisive meeting with Éric Malu Malu, director of the music centre Kinarmonik,
turned their dream into reality. Under his artistic direction, YOTSI learns to affiner its writing and
composition, which led to the birth of their first album, Maisha, released in December
2023. This innovative project quickly attracted the attention of big names on the international music
scene Ray Lema, Yarol Poupaud and Mario Caldato.
At the end of 2023, YOTSI embarked on a tour of the major venues in Kinshasa.
September 2024, they crossed the border to perform in Paris, opening on
28 September at Le Hangar in Ivry sur Seine. On stage, they will be joined by some of the artists
the album, including saxophonist Christine Roch and Delphine Ciampi from the group SAD.
With their roots deeply rooted in Congolese soil and their vision turned towards the infinite,
the members of YOTSI create music without borders, destined to resonate across the globe!
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“With MAISHA, we want to establish our
musical identity, we don't want to limit ourselves in our creations, lock ourselves into a style of music.
Our influences come both from the traditional music of our country, and from Africa in general, whether it is the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti or the music of Fatoumata Diawara. We are this new generation of musicians who have access via Youtube or Spotify to all the music in the world, our music is therefore a mixture of all these influences. It is the same for the artists with whom we want to work, our visuals and our clips are produced by Primo Mauridi from Goma, our album is mixed in Paris by Yarol Poupaud and mastered in Los Angeles by Mario Caldato. For the texts, we write in Swahili, Lingala, Kimongo, Kikongo or Tshiluba, again no borders! »
YOTSI
In 2019, Linda, Leah, Jephte and Tychick each entered the Kinarmonik Music Center at their own pace. They didn't know each other yet, but they shared a thirst for learning and creating. It was while jamming together that they discovered their complementarity and decided to form YOTSI, a free group, without musical boundaries, rooted in traditional Congolese rhythms – like the Mutuashi of Kasai – while opening up to sounds from elsewhere.
Their motto: No borders! They don't want to "confine" themselves to a single style or language and want to collaborate with artists from all over the world!
From the start, Eric Malu Malu, guitarist of Jupiter & Okwess and founder of Kinarmonik, spotted their potential. After training them, he supported them in composition and writing, encouraging them to refine their musical identity. Jephte, who arrived at the center at 14, was a fiery young musician, but eager to progress. Leah quickly became a key figure in the place, taking on the role of cultural manager. Tychick, discreet at first, gradually asserted his Rock'n roll attitude. And finally, Linda, the last to join the adventure, naturally imposed her voice and became the group's singer.