Denise Kusala Yondo (born 1958), known professionally as Yondo Sister is a Congolese musician mainly associated with the soukous genre of music and the kwassa kwassa dance.[1][2] She is often referred to as "the queen of soukous" or "the queen of rumba".[3]

Yondo Sister
Birth nameYondo Kusala Denise
Born (1958-04-23) 23 April 1958 (age 66)
Zaire, Belgian Congo now Democratic Republic of Congo
GenresSoukous, kwassa kwassa music
Occupation(s)Singer, musician
Years active1980–present
LabelsAir B. Mas Production, Melodie, T.J.R. Music,

Early life

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She was born in the city of Bukavu, in a musical family, the daughter of a Congolese father and a Belgian-Congolese mother.[4]

Career

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She began her career as a singer in Tabu Ley Rochereau's band L'afrisa International, alongside her sister, Chantal Yondo. She initially planned to become a dancer and credits Rochereau with her switch to a musical career.[4]

Personal life

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Yondo currently resides in Paris.[4]

Discography

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  • Agenda (2003)

References

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  1. ^ Pareles, Jon (31 March 2000). "Pop and Jazz Guide". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  2. ^ Ewens, Graeme (2000) [1999]. "Congo: Heart of Danceness". In Broughton, Simon; Ellingham, Mark; Trillo, Richard (eds.). World Music: Africa, Europe and the Middle East. London: Rough Guides. p. 464. ISBN 978-1-85828-635-8.
  3. ^ Chirisa, Sharon (7 October 2020). "Rhumba Queen Yondo Sister Coming Back To Zimbabwe For Last Show". iHarare. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Is Yondo Sister on her way to Dar es Salaam?". The Citizen. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2023.