Fally Ipupa is a Congolese singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Fally Ipupa is set to headline a major concert in Nairobi on September 5, with the event bringing together performers from the Congolese rhumba, Amapiano, and Kenyan music scenes.
The concert will be held at Uhuru Gardens in Lang’ata, Nairobi, with the programme scheduled to run from 3:00 pm on September 5 to 3:00 am on September 6.
Early Life and Entry Into Music
Fally Ipupa Nsimba was born on December 14, 1977, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
He grew up in Bandal, Kinshasa, where music was central to the local culture, and as a young man, he became involved in music and joined Talent Latent, an orchestra where he developed his skills as a singer and performer.
His talent eventually caught the attention of Koffi Olomide, one of the biggest names in Congolese music.
Ipupa joined Olomide’s Quartier Latin International, where he stayed from 1999 to 2006, gaining experience as a vocalist, dancer, and performer while appearing on several of the group’s projects.
Also Read: Fally Ipupa Live in Nairobi 2026: Date, Venue, Ticket Prices & Full Lineup at Uhuru Gardens
Fally Ipupa’s Solo Career
In 2006, Ipupa released his debut solo album, Droit Chemin, and the album was a major success and established him as an artiste capable of succeeding outside the shadow of Quartier Latin and Koffi Olomide.
His rise continued with albums including Arsenal de Belles Melodies, Power “Kosa Leka”, Tokooos, Control, Tokooos II and Formule 7.
Ipupa expanded beyond traditional Congolese rumba, incorporating elements of R&B, Afrobeats, pop, and other urban sounds.
Fally has described this modern fusion as “Tokooos music”, which helps him reach audiences beyond the traditional Congolese music market.
Fally Ipupa’s Biggest Hits
Ipupa’s catalog includes some of the most recognizable songs associated with modern Congolese music.
Among his popular tracks are Eloko Oyo, Original, Likolo, Canne à Sucre, Amore, A Flyé, Bad Boy, Sweet Life, Mayanga, Bloqué and Mayday.
His music has also benefited from collaborations with African and international artistes.
He has worked with Nigerian star Wizkid and French artistes including Aya Nakamura and Booba; and Diamond Platnumz, Youssou N’Dour, Angélique Kidjo, and others
As his popularity grew, Ipupa developed a large following across Africa, Europe, and North America.
His 2017 album Tokooos was a key part of his push into international markets, blending modern urban sounds with the Congolese style that made him famous.
Tokooos II followed in 2020, with collaborations that exposed his music to audiences outside Central Africa.
Fally Ipupa has received awards and industry recognition over the years, including honours at African music awards and recognition for his contribution to the continent’s music industry.
Also Read: Kenya’s Biggest Hits and Trending Songs of July 2026
20 Years of a Solo Career
In 2026, Ipupa celebrated two decades since beginning his solo career, and the milestone was marked by the release of XX, his eighth studio album.
The project features collaborations with artistes including Wizkid, Angélique Kidjo, SDM, Keblack, Guy2Bezbar, Joé Dwèt Filé and DJ Maphorisa.
The celebrations reached a major milestone in Paris, where Ipupa performed two concerts at the Stade de France on May 2 and 3.
The first concert was sold out before the second date was added.
Recognition in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya
In June 2026, President Félix Tshisekedi decorated him as a Chevalier of the National Order of the Leopard in Kinshasa.
The honor followed his two performances at the Stade de France and recognized his contribution to Congolese culture.
The award added a national honor to an international career that has made Ipupa one of the most prominent Congolese musicians of his generation.
Kenyan audiences have also developed a connection with Ipupa’s music, and Ipupa previously performed in Nairobi at the Walker Town Concert at Uhuru Gardens in 2023 alongside artistes including Tiwa Savage and Nyashinski.
He returned to Kenya in May 2026 for the Africa Forward Summit concert and is now back in the capital for another major performance.
Nairobi Concert
His concert on September 5 is headlining a program that also features South African Amapiano stars Kamo Mphela and DJ Maphorisa, alongside Kenyan artistes DJ Ice, Joe Mfalme, Tango Supreme and Kodong Klan.
Ipupa arrived in Nairobi on September 3 ahead of the show and told journalists that he was happy to be back in Kenya.
Fally spoke warmly about Kenya, saying he enjoyed his previous visits and was eager to have some nyama choma while in the country.
“I’m very happy to be here. I was here a long time ago, but I like Nyama Toma. I love Kenya a lot,” Fally said.
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