Robinio Mundibu

Mongala Akelembi (born November 4, 1985), professionally known as Robinio Mundibu, is a Congolese singer, songwriter and dancer.

Akelembi began his career as a protégé of Do Akongo and later worked with Tutu Caludji, an ex-singer of Wenge Musica BCBG.

Mongala Akelembi was born on November 4, 1985, in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï-Oriental Province, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

In 2000, he obtained a state diploma in electrical engineering.

Although he continued practicing the same job, he became interested in music after being bedazzled by Wenge Musica BCBG, Wenge Musica Maison Mère, and Quartier Latin International.

In 2002, he met Do Akongo, a former member of Quartier Latin International, who was leaving the band to form his orchestra.

In an interview with Pan African Music, Akelembi stated, "I went to his house while he was rehearsing with his artists, we talked..... And even though I had no basis, he still accepted me."

He started learning the Congolese rumba and soon became popular in his neighborhood, with people coming to watch him perform.

After four years of learning the basics of Congolese rumba, he left the orchestra in search of a group offering better remuneration and more visibility to its artists.

He then attempted to join Wenge Musica Maison Mère and Quartier Latin International but failed the selection test.

In 2006, he met Tutu Caludji, a former constituent of Wenge Musica BCBG who was forming his ensemble after leaving the band.

During his audition, he sang and danced and was given the nickname "Robinio" for his performances, in reference to the exuberance of Brazilian football player Robinho.

He began collaborating with Caludji on his album.

However, Caludji's visit to Paris for a two-year album finalization left the ensemble bereft of leadership and pecuniary sustenance.

Akelembi began his quest to join Wenge Musica Maison Mère.

He financed televised and radiated performances to attract attention as an unaffiliated artist seeking a group to join.

In 2009, he joined Wenge Musica Maison Mère before branching out as a solo artist in 2014 with his debut singles "Vantard" and "Mbonzimbonzi".

In the following year, he released four singles "Ye Yo Ok", "Etirette", "Zuwa", and "Compliqué".

In 2009, he joined the Wenge Musica Maison Mère and contributed significantly on the band's forthcoming album Techno Malewa Sans Cesse, Vol. 1.

Soon afterwards he adopted the sobriquet "Mundibu", which eventually led to the full name "Robinio Mundibu".

In 2014, Robinio Mundibu left the band and simultaneously released his debut Congolese rumba-infused single, "Vantard", followed by "Mbonzi Mbonzi," featuring ndombolo rhythm.

The singles gained popularity, amassing a total of 60,000 plays.

In 2015, he released four triumphant singles: "Ye Yo Ok", "Etirette", "Zuwa", and "Compliqué".

"Ye Yo Ok" became a massive hit in the DRC, garnering 150,000 plays.

In 2016, Akalembi signed a record deal with French labels EPM and Cantos Music for his six-track Extended Play (EP) Chiffre 9, which achieved international recognition with hits "4 Lettres" and "Tsha Nanu Boye".

In 2016, Robinio Mundibu signed a record deal with French labels EPM and Cantos Music for his six-track EP, Chiffre 9, named after his newly-formed group.

Chiffre 9 garnered international recognition with standout hits "4 Lettres" and "Tsha Nanu Boye".

"Tsha Nanu Boye" gained immense popularity in Kinshasa with over 1 million views on YouTube.

In May 2017, Robinio Mundibu performed the song at his father's funeral and stated that its lyrics had the power to "transform sadness into joy".

To promote the EP, he sold-out two consecutive concerts at Halle de la Gombe, followed by a concert in Goma on November 26, 2017.

He concluded the year with a show at Pomba Branca in Angola, followed by a gig at Piscine Alvalade in Angola on January 1, 2018.

In August 2018, Robinio Mundibu was brought onto the stage by Fally Ipupa during his showcase in Brazzaville, where he performed a rendition of his EP repertoire.

To promote the EP further, Robinio Mundibu embarked on his "Playing the Balloon Tour" with shows in Brazzaville, Gabon, and Ivory Coast.

His single "Misu Na Misu", released on June 6, 2019, catapulted him to stardom in Africa with over 30 million views on YouTube.

On May 26, 2021, he released his EP Noir et Blanc.

In April 2019, he joined Awilo Longomba on stage during his concert in Kampala.

On June 2, 2019, he performed at the B-One Music show in Kinshasa, attended by the Congolese Minister of National Economy, Vital Kamerhe, and his spouse, Hamida Chatur, were spotted dancing to his song "Tsha Nanu Boye".

He subsequently received a special visit from former Congolese First Lady Olive Lembe di Sita.

On June 6, 2019, Robinio Mundibu released the single "Misu Na Misu".

The track includes the saxophone sample from the song "Dumalana" by Botswanan singer Vee Mampeezy and Zimbabwean singer Dr. Tawanda, which was released in February 2019.