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Jean Goubald is a Congolese guitarist, singer, songwriter, and composer, recognized for his unique style that blends traditional and modern music. He is known for his warm voice, socially conscious music, poetic lyrics, and energetic stage performances.

His music combines reggae, blues, R&B, jazz, and Congolese rumba-soukous. He describes his own art as World Fusion or Folk-pop a cross-cultural music rooted in the traditions of rumba.

Jean Goubald began his musical journey with Bella Buzo, a youth music group from his neighborhood that marked his childhood. In 1973, he joined the group Les Étoiles, where he started writing his own songs. Strongly inspired by the diction and musicality of artist Franck Lassan, he later performed with several groups, including Les Phacochères, Razidays, Okum One One, Bongo Folk, and Okwess (1990).

Jean Goubald has collaborated with prominent figures in African music such as Gérard Madiata, Kalama Soûl, Youlou Mabiala, Mbilia Bel, Papa Wemba, Lokua Kanza, and Kool Matope. His skills as a composer and songwriter have been sought for major projects: he appears on Papa Wemba’s album “New Morning” with the track “Au nom de l’amour.” He also wrote “Longembo” (2006) and “N’djamena” (2014).

He launched his solo career in 1998, and in 2005 released his first album, “Bombe Anatomique,” a work that defines his musical identity and technical mastery. Through this album, he shares his perspectives on civic responsibility, racism, and African cultural identity.

In 2007, he recorded his second album, “Où est-il,” during a solo concert in Brussels. In 2010, he was selected as a member of the jury alongside Papa Wemba for the first edition of the Vodacom Superstar competition, created by American star Akon to discover young talent in the DRC. In 2015, he released the album “Norme,” which includes a collaboration with Lokua Kanza on the track “Eve Norme.”

Jean Goubald is distinguished by deeply engaged music. Through his songs, he encourages critical thinking, civic awareness, and reflection on human dignity.

His works denounce social injustices, abuses of power, and discrimination. In his song “Baibi nga bomwana,” he powerfully speaks out against the use of child soldiers, using his art as a true tool for education and social transformation.

Discography

Origin: Congo/ Kinshasa

Grenre:  Reggae Blues | Afro Fusion reggae | Rumba

Career since: 1960 - Present

Label: Msitu World Music

  • Albums

  • Bombe Anatomique – 2005

  • Où est il – 2007

  • Norme 2015

  • Single

  • La paix dans l'amour – 2015

  • Nid d'amour – 2022

  • Et voilà – 2022

Riders & Bio

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  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Spotify
  • Facebook

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© Msitu World Music

Every artist has a story waiting to be heard. Every melody carries the soul of its creator, and every rhythm tells a story.
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