MUSIC CENTER   KINARMONIK

Yotsi, a band straight from Kinshasa, is making its mark on the Congolese music scene with a unique identity. Made up of two female and two male musicians, this quartet stands out with its egalitarian approach and overflowing creativity. Contrary to the usual patterns

traditional, there is no leader in Yotsi. Each member contributes, both in the composition and in the writing of the lyrics, all done in-house. It is this collective dynamic that gives their music this richness and diversity.

Their sound is a fascinating melting pot where traditional rhythms from the DRC, such as mutuachi or ndombolo, mix with current trends such as rap, afrobeat or folk. Yotsi does not just take up the codes of the past, they reinvent them

with a decidedly modern touch.

Their songs, sung in Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, Kikongo, bear witness to their desire to transcend linguistic boundaries and

cultural.

What is striking about Yotsi is their refusal to confine themselves to a single style. Their music is as varied as their influences, going from a piece with rock sounds to another anchored in the mythical seben of Congolese rumba. This freedom of tone and experimentation is

at the heart of their approach. For them, creation has no limits, and this philosophy is reflected in each of their titles.

Their lyrics, exclusively in Congolese languages, explore themes of life, love, struggle, and hope. In their debut album, “Maisha” – which means “life” in Swahili – each song tells a story, a fragment of life that resonates deeply

with their audience. Yotsi strives to paint sound pictures that reflect the realities of Congolese society, while denouncing living conditions. Their choice to sing in different local languages is not only a tribute to the linguistic richness of the

country, it is also a clear desire to address all Congolese, beyond Kinshasa. This sensitive and committed approach shows their desire to reach every corner of the country, to give a voice to those who need it most, while leaving room for imagination and

on reflection

Tychick, the guitarist, is a sensation in Kinshasa. With his sharp rock style, he injects raw energy into Yotsi's compositions, breathing a wind of electricity that shakes up traditions.

Linda , the group's singer, has a powerful, vibrant voice, capable of conveying pure emotion without ever forcing the point.

Leah , on bass, weaves lines that groove and give depth to the whole, while Jephte , on drums, sculpts percussive rhythms, always on the edge between tradition and innovation.

With their unclassifiable sound and their refusal to be pigeonholed, Yotsi is forging their own path, a path that could well take them far. By drawing on traditions while reinventing them, they are making Congolese music a territory

of experimentation without borders. Yotsi, this rising star of Kinshasa, is ready to shine well beyond borders.