A Look Back at the Spotlight on Ray Lema: Celebrating a Maestro of Congolese Music

Twice a year, Kinarmonik organizes a unique event: the “Coup de Spotlight”.

The goal? To highlight an artist who has made his mark on the history of Congolese music and introduce his world to the younger generation. This event aims to promote Congolese musical heritage while opening a window onto the future of music in Africa. The last “Spotlight” was dedicated to a musical giant: Mr. Ray Lema.

The Ray Lema Prize: A competition for emerging talents

The Ray Lema Spotlight began with a competition rewarded by the Ray Lema Prize. This competition encouraged musicians to revisit the maestro's works by performing his iconic songs. It was an opportunity for young talents to measure themselves against Ray Lema's rich and eclectic universe, while showcasing their own musical sensibilities. The winner, Zil Lokua, is a promising musician who distinguished himself with his performance. As a reward, he had the opportunity to record one of his pieces at the Kinarmonik studio and to perform on stage at the Aw'Art Center (Kinshasa), during the concert dedicated to the work of Ray Lema.

Zil Lokua gagnant du Prix Ray Lema

A Tribute Concert to Ray Lema: An Unforgettable Evening

The highlight of this Spotlight was undoubtedly the Ray Lema tribute concert, where several artists honored the maestro's musical legacy. For a week, many of them were at the center to rehearse the pieces they had chosen for this concert! It was in a serious, yet relaxed atmosphere that all the artists, under the direction of Eric Malu Malu, were able to discover the richness and depth of the maestro's music.

On D-Day, on stage, we could hear the exceptional performances of artists such as Éric Malu Malu, Yotsi, the emerging group that is much talked about, the talented David Mayo, renowned pianist in Kinshasa, but also Harmonieuse, the singer of the group Elongo, as well as the percussionist Jerry Iba who knew how to capture the essence of the maestro's music.

This concert was a moment of intense emotion, sharing and a living tribute to the art and musical passion that has spanned several generations.

Consolation Mupepe, percussionniste lors du concert hommage à Ray Lema

Testimonies: A link between generations

Throughout November, Kinarmonik enhanced this tribute with a series of concert videos and testimonials. Among the speakers were prominent figures in the maestro's musical world, such as Cathy, his manager, who shared her experience and perspective on the artist's influence. Other testimonials enriched the tribute, including that of Cathy Renoir, one of his backing singers, as well as Niwel Tsumbu, the great Congolese guitarist.

The icing on the cake ! : Ray Lema on video with the Young Musicians

Perhaps the highlight of this Spotlight was the live presentation by Ray Lema himself. From Paris, the maestro took the time to engage with the young musicians at the Kinarmonik center, offering valuable advice and answering their questions with unparalleled generosity. This exchange allowed the young talents to connect with their mentor, strengthening the bond between generations and inspiring a promising musical future.

Closing words: Ray Lema, a living legacy

Eric Malu Malu et Ray Lema dans son studio à Paris

The Ray Lema Spotlight was much more than a simple celebration of an artist. It was an invitation to rediscover the magnitude of his impact on Congolese music and to pass this legacy on to new generations. Through the Ray Lema Award, the tribute concert, testimonials, and live discussions, the event showcased the full richness of Ray Lema's music while opening horizons to new talents. It was a wonderful way to pay tribute to one of the greatest names in Congolese music, while affirming the vitality of this music scene, ready to renew itself and flourish in the future.