Fred Kabeya is a Kinshasa-based singer, guitarist, and composer whose music blends ndombolo, rumba, folk kongo, makossa, blues, and soukous. Fred studied guitar at Institut des Arts et des Spectacles before continuing to Institut National des Arts to study Ethnomusicology. A prolific performer and organizer, Fred’s songwriting and lyrics addresses contemporary political and social issues in Democratic Republic of Congo. He has toured several international festivals including Marché de Musique d’Afrique in Cameroon and Festival International de Musique Universitaire in France. Fredi is the co-founder and artistic director of Aw’art et Aw’art Record, an influential arts space and production studio in the Bandal neighborhood of Kinshasa, where he mentors young artists and is a leader in the local arts community.
Fred Kabeya
