Louis Albert William Longomba, professionally known as Awilo Longomba, was born on 5 May 1962. He is a renowned Congolese singer, drummer, songwriter, dancer, and music producer who became one of Africa’s most electrifying musical exports.

Awilo began his career in the early 1980s as a drummer for some of Central Africa’s most influential bands, including Viva La Musica, Stukas, Loketo, and Nouvelle Génération. His transition from drummer to frontman came in 1995 with the release of his debut solo album Moto Pamba, a groundbreaking project that propelled him to stardom across Africa and Europe. The album earned him Best Artist of Central Africa at the prestigious Kora Awards in both 1996 and 1997.

In 1998, Awilo released his second album, Coupé Bibamba, whose title track—featuring Jocelyne Béroard—became a continental sensation. The song dominated charts across Africa and gained significant traction in Europe and the Americas, becoming one of the most celebrated Lingala songs in history. His explosive popularity was further confirmed when he became the first artist to sell out the Lagos National Stadium for three consecutive days. The track was later featured in Sony Music's World Tribute to the Funk compilation with a funk remix titled “Comment Tu T’Appelles” featuring James D-Train Williams.

Awilo made further history as the first Congolese artist to perform in São Tomé and Príncipe, and one of only two Sub-Saharan African performers—alongside Miriam Makeba—to appear in Libya during the formation of the African Union.

His third studio album, Kafou Kafou, released in July 2000, earned him the Judges’ Special Award at the 2001 Kora Awards for his outstanding contribution to African music. In 2003, he dropped his fourth studio project, Mondongo, followed by Superman in 2008.

In 2009, Awilo was honoured with the Best Soukous Entertainer award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), further cementing his legacy as a pioneer of modern Congolese music.