• Fally Ipupa plans a two-part album project combining urban sounds and traditional rumba.
• The first album “XX” releases on April 17, while “XX Delirium” follows on June 10.
• The artist targets broader audiences while reaffirming his roots in Congolese music.

Congolese artist Fally Ipupa is releasing a two-part album project to mark 20 years in the music industry, as he seeks to consolidate his position on the African music scene with a diversified repertoire blending rumba and afropop.

The artist has adopted an original format to celebrate his two-decade career. He announced a diptych composed of two albums designed to reach different audiences. The first installment, titled “XX,” will be released on Friday, April 17.

A first project with a strong urban focus

The opening album adopts a more urban approach and features collaborations with major African music figures, including Angélique Kidjo, Joé Dwèt Filé, SDM and Guy2Bezbar. The former member of the Quartier Latin group moves away from traditional rumba to explore a more diverse musical universe.

“XX” includes 20 tracks, reflecting the 20 years since his debut in 2006 with the album Droit Chemin, released under Obouo Music. The project synthesizes his international career, which has delivered multiple successes, while it marks a turning point in his artistic trajectory.

The multi-talented singer showcases his range, including on the track “Doucement,” where he incorporates zouk influences. The music video for “Doucement,” a collaboration with Joé Dwèt Filé, has achieved strong early performance on YouTube. The video surpassed one million views within three days of release, according to MBOTE.CD.

Despite stylistic diversity, Fally Ipupa maintains core elements in his music. “The guitar, Lingala and Congolese music” remain constant, he said in an interview with TV5MONDE. He will also perform on May 2 and 3, 2026 at the Stade de France in Paris, where around 80,000 spectators are expected.

“XX Delirium”: a return to roots

The second album, titled “XX Delirium,” will follow “XX” with 21 tracks. The artist plans to release it on June 10, exactly 20 years after Droit Chemin. The project will mark a return to his musical roots and will target fans of traditional Congolese music.

Unlike the first album, which emphasizes urban sounds, the second project focuses entirely on rumba. This genre shaped Fally Ipupa’s artistic identity during his early career and will allow him to reconnect with his core audience. The artist, also known as “Dicap la merveille,” will engage directly with fans of this genre, which has defined his musical legacy.

This article was initially published in French by Ubrick F. Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

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