Denise Kusala Yondo (born 1958), known professionally as Yondo Sister is a Congolese musician mainly associated with the soukous genre of music and the kwassa kwassa dance.[1][2] She is often referred to as "the queen of soukous" or "the queen of rumba".[3]

Yondo Sister
Birth nameYondo Kusala Denise
Born (1958-04-23) 23 April 1958 (age 66)
Zaire, Belgian Congo now Democratic Republic of Congo
GenresSoukous, kwassa kwassa music
Occupation(s)Singer, musician
Years active1980–present
LabelsAir B. Mas Production, Melodie, T.J.R. Music,

Early life edit

She was born in the city of Bukavu, in a musical family, the daughter of a Congolese father and a Belgian-Congolese mother.[4]

Career edit

She began her career as a singer in Tabu Ley Rochereau's band L'afrisa International, alongside her sister, Chantal Yondo. She initially planned to become a dancer and credits Rochereau with her switch to a musical career.[4]

Personal life edit

Yondo currently resides in Paris.[4]

Discography edit

  • Agenda (2003)

References edit

  1. ^ Pareles, Jon (31 March 2000). "Pop and Jazz Guide". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  2. ^ Ewens, Graeme (2000) [1999]. "Congo: Heart of Danceness". In Broughton, Simon; Ellingham, Mark; Trillo, Richard (eds.). World Music: Africa, Europe and the Middle East. London: Rough Guides. p. 464. ISBN 978-1-85828-635-8.
  3. ^ Chirisa, Sharon (7 October 2020). "Rhumba Queen Yondo Sister Coming Back To Zimbabwe For Last Show". iHarare. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Is Yondo Sister on her way to Dar es Salaam?". The Citizen. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2023.