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Born in 1959 in Poto-Poto, a district of the Congolese capital Brazzaville, Fernand Mabala rose to fame in the 1980s. With his hit single "Yatama", featured on his first album of the same name released in 1985, the singer won over the Congolese public by dealing with issues of marriage, economics and immigration in rhythms close to Congolese rumba. An ambassador of the "sape" phenomenon, Fernand Mabala continued his musical ascent with a second album in 1987, Mamaya Epave Emmeni Mara Warda, followed by a third in 1989, Ainsi Va La Vie! His releases earned him the nickname "Le Grand Mumbafuneur", and the singer gained national recognition. A key figure in Congolese music in the 1980s and 1990s, with his hits "Ainsi Va La Vie" and "Petite Memba", he left the Congo for France, where he acquired greater financial stability. Away from the music scene, Fernand Mambala returned in 2018 with an album, Fais-Toi Plaisir, before passing away at the age of 60 in Ivry-sur-Seine (94) on August 4, 2019.
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