Between Kinshasa and Brussels, Fabrice Mukuna’s saxophone stretches a vibrant thread — one woven from jazz, African rhythms, and global influences. Elusive on stage, generous in spirit, and endlessly creative, he embodies a new wave of Afro-European artists: deeply rooted yet fully open to the world.
Born in Mbuji-mayi and raised in Diboko, Fabrice grew up in a home steeped in music. His father was a sound engineer, his mother a gospel singer, and by the age of eight, he was already playing drums in local churches. Music wasn’t just a calling — it was second nature. At INAS in Kinshasa, he discovered the saxophone, and it became his voice. He soon found himself playing with gospel groups, rumba orchestras, and touring across Africa alongside celebrated artists such as Mike Kalambay and Jafrozz.
One day, at a wedding, he crossed paths with Fabienne Penninck, who was working at the European Commission and, by a twist of fate, went on to become a Belgian manager and producer. Captivated by his energy, she reached out to him and opened the doors of Europe.It wasn’t long before he was performing on the country’s top jazz stages. He formed the Fabrice Mukuna Band, a multicultural collective with members from Cuba, Benin, Brazil, Israel, Colombia, and Belgium. Together, they crafted a unique sonic blend — fusing afrobeat, jazz fusion, amapiano, and global grooves.
With YoKinJazz — short for Yoka Kinshasa Jazz — Mukuna launched a bold musical statement: to let the world hear Kinshasa through the lens of jazz, in constant conversation with global soundscapes. The project blends Lingala, French, and English lyrics with Congolese polyrhythms, jazzy harmonies, Latin flair, and subtle electronic textures. Born in the DRC and developed in Europe, it has captivated audiences at major festivals like Fiesta Latina, BOZAR, and Ancienne Belgique, where he recorded the standout single Saïsaï.
In 2024, his path was shaken by an arbitrary arrest, tied to his immigration status. Stripped of his ability to perform, he turned inward — and began to write. From this ordeal emerged Liberté, a powerful anthem of resistance. Backed by his bandmates Gonzalo Rodriguez, Hadrien Pierson, David Ramos, and Didier Touch, the track became a hymn to cultural fusion and resilience. While Kafka’s characters crumble under the weight of bureaucracy, Mukuna fights back with melody, grace, and groove.
But YoKinJazz is more than just a sound. It’s a movement — a celebration of multiculturalism, an invitation to connect through rhythm and soul. At each show, Mukuna makes a playful promise: “If you don’t dance, you get your money back.” So far, no one has asked for a refund.
Now, Fabrice Mukuna is ready for the next chapter. He pursue new artist residencies, and share the richness of Congolese culture with the world. The artist is ready — and the world need only listen.
