Congolese music legend Awilo Longomba has expressed his deep appreciation for Nigerian audiences, describing them as free-spirited and pivotal to his career success.
In a recent statement, the iconic singer reminisced about how Nigerians embraced his music despite language barriers.
“Even if they didn’t understand French, I laughed at the way they bent their waists to it,” Awilo said, recalling the energy and joy of his Nigerian fans.
“As an artist from a very small African country, I will always give Nigeria their flowers. If Nigerians like your music, you are bound to excel, and I am a beneficiary of that grace.”
Awilo’s music, including the timeless hit “Bamukutu mukutu,” captivated Nigerian audiences in the early 2000s, earning him legendary status in the country.
He became a sensation, filling up some of Nigeria’s largest stadiums—an achievement unmatched by most artists to date.
In 2000, Awilo sold out the 45,000-capacity National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, a feat that remains unrivaled.
He also packed the 22,000-capacity Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu and the 30,000-capacity Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, Taraba State, in 2003.
“The majority of them didn’t even understand what I was saying,” Awilo recounted. “But when I watched them dance to my songs with those funny moves and playful waist-bending like a playboy from Kinshasa, I couldn’t help but laugh.”
Awilo credited Nigerians’ openness to all genres of music as a key factor in his success, noting, “Nigeria welcomes every vibe so long as you have something good to offer.”
His remarkable popularity in Nigeria, even surpassing his fame in his native DR Congo at the time, solidified Awilo’s place as a music icon in Africa.