Ntaba 2 London | |
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Birth name | Sandrine Ntaba |
Born | Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Origin | Kinshasa |
Genres | |
Occupations |
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Instrument(s) | Guitar, drums |
Years active | 2010s–present |
Labels |
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Sandrine Ntaba, known professionally as Ntaba 2 London, is a Congolese singer-songwriter and dancer. Her music is a blend of Congolese rumba's instrumental section, the sébène, with ndombolo.[1][2][3] Born in Kinshasa and raised in France, she initially began her career as a dancer, specializing in ndombolo and other traditional African dance styles.[1] She transitioned to music with singles such as "Ntaba Birthday" featuring Rolls des Nuances (2021), "Mood" featuring Guccima and Rolls des Nuances (2022), and "Kokodo" (2023), which catapulted her into the limelight as a rising star in ndombolo music.[2][1]
In 2024, she gained widespread acclaim with "Ndombopiano", a fusion of ndombolo and amapiano.[4][5][6]
Early life and career
While Ntaba's exact birth date remains unknown, she was born in Kinshasa and raised in France.[1] Her name, Ntaba, means "goat" in Lingala, a term that has taken on symbolic significance in her career.[1] She began her career as a dancer, posting videos on social media that featured her signature ndombolo choreography intertwined with the fast-tempo sébène, an instrumental hallmark of Congolese rumba.[1][4] Her dynamic performances quickly garnered a devoted following, earning her recognition as an influential figure in African dance.[1][4][2]
Leaping to music, Ntaba released her debut single, "Ntaba Birthday" (featuring the dance troupe Rolls des Nuances), in 2021.[2][1] In an interview with Afrik-News, she cited a desire to amplify Afro sounds and bring greater visibility to them in French media as key motivations for her transition to music.[1] Her breakthrough came with the 2022 hit "Mood" (featuring Guccima and Rolls des Nuances), part of a dance music series she conceptualized under the same name.[1] This success marked her emergence as a prominent ndombolo artist and led to her guest appearance at the 5th edition of L'Afrique Festival in Strasbourg, France, held on 1–2 July 2023.[1][7] In September 2023, she released "Kokodo" (alternatively titled "Mood Pt.3"), another installment in the Mood series that solidified her as an up-and-coming artist in the genre, followed by "CR7" in May 2024.[2][1][5]
On 17 July 2024, Ntaba released her landmark single "Ndombopiano" under Sony Music Entertainment Africa (SMEA), which was recorded in Kinshasa and mixed by DJ115.[1][4] Produced by Newjackboss and Joel Synthé, the track blended the fast-paced beats of ndombolo with the deep basslines and hypnotic melodies of South African amapiano.[4] The music video, directed by Amegavisu, featured Ntaba alongside fellow Congolese female dancers. The single received widespread acclaim, resonating with both critics and the Congolese public.[4]
Discography
Singles
Year | Title | Details |
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2021 | "Ntaba Birthday" (featuring Rolls des Nuances) | |
2022 | "Mood" (featuring Guccima and Rolls des Nuances) |
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2023 | "Kokodo" (alternatively titled "Mood Pt.3") |
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2024 | "CR7" |
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2024 | "Ndombopiano" |
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References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Kadima, Charly (20 July 2024). "Ntaba 2 London, la franco-congolaise sacralise le ndombolo" [Ntaba 2 London, the Franco-Congolese woman sanctifies the ndombolo]. Afrik-News (in French). Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Ntaba de London, artiste congolaise nous parle de son titre "Ndombopiano"" [Ntaba de London, Congolese artist talks to us about her title "Ndombopiano"]. Audacy.com (in French). Audacy. 27 September 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ "Ambiance congolaise avec Gaz Mawete et ses invités Chily, Ntaba 2 London et Mwinda Mannekin" [Congolese atmosphere with Gaz Mawete and his guests Chily, Ntaba 2 London and Mwinda Mannekin]. RFI (in French). Paris, France. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Matanda, Alvin (19 July 2024). "RDC: Ntaba 2 London dévoile "Ndombopiano", un mix de ndombolo et d'amapiano" [DRC: Ntaba 2 London unveils "Ndombopiano", a mix of ndombolo and amapiano]. Music In Africa (in French). Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ a b "Ntaba 2 London enchaîne avec le très dansant "Nombopiano" [VIDÉOCLIP]" [Ntaba 2 London continues with the very danceable "Nombopiano" [VIDEO]]. Strong2kin Moov (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ "Couleurs tropicales - Ambiance congolaise avec Gaz Mawete et ses invités Chily, Ntaba 2 London et Mwinda Mannekin" [Congolese atmosphere with Gaz Mawete and his guests Chily, Ntaba 2 London and Mwinda Mannekin]. RFI (in French). Paris, France. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ Matanda, Alvin (29 June 2023). "L'Afrique Festival 2023: un week-end de concerts live à Strasbourg" [L'Afrique Festival 2023: a weekend of live concerts in Strasbourg]. Music In Africa (in French). Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- Living people
- People from Kinshasa
- Democratic Republic of the Congo songwriters
- 21st-century Democratic Republic of the Congo women singers
- Musicians from Kinshasa
- French-language singers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- French people of Democratic Republic of the Congo descent
- Black French musicians
- 21st-century French singers