One of Africa’s biggest music stars says he feels “immense pride and deep emotion” after being given one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most prestigious awards. Fally Ipupa kick-started his career working with fellow Congolese heavyweight Koffi Olomidé three decades ago and today boasts millions of fans across the globe. Known for his versatility, his output spans group hits as part of Talent Latent and Quartier Latin International, as well eight solo albums.
His highest honour yet came on Tuesday, when the 48-year-old became a knight of the National Order of the Leopard. This title is only awarded by the Congolese president to the most esteemed public figures. While there was no televised ceremony, Fally Ipupa’s new status was announced the following dayon state TV by a presidential spokeswomanwho called him a “worthy son of the nation”.
His latest distinction comes amid a busy year for the star abroad. He recently became the first African artist to go straight to number one in the French album charts with his latest record called XX, and reports last month lauded him as the first francophone African artist to sell out Paris’s 80,000-capacity Stade de France two days in a row. Later this year, the singer is set to give one of his biggest UK performances yet at London’s O2 arena.
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