Nkumu Katalay: A Beacon of Congolese Culture, Music, and Social Advocacy
- Nkumu Katalay
- Oct 22
- 5 min read
Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nkumu Katalay embodies the soul of Congolese artistry and cultural diplomacy. Raised by his Congolese mother, Jeanine Katalay Ikolo, and shaped by the influence of his Guinean father, Ibrahim Diallo, Nkumu’s journey began in a vibrant yet challenging environment. The eldest of nine siblings, with an older sister, Nana Makengo, whom he met for the first time during a poignant return to Kinshasa after 28 years, Nkumu’s family extends even further through the bonds he cherishes with his step-siblings from his mother’s marriage to Doris Kabongo, who raised him from age 3 to 15.
His father’s relocation to Mwanda in Congo Central marked an early separation, leaving Nkumu under the care of a resilient single mother in Kinshasa’s inner city. At 15, he left for New York City to join his father, embarking on a life of twists and turns that would forge him into a global ambassador of Congolese culture.
Now based in NYC, Nkumu Katalay is the visionary behind Nkumu Katalay LLC, a small, minority-owned business dedicated to promoting Congolese heritage through arts, education, and social impact across the Tri-State area. A renowned artist, community leader, band leader, and true representation of Congolese culture, Nkumu has carved a name for himself in the arts arena with a multifaceted career that blends cultural diplomacy, music, songwriting, composing original works, social advocacy, youth leadership, and captivating stage performances.
A Musical Journey with Congolese Legends
Nkumu’s musical prowess shines through his collaborations with Congo’s biggest names. From opening for and sharing the stage with icons like Fally Ipupa (three times at Manhattan Center in 2006, Apollo Theater for the ARWAMA Awards in 2008, and Apollo again in 2019) to opening for French-Congolese legendary artist Gims at Terminal 5 in NYC, and performing with the iconic Koffi Olomide at Webster Hall in NYC in November 2022, Nkumu has proven his mettle. His six-year tenure with the iconic Soukous Stars from 2002 to 2008 earned him three awards, and he has played alongside legends like Kanda Bongo Man, Malage Delugendo, Ngouma Lokito, and the late Lokossa Ya Mbongo. Nkumu’s performances have graced prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center in DC, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Webster Hall, Terminal 5, and MoMA in NYC. As the founder of the musical group Nkumu Katalay & The “Life Long Project” Band, he has provided a platform where most, if not all, existing Congolese artists in NYC have started their performing debuts. Having traveled through music tours to multiple states in the USA, Nkumu is just five states shy of seeing the rest of the country, continuing to spread the vibrant rhythms of Soukous and Congolese music nationwide.
Nkumu’s musical prowess shines through his collaborations with Congo’s biggest names. From opening for and sharing the stage with icons like Fally Ipupa (three times at Manhattan Center in 2006, Apollo Theater for the ARWAMA Awards in 2008, and Apollo again in 2019) to opening for French-Congolese legendary artist Gims at Terminal 5 in NYC, and performing with the iconic Koffi Olomide at Webster Hall in NYC in November 2022, Nkumu has proven his mettle. His six-year tenure with the iconic Soukous Stars, from 2002 to 2008, earned him three awards. He has played alongside legends such as Kanda Bongo Man, Malage Delugendo, Ngouma Lokito, and the late Lokossa Ya Mbongo. Nkumu’s performances have graced prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Webster Hall, Terminal 5, and MoMA in New York City. As the founder of the musical group Nkumu Katalay & The “Life Long Project” Band, he has provided a platform where most, if not all, existing Congolese artists in NYC have started their performing debuts. Having traveled through music tours to multiple states in the USA, Nkumu is just five states shy of seeing the rest of the country, continuing to spread the vibrant rhythms of Soukous and Congolese music nationwide.
Cultural Diplomacy and Global Impact Nkumu’s influence extends far beyond the stage. Representing Francophone Africa at the 2024 Francophonie celebration at Lycée Français of NYC, he also performed at the United Nations for a gala supporting Congo’s campaign for a Security Council seat. His commitment to cultural exchange led him to the Ivory Coast as part of a U.S. Embassy jazz initiative called Jazz Rendezvous shortly after his performance with Koffi Olomide in 2022.
In March 2022, by special invitation from Queen Mother Makhadzi Makhadzi of the Venda people, Nkumu traveled to Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa, to participate in the Nwali Royal Gala as part of the U.N. Red Card Campaign against sexual violence against women and children, a movement by the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN) to combat discrimination and violence. At the gala, he performed alongside many major names in South African music, including both gospel and secular singers like the renowned artist Makhadzi. These international events underscore his role as a cultural diplomat, amplifying African voices on global platforms.
Social Advocacy and Youth Leadership an advocate for social change, Nkumu uses his art to address pressing issues. Selected as an artistic ambassador for FONAREV (Fonds National de Réparation des Victimes, a Congolese fund for victims of sexual violence) during the UN General Assembly in NYC, he performed alongside Innoss’B at an expo showcasing the Congolese genocide through arts. Nkumu’s advocacy extends to his vice presidency of Congo Youth Coalition Inc., a nonprofit he co-founded with youth leader Bob Musungu, the current president. Together with former Kinshasa youth president Moise Munongo, they’ve initiated cultural, artistic, educational, and social projects in Kinshasa. During his emotional return to Kinshasa in November 2024—his first in 28 years—Nkumu
taught workshops to 900 students at Sifa, his childhood primary school, visited Centre Bilembo in Ngombe to promote Congolese arts, and delivered a live concert with his full band and dancers in the inner city. His performance aimed to revive hope, raise awareness against gang violence and delinquency, and deliver a message of peace to Kinshasa’s youth.
In NYC, the Congo Youth Coalition, with Nkumu’s contribution, has galvanized communities
, through initiatives like NYC Summer Streets, advocating for August 2nd to be recognized as Congolese Genocide Day (Genocost). Their impactful UN side event during ECOSOC amplified the voices of Congo conflict victims, while a recent invitation to the International Peace Institute for the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women,
Peace and Security underscored Nkumu’s commitment to youth and gender advocacy. As a member of the NYC African Council and a strategic member of the African Unity Parade and Festival in NYC Inc., Nkumu leverages his over 50 annual concerts and events to spotlight Congolese and African heritage.
Educator and Cultural Innovator with over 15 years as an early childhood educator in
NYC, Nkumu has taught children through workshops on dance, music, drumming, and storytelling wherever his art takes him. He plans a cultural exchange program with the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa to further bridge communities. A collaborator with Gallery Article 15, a DC-based gallery specializing in Congolese contemporary arts, Nkumu also released four original songs in 2025: “Nazo Bela” and “Maza Kuyobila” in February, and “Dance Nko Nko” in August, showcasing his
orchestral style and cultural pride.
Nkumu Katalay’s life and work are a testament to the power of combining art with purpose. Through Nkumu Katalay LLC, he continues to perform, educate, advocate, and inspire, ensuring Congolese culture resonates globally while fostering hope and unity for future generations.
links to Nkumu's latest tracks:
I’m proud of you brother.
Va de l'avant cher ami et brille encore plus fort.
Vincebt de Paul Londola