Bio
British-Congolese (DRC) singer and multi-instrumentalist Liz Ikamba cross pollinates musical and cultural influences, seamlessly blending the rich and vibrant sounds of Congo folk music with elements of Jazz and Soul. Liz was born in DR Congo and came to the UK with her family aged 4. Always singing and dancing as a child, she continued to develop her musicality in school choirs and orchestras in her early years, and singing a cappella and R&B as a teenager. The Ikamba family welcomed musical diversity ranging from Congolese choral music and Soukous to Western Classical. This awareness of global musical and cultural influences continues to inform her artistic and musical output. In addition to her work as a performing artist, Liz is also a motivational vocal leader and creative facilitator in her outreach work with groups and communities of all ages and backgrounds. Her debut EP pays special tribute to her late parents. The title track ‘Mama’ is the first song she wrote in Lingala, dedicated to her mother who traveled to the Congo to live and work as a midwife.
Listen to ‘Landa’ the first track from the EP here….
‘Mama’ the EP
Collaborating with the
dynamic London Afro Jazz outfit Matondology, Liz releases her debut EP ‘Mama’ in May 2023, taking us on a
voyage back and forth between DR Congo and the UK.
Incorporating elements of Folk, Music of Black Origin, Dub-Reggae and Hip Hop, ‘Mama’ is a sonic journey of fusions and diasporic
influences that emanates Liz’s signature Afro-Soul-Folk sound. Singing in both English and
Lingala, Liz weaves together a personal and ancestral story, with songs
speaking largely from her experience as a mixed heritage
woman and artist living in the UK.
”These songs take particular inspiration from the Congolese Folk Music I grew up listening to. They are
a vibrant celebration of life in all its diverse and colourful splendour. They convey personal and intimate
reflections on identity, culture and belonging, as well as love, loss and life-learnings.” Liz Ikamba
Liz Ikamba Latest Gigs
Find out about upcoming live shows near you…
“Liz Ikamba’s music is genre-bending and timeless. Captivating songs and a distinctively rich and soulful vocal
influenced by greats such as Nina Simone and Sade.” Kassia Zermon, Artistic Director, Rose Hill Music & Arts
Support Liz’s Creative Vision to Explore Her Musical Roots
Fundraising to return to Congo…
In November 2022, Liz launched a crowdfund campaign to raise funds to release the ‘Mama’ EP, and to help her take a return trip back to her birthplace in Congo (DRC) to explore her musical and ancestral roots, as well as work with artists and musicians over there. Check out her Indiegogo Crowdfund Page here. Having raised £7.5K, Liz has now successfully released her debut EP of original Afro soul folk songs, and plans to take an initial ‘landing’ and research trip back to Kinshasa, Congo. She is also continuing to raise funds to help her fulfil a larger project and musical dream, which involves working with local Congolese musicians and teachers in Kinshasa on her first full studio album, as well as working with a small team to document and share the journey, creative process and experience. If you would like to donate to Liz’s wider Congo Music Journey, or would like to get involved by offering your support, skills and ideas, please get in touch at lizikambamusic@gmailcom
Drop me a line!
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