Ya Levis (Ya Levis Dalwear) is a Congolese-French singer-songwriter and dancer, nicknamed the “Ambassador of Love”. He blends Congolese rumba with R&B, zouk and pop, and is best known for the single “Katchua”.
Background
Born in Kinshasa, he grew up in France, steeped in Congolese rumba through his musician father. He debuted in 2009 with the dance troupe Les Étoiles d’Afrique, went solo in 2012, joined MCP Group in 2013 and signed to Capitol Records in 2017. “Katchua” (2018) gained international attention with over 14 million YouTube views in eight months and was later certified gold and then diamond by SNEP.
Releases
- Mokolo ya l’amour (2015): debut maxi-single.
- El Mayalove (28 June 2019): debut studio album, certified gold.
- LCLM: Prélude (25 June 2021): EP, followed by the album L’amour change le monde (18 March 2022) with guests including Zaho and Koffi Olomidé.
- Love Machine (1 November 2024): album.
Live work
He sold out La Cigale in Paris in 2022, performed at the Raha Festival in Nairobi in 2024 and headlined a sold-out benefit concert at Paris’s Accor Arena in April 2025.
Where to start
Begin with “Katchua”, then listen to El Mayalove and Love Machine.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Ya Levis Dalwear
- Apple Music for release dates
- Official YouTube channel for the description and social links
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