elie mabanza

The music of Elie Mabanza originates from his roots in Congo Brazzaville, Africa. It is largely influenced by his love of rhythm and harmony, as well as a need to tell his stories through song. Elie picked up guitar at age ten after playing percussion in his church from age eight. His brother taught him the basics and Elie took it from there, developing his own chords and rhythmic style. Music consumed him; he practiced relentlessly and is almost entirely self-taught. Painting pictures of both joy and pain with music and his beautiful, haunting voice, Elie sings stories of his life in Africa, as well as the universal truths of human existence. Many are sung in the Lari and Lingala languages of Congo, as well as French and English.

Elie’s goal is to bring music to the world so people can feel happiness and understand that, “life is life and people are people everywhere, even in the midst of terrible suffering.” Elie is a survivor and he feels deep gratitude for his life and his music. Elie plays solo gigs, duets and with his band Mokili Wa. He currently resides in Marina, California.