Congolese superstar and the “Prince of Rumba,” Fally Ipupa, has released his highly anticipated album XX, a 19-track masterpiece marking 20 years of global influence and creative brilliance. Released via Warner Music France on April 17, 2026, the project serves as a bridge between the vibrant pop dynamism of his record-breaking Tokoos era and the traditional, guitar-led foundations of Congolese Rumba.
The album features a heavyweight lineup of international collaborators, headlined by the priority track “Jam” featuring Afrobeats legend Wizkid. The project also boasts contributions from GRAMMY-winning icon Angélique Kidjo, South African Amapiano pioneer DJ Maphorisa, Haitian rising star Joé Dwèt Filé, São Toméan duo Calema, and French rap sensation KeBlack. Sonically, the album was brought to life by revered producers including Trésor Riziki, Dany Synthé, and Seysey.
XX arrives on the heels of his Gold-certified Formule 7 and reaffirms Fally’s unique ability to modernize Rumba—a genre inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021 partly due to his tireless advocacy. By blending these roots with R&B, Afropop, and global pop, XX reflects an artist who remains the heartbeat of African music while commanding the world’s biggest stages.
With over 3 billion global streams and 2.5 billion YouTube views, Fally Ipupa’s commercial dominance is matched only by his historic live performances. In November 2023, he became the first African solo artist to sell out Europe’s largest indoor venue, the Paris La Défense Arena. To celebrate the XX era, he is set to make history once again with two landmark concerts at the Stade de France on May 2 and 3, 2026.
Beyond the music, Fally continues his mission as a cultural ambassador and national representative for UNESCO, UNICEF, and the United Nations. As he prepares for a major international tour across the UK, Europe, and North America later this year, XX stands as a definitive statement of his enduring authority as one of Africa’s most significant cultural icons.
XX is out now and available on all digital streaming platforms.
