A new generation of artists wants to bring color back to Central African music. Driven by passion and a better-organized industry, these young talents hope to turn the capital into a future music hub for Central Africa.
The music scene in Bangui is buzzing. Artists like Ley Kartel represent a new generation of connected and ambitious creators, determined to make Central Africa’s voice heard far beyond its borders. Their music, far from being mere entertainment, has become a genuine way to assert a strong cultural identity on the international stage.
I was abroad for my studies, which I finished in 2021. After that, I decided to follow my passion, with my family’s support. I officially launched my music career, and since then, the results have been encouraging. People appreciate it; there’s a great team behind me. I believe we will go even further in the next five years.
But despite this passion and determination, the economic challenge remains significant. The streaming market is still struggling to stabilize, and in this context, artists must be increasingly ingenious to make a living from their art. Innovation through concerts, collaborations, and leveraging social media has become essential to overcome these obstacles.
People used to say Central African music didn’t pay, but today, new structures are emerging. Here, streaming isn’t a habit yet, so you have to be smart: organize concerts, sell records, and above all, know your audience. Music is a field you have to study.
Yet, the music scene in Bangui is far from stagnant. Between neighborhood studios, live music bars, and rapidly growing digital activity, a real ecosystem is taking shape. Artists from diverse backgrounds are uniting around a common goal: to build a solid music industry and shine a global spotlight on Central African culture.