Mapumba Cilombo is a singer-songwriter and producer based between Cape Town and Johannesburg, whose sound moves between three things at once: rootsy folk storytelling, soulful vocal warmth, and rhythms built to move a room. Born in Kolwezi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and raised in Zambia, Mapumba has built his career in South Africa since 2000 — writing and performing in Swahili, French, English, and Chiluba.
A qualified sound engineer and self-producer of his own catalog, Mapumba has spent over two decades independently writing, recording, and performing — from acoustic guitar-driven roots work to full-band, dance-forward live sets. His music has featured on international Putumayo World Music compilations, and his career has included performing for Nelson Mandela and at the World Economic Forum in Davos, alongside collaborations and shared stages with artists including Miriam Makeba, Oliver Mtukudzi, and Salif Keita.
His upcoming album, MAYI, releases September 23, 2026 — the next chapter in a catalog of more than 16 independently released albums.
“Music is Life.”
Soul – Folk – Dance
Singer-Songwriter & Producer
Based in Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa
