Congolese singer Fally Ipupa and Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid collaborated on “Jam” a track featured on Ipupa’s album XX, which was released on April 17, 2026, through Warner Music France. The song brings two prominent artists from different parts of Africa, connecting Ipupa’s musical background in Congolese rumba with Wizkid’s contemporary Afrobeats sound.
“Jam” appears as the fifth track on XX, a 20-track album released to mark 20 years of Ipupa’s career in music. The project features several international collaborators, including Angélique Kidjo, Joé Dwèt Filé, DJ Maphorisa, Calema, KeBlack, Guy2Bezbar, SDM, TRESOR and Lokua Kanza. Among these collaborations, “Jam” brings together two artists whose work has contributed to the growing international visibility of African music.
For Ipupa, Congolese rumba remains an important part of his musical identity. The genre is recognised for its melodic guitar arrangements, flowing rhythms and expressive vocals. Over the course of his career, Ipupa has combined elements of that tradition with contemporary pop, R&B and Afropop influences, developing a sound that reaches audiences beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Wizkid brings his own musical background to “Jam.” The Nigerian singer has built an international career through Afrobeats, incorporating African rhythms with elements of pop and R&B. His collaboration with Ipupa connects two different musical traditions while bringing their respective styles into the same recording.
The collaboration reflects the diversity of African popular music. Congolese rumba and Nigerian Afrobeats developed from distinct cultural and musical histories, yet both have found audiences beyond their countries of origin.
Released as part of XX, “Jam” sits within a project that brings Ipupa’s established musical identity and a range of contemporary influences. Across his work, the singer moved between Congolese rumba and contemporary African pop, maintaining a connection to his musical roots while working with artists and producers from different backgrounds.
Ipupa’s career spans more than two decades, beginning with his early work in the Congolese music scene before he established himself as a solo artist. His catalogue includes Droit Chemin, Arsenal de Belles Mélodies, Tokooos, Tokooos II and Formule 7. These releases helped establish his place in modern Congolese music and broadened his audience internationally. His career has also included performances at major venues outside Africa. In November 2023, Ipupa became the first African solo artist to sell out Paris La Défense Arena. He also performed at venues including OVO Arena Wembley in London, ING Arena Brussels and Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin.
In 2026, the release of XX was accompanied by two concerts at Stade de France in Paris on May 2 and 3, celebrating his 20 years in music. During the May 2 performance, Ipupa performed “Jam” with Wizkid, bringing their collaboration from the recording to the live stage.
Wizkid’s involvement in “Jam” adds a Nigerian perspective to the collaboration. As an internationally recognised Afrobeats artist, he helped bring Nigerian music to audiences around the world. His work with Ipupa highlights the creative possibilities that emerge when artists from different African music scenes collaborate.
Rather than treating Congolese rumba and Afrobeats as separate musical worlds, “Jam” places the two artists within a shared recording. The collaboration brings Ipupa’s Congolese background and Wizkid’s Nigerian musical identity, reflecting the range of sounds that contribute to contemporary African music.
