Jacques Loubélo

Jacques Loubélo was born in 1940 in Brazzaville. A master of the acoustic guitar and traditional polyphonic folk chanting, Loubélo chose not to pursue commercial electric dance rumba, dedicating his life to acoustic folk melodies and children's choral music.

His 1970s song Congo, with its tender, nostalgic melody celebrating the rivers, forests, and brotherhood of the Congolese people, became an indelible national institution sung across schools and civic gatherings. Decorated as a Knight of the Congolese Order of Merit, he mentored youth choirs for four decades, embodying the gentle acoustic soul of the nation.