Prince Nemiala (born 9 September 1994), known professionally as YaLevis DalwearorYa Levis, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, and dancer. Dubbed the "Ambassador of Love,"[1][2][3] he is known for his mellow, melodic, and melancholic vocal timbre. His lyrics often explore themes of love, hatred, and hedonism.[2][4]
Born in Kinshasa, he relocated to France at the age of five. Nemiala began his musical career in 2009 and later signed with MCP Group in April 2013.[5][6][7] He rose to prominence with his 2015 breakout single "Mokolo ya l'amour" from his eponymous two-track maxi-single.[8][9][10] In 2017, Nemiala signed a record deal with Capitol Records.[11] He gained international recognition after releasing his 2018 Congolese rumba-infused single "Katchua", which attained a gold record from SNEP and was subsequently featured in his 2019 debut studio album El Mayalove.[12][13][14][15]
On 25 June 2021, Nemiala published his eight-track Extended Play (EP) LCLM:Prélude, which was supported by singles "Chocolat", "Lokesha" and "Nakati".[16][17] On 18 March 2022, Nemiala issued LCLM.[18][19][20]
Early years
Ya Levis Dalwear was born Prince Nemiala on 9 September 1994, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). He was born into a well-known musical family; His father, Nico Nemiala, was a Congolese rumba artist who collaborated with Papa Wemba,[5][21] while his mother performed in a Catholic church choir.[5][22][23] In 1999, the family relocated to France, where Ya Levis often accompanied his father to recording studios and rehearsals.[8][5][22] Influenced by his father and King Kester Emeneya during his formative years, Ya Levis developed a penchant for Congolese rumba.[5][22] Despite his mother's reservations regarding a musical career, he remained committed to music, prioritizing it over academic pursuits following his father's passing.[22][5][24]
Career
2009–2016: Les Étoiles d'Afrique and Mokolo ya l'amour
In 2009, Ya Levis made his musical debut alongside his brother, Olivier Dalwear, in the dance troupe Les Étoiles d'Afrique. During this period, he adopted the moniker "Ya Levis Dalwear."[6][25] In 2012, Ya Levis departed from Les Étoiles d'Afrique to pursue a solo career.[8][5] His preliminary solo releases, "Love-Olivia" and "Shabanni", garnered significant public attention and seized the attention of MCP Group, which subsequently signed him and produced his debut two-track maxi-single titled Mokolo ya l'amour, featuring the titular track and "Canœ kayak."[8][9][10]Mokolo ya l'amour was a blend of zouk and Congolese rumba, and particularly struck a chord with female audiences through its romanticized portrayal of Valentine's Day in "Canœ kayak."[6][8][5]
2017–present: "Katchua", El Mayalove, and LCLM:Prélude
In April 2017, he made his first live television appearance with the song『On Récolte Ce Que L'on Sème』on the program Touche Pas à Mon Poste hosted by Cyril Hanouna.[6][8] On 29 December of that year, he performed a duet with the Ivorian group Kiff No Beat on the single "Farotema".[25] On 18 May 2018, he debuted the MCP Group-produced single "Libala," a paean to his late mother and father.[22]
On 31 October 2018, Ya Levis released his Congolese rumba-inspired single "Katchua," co-produced by Mike Dallas, Chris Hamiwest, and MCP Group.[26][27][25] Sung in French and Lingala, the song's music video portrays Ya Levis' profound emotional bond and love for his partner despite any adversities they may face.[28] "Katchua" quickly achieved international acclaim, amassing over 14 million YouTube views within eight months.[28][25] The song's success significantly boosted Ya Levis' visibility, leading to performances across major African and European cities, including a notable performance at Chez Papillon in Paris and as the opening act for Flavor's Paris concert for Trace Live.[25][29][6] "Katchua" earned him a nomination for Best Male Artist in Central Africa at the All Africa Music Awards,[30] along with four consecutive nominations at the African Muzik Magazine Awards for Song of the Year, Best Male Central Africa, Best Newcomer, and Best Francophone.[31][32] The song was certified gold by SNEP in May 2023.[14][33][15]
On 28 June 2019, Ya Levis unveiled his debut studio album, El Mayalove.[34][35][36][37] Released under MCP Group, the album comprises 14 tracks, including his previous hit "Katchua",[38][39] and blends Congolese rumba, pop, and kizomba.[38] It features guest appearances by SAYS'Z on "Poizon," Diamond Platnumz on "Penzi," and Chris Hamiwest on the bonus track "Alyah."[39] He promoted El Mayalove with a performance at the 4th edition of the Red One Festival at Institut Français in Kinshasa on 13 July,[25][40] followed by a show at the Intare Conference Arena in Kigali on 28 July.[41] In 2020, he played to a full house at Eventhallen in Oslo.[42]
Ya Levis began recording his Extended Play (EP) LCLM: Prélude in mid-2020. LCLM is an abbreviation for L'amour Change Le Monde, which means "Love changes the world."[43] On 16 October 2020, he debuted "Lokesha", the first extract from LCLM: Prélude, followed by "Nakati" on 18 December.[44][45][46] In February 2021, Ya Levis teamed up with Congolese-French rapper Franglish in Paris to record a single, which came out on 29 January.[47][48][46] The next month, he guest-performed on Haitian singer Joe Dwèt Filé's single "Bien plus fort".[49][50] The song "Love" premiered on May 13. During that same month, Ya Levis sought a collaboration with Congolese rumba singer Cindy Le Coeur for LCLM: Prélude.[51][52] The EP was officially published on 25 June.[53][54][55] It consisted of eight tracks with a predominant blend of Congolese rumba and R&B, with guest appearances by Franglish, Ronisia, S.Pri Noir, and Leto.[55][56] He supported LCLM: Prélude with a performance at Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana, produced by Wali Évent as part of Valentine's Day.[57][58]
^ abKabamba, Jérémie (1 June 2021). "Musique: Ya Lévis est-il un peu trop sous-côté ?" [Music: Is Ya Lévis a little too underrated?]. Strong2kin Moov (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^"[FOCUS]: Ya Levis Dalwear, le nouveau phénomène!" [[FOCUS]: Ya Levis Dalwear, the new phenomenon!]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 19 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^"Ya Levis: Azo "Katchua" in his new video!" [Ya Levis: Azo "Katchua" dans sa nouvelle vidéo!]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 1 November 2018. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^Ya Levis – Katchua, Brooklyn, New York City, New York State, United States, retrieved 10 July 2024
^"Les 9 artistes à suivre en 2019" [The 9 artists to follow in 2019]. Trace Urban FR (in French). Clichy-la-Garenne, Paris, France. 13 February 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^"Ya levis dévoile la tracklist de son EP" [Ya Levis reveals the tracklist of his EP]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 12 June 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^"Ya Levis annonce la sortie de son premier EP!" [Ya Levis announces the release of his first EP!]. Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^Kambala, Etienne (5 July 2019). "Ya Lévis annoncé à Kinshasa pour ce 13 juillet 2019" [Ya Lévis announced in Kinshasa for July 13, 2019]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^"Ya Levis Dalwear feat Franglish: ça arrive bientôt…" [Ya Levis Dalwear feat Franglish: it’s coming soon…]. Strong2kin Moov (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 26 January 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^Mpereng, Chadrack (20 May 2021). "Musique: Ya Levis veut une collaboration avec Cindy Le Cœur" [Music: Ya Levis wants a collaboration with Cindy Le Cœur]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^Kabamba, Jérémie (4 February 2022). "Spécial Saint-Valentin: Ya Lévis en concert ce 14 février" [Valentine's Day Special: Ya Lévis in concert this February 14]. Strong2kinmoov.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
^Kabanga, Danny (4 February 2022). "Saint-Valentin: Ya Lévis attendu à Kinshasa ce 14 fév" [Valentine's Day: Ya Lévis expected in Kinshasa this February 14]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
