Alicios Theluji: The Rise of a Modern Rhumba Voice Bridging Congo and East Africa
Entertainment Updated: 14 April 2026 08:34 EAT
Alicios Theluji
Alicios Theluji, widely known as Alicios, has emerged as one of the most distinctive female voices in contemporary African rhumba, blending Congolese musical heritage with East African and global influences.
Born in 1987 in Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Alicios grew up during a period of instability that would later shape both her personal journey and artistic identity.
Her early childhood was marked by tragedy after the death of her father in a road accident, leaving her mother, a singer and tailor, to raise the family and nurture her musical interests.
As conflict escalated during the First Congo War, her family fled first to Kinshasa and later sought refuge in Nairobi, Kenya, where she spent most of her formative years.
In Nairobi, Alicios pursued her education at St. Mary’s School while simultaneously developing her passion for music, influenced by both Congolese rumba and the vibrant East African soundscape.
She later moved to Sweden for higher education, earning a degree in economics and a master’s in business management, a rare academic achievement among artists in the genre.
Alicios began her professional music career in the early 2010s, recording her breakthrough single “Mpita Njia,” which would go on to define her entry into the industry.
The song, featuring Juliana Kanyomozi, was released in 2012 and quickly became a major hit across East Africa, earning widespread airplay and establishing her as a rising star.
Her music is characterized by a fusion of Congolese rumba with Afro-pop and R&B elements, delivered in multiple languages including Swahili, Lingala, English, and French.
Following her breakthrough, Alicios collaborated with prominent regional artists such as Jose Chameleone, Lady Jaydee, and Kidum, further expanding her reach across the continent.
Her debut album “ALFA,” released in 2020, compiled many of her popular tracks alongside new material, showcasing her versatility and evolution as an artist.
In addition to her musical success, Alicios has performed at major international festivals, building a reputation as a global ambassador for modern African music.
Her work stands out in a genre historically dominated by male performers, positioning her as one of the leading female figures in contemporary Congolese rhumba.
After spending over two decades in Kenya and abroad, she later relocated back to the Democratic Republic of Congo to reconnect with her roots and immerse herself more deeply in the genre’s origins.
Today, Alicios continues to release new music and perform internationally, maintaining her status as a cross-cultural artist whose sound reflects both her Congolese heritage and East African upbringing.
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FELIX MAKONA
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