Soukous & Politics: Baloji's Beautiful Kinshasa Dance Video

Baloji criticizes the power that cellphone companies & alcohol industries have on Congolese society through dance in "Unité & Litre"

Soukous & Politics: Baloji's Beautiful Kinshasa Dance Video

Best West African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup
Latest

Best West African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup

As more West African artists create sounds that inspire internet trends and extend their longevity, others are experimenting with new forms and doubling down on storytelling. Read ahead for the best West African music of the year so far.


Congolese-born, Belgium-based rapper & producer Baloji unveils a beautiful and political Kinshasa dance in his latest visuals for "Unité & Litre." Directed by Baloji himself, the music video follows dancer & choreographer Jolie Ngemi as she weaves her way to a brewery in a sharp critique of the power and influence that cellphone companies (Unit = a mobile top-up) and alcohol industries (Litres) have on Congolese society.

That political theme runs through Baloji's upcoming 64 Bits & Malachite EP (due October 30 via Universal France), a reference to computer processors (64 bits) and one of the few minerals found in Katanga, DRC that isn't mined for use in operating systems across the globe (Malachite). “Everything I do in music is computer-based – and 40% of my computer and my phone came from Congolese soil,” explains Baloji.

The song "Unité & Litre," which features MC Mipipo and was co-produced by Baloji & Moroka, repurposes Congolese dancing chants and features guitar lines inspired by 1970s soukous group Zaiko Langa Langa. Watch the "Unité & Litre" music video, which follows Baloji's stunning love letter to the Congo, below.

Best West African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup
Latest

Best West African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup

As more West African artists create sounds that inspire internet trends and extend their longevity, others are experimenting with new forms and doubling down on storytelling. Read ahead for the best West African music of the year so far.

​Photo illustration by Kaushik Kalidindi, Okayplayer.
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