Ya Levis on Heritage, Faith and Family: The Congolese Roots Behind His Global Sound

Congolese-French singer Ya Levis says the pillars of his career are not trends or commercial calculations, but the heritage of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the faith his mother instilled, and the love he witnessed at home. In a recent interview, the artist described how those foundations continue to shape his music, his parenting, and his sense of identity.

Early exposure to Congolese music

Ya Levis’s connection to music began around the age of five or six, when his father, a songwriter for prominent Congolese artists, brought him into recording studios. “My father used to take me to recording studios. He would introduce me to great artists. He showed me how to sing. I grew up surrounded by all of that,” he said.

Among the figures who left a lasting impression was the late King Kester Emeneya. Ya Levis noted that Emeneya “brought something different. He had a unique style and a very particular approach to melodies and instrumentation.” That emphasis on originality, he added, is a principle he has tried to carry into his own work.

Carrying Congo wherever he goes

Although raised in France, Ya Levis said his parents made sure he remained deeply connected to his Congolese identity. “My parents always wanted to pass down our history, our traditions, and our culture. I grew up in France, but I remained one hundred percent Congolese in my mind.”

He speaks Lingala regularly with his own children and plans to take them to the Democratic Republic of Congo so they can experience the land of their ancestors. “It’s important that they know their roots. It’s important that they understand where they come from,” he said. Asked to describe Congo in one word, he answered without hesitation: “Strength.”

Love as a creative anchor

Love has been the central theme of Ya Levis’s discography, a choice he traces directly to his upbringing. “My parents gave me an incredible amount of love. I witnessed the love they had for one another and the love they had for their children,” he explained. That foundation, he said, continues to fuel his songwriting. “Love is the most beautiful thing that exists. It’s a theme I will always continue to explore in my music.”

He also views love as a vital force for building healthy relationships and helping individuals grow, a perspective that extends beyond romance into every aspect of life.

Fatherhood and sacrifice

Ya Levis is a father of two young children, and he acknowledged that balancing an international music career with parenthood is demanding. “It’s not easy. Being an artist requires a lot of sacrifice,” he said. When he is home, however, he dedicates himself completely to his children. “When I come back, I devote myself to them one hundred percent. I know they need to feel their father’s presence.”

He added that professional success only holds meaning when it improves the lives of those he loves. “Music allowed me to help my mother and change certain realities. Today, I work just as hard to provide the very best for my children.”

Spirituality and artistic independence

Faith occupies a central place in Ya Levis’s life, a gift he credits to his late mother. “My mother showed me the path of the Lord. I am one hundred percent a believer, and I have never been ashamed to say that.” He believes music carries a spiritual dimension that is often underestimated. “Melodies are spiritual. People don’t always realize that. Some songs can heal, bring hope, or touch people in ways that are difficult to explain.”

That conviction led him to stop chasing market trends and instead trust his instincts. “At a certain point, I started allowing the spirit to guide me more. I stopped overthinking certain things.” He argued that artists who build lasting careers are those who remain authentic from the start. “When you spend too much time following trends, you risk losing part of your artistic soul.”