Related:
Introducing new AR-Residents in Zanzibar!
Meet AR-Resident Bénédicte Luendo!
Press Report: AR-Alumna Benedicte Luendo featured on Radio Universitaire ISDR-Bukavu
Press Report: AR-Alumna Benedicte Luendo featured on RTNK TV
Biography
Bénédicte Luendo is a singer, songwriter, and performer from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, currently associated with Artists at Risk as a residency artist. She discovered music at the age of seven singing in church and later developed a distinctive style blending Africanized compas with Kiswahili lyrics. Through her music, she transforms experiences of conflict, displacement, and resilience into artistic expressions that carry messages of peace, hope, and solidarity.
During her residency at Zanzibar Entertainment Foundation, Luendo worked on new musical production, including the EP KIMYA (“Silence”), created in dialogue with Lola Malaika. She has performed across the Great Lakes region at events such as the Musika na Kipaji Festival and Amani Festival, and participated in projects including Loyembo and Hymn of Fraternity. Luendo continues to develop her artistic and cultural leadership work in Eastern DRC.
Current activities
– Released EP KIMYA in collaboration with Lola Malaika
– Completed the KIMYA Tour of Zanzibar performances
– Coordinated the Women Cultural Entrepreneurs Gala in Bukavu
– Serving as Vice Coordinator of the Collective of Women Cultural Entrepreneurs of Goma and Bukavu
AR-Residencie(s)
– AR-Residency, Zanzibar Entertainment Foundation, 2025
