TRESOR takes lead creative role on Fally Ipupa’s new album XX

17 avr 2026 - 11:57

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

By Collins Matsepe, Mandla Mhlongwa and Lucky Mqoboli

TRESOR has taken on a central creative role in XX, the new album by Congolese artist Fally Ipupa, serving as executive producer, creative director, songwriter, producer and featured artist on the project.

Fally Ipupa and TRESOR.

The album is positioned as a major collaborative work that blends Congolese musical traditions with wider African and international influences. It was developed across multiple cities, including Johannesburg, Paris, Los Angeles, Kinshasa, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oslo and Amsterdam, reflecting a transnational production process.

TRESOR said the intention behind the project was to evolve the sound of Congolese music while maintaining its roots.

“My role on the album was to help shape a new sound, what we call the future sound of Congolese music,” he said. “It was about keeping the roots of Congolese music in place, but opening it up to more African influences and allowing it to evolve.”

He added that the album was designed to broaden Fally Ipupa’s sonic range and audience reach.

“This album is sonically bold, brave and, from a Congolese perspective, very avant-garde,” TRESOR said. “We created something that can show a different side of Fally Ipupa and connect him with different audiences across the world.”

Among the tracks highlighted from the project are ‘Alifa’, featuring DJ Maphorisa and TRESOR; ‘Jam’, featuring Wizkid; and ‘Isoler’, a French-language track influenced by South American sounds. The album incorporates elements of Afro-house, Afrobeats, Caribbean rhythms and pan-African fusion.

TRESOR also contributed to the coordination of collaborators and production teams across territories, alongside bringing in creatives from Jacquel Entertainment’s ecosystem, including Batundi and Rudolf Willemse.

“I’m on a mission to help shape a new perception of African sound,” he said. “I want to be part of pushing boundaries for African music globally, and this album is part of that mission.”

He described the project as one of the most significant in his career, particularly in relation to Congolese music beyond his own catalogue.

“It’s one of the proudest works of my career,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve been able to help shape a project of Congolese descent on this level outside of my own music.”

TRESOR also indicated that he is developing a French-language project, currently in early stages, with writing and recording sessions taking place in Paris.