| Héritier Watanabe | |
| September 21, 2024 | |
| Paris | |
| La Seine Musicale |
Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Héritier Wata — full name Héritier Watanabe —
began his musical journey in 1999, joining the celebrated group Wenge Musica Maison Mère de
Werrason. After 16 years alongside one of Congo’s most storied ensembles, he stepped out as
a solo artist in 2015, signing with Obouo Music under producer David Monsoh.
His debut single “B.M” arrived in 2016, followed by his first solo album Carrière d’honneur –
Retirada. His 2024 album Chemin de la Gloire, released just months before the Paris
concert, showcased a mastery of blending Congolese rumba with afrobeat into a sound entirely his own.
“I chose to perform on September 21, 2024 at La Seine Musicale to leave my artistic mark on the
history of our music. Every Parisian hall today carries the identity of a Congolese musician who
performed there first. I, too, will be the first singer to perform at La Seine Musicale.”
— Héritier Watanabe
On Stage
Chemin de la Gloire — Live
The night’s setlist drew heavily from Chemin de la Gloire, immersing the capacity crowd
in the full sonic universe of Héritier Wata’s most acclaimed work. Tracks selected for the evening included:
Partners & Sponsors
Made Possible By
The concert was realised through the vision and generosity of sponsors who share a commitment
to celebrating African musical excellence on the world stage.
African artists and amplifying the reach of Congolese music to international audiences.
production of Chemin de la Gloire — the album that anchored this historic night.
for both the Paris production and the broader touring operation.
Legacy
A Statement Written in Music
The September 21 concert at La Seine Musicale was far more than a live performance — it was a
declaration. By planting the Congolese flag on one of Europe’s grandest concert stages, Héritier Wata
wrote himself permanently into the annals of African music history.
With Chemin de la Gloire, he had already proven his mastery of weaving Congolese rumba and
afrobeat into a sound entirely his own. In Paris, before 7,000 witnesses, he proved something more:
that the music of Kinshasa belongs at the centre of every global conversation.
“From the banks of the Congo River to the banks of the Seine — Héritier Wata arrived not as a visitor
to the world stage, but as its rightful occupant.”