After a two-decade long musical career Congolese artist Fally Ipupa has been awarded the National Order of the Leopard with the rank of Knight.

President Félix Tshisekedi issued a decree awarding the artist as fulfilment of the promise made recently.

The announcement was made this Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following a series of presidential decrees read on the national broadcaster RTNC by Tina Salama, spokesperson for the President of the Republic.

According to the terms of the decree, this distinction rewards “eminent services rendered to the Nation in the artistic field”, in particular through a musical work deemed original and having contributed to the influence of Congolese rumba as well as to the promotion of Congolese culture on the international stage.

The decree particularly highlights the achievement of Fally Ipupa during the celebrations of his twenty-year career, marked by two concerts organized on May 2nd and 3rd, 2026 at the Stade de France.

The document presents him as the first Francophone African artist to perform there solo, an accomplishment considered a new chapter in the history of Congolese and African music.

“Mr. Fally Ipupa Ntsimba, musical artist, is admitted to the National Order of the Leopard with the rank of Knight.”

Meanwhile, Article 2 charges the Chancellor of the National Orders with the execution of this decision, which enters into force on the date of its signature.

This national distinction crowns one of the most remarkable careers in contemporary Congolese music and further solidifies Fally Ipupa’s status as one of the most influential African artists of his generation.

It adds to a long list of honors and awards received worldwide, reflecting his influence beyond the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo.