Congolese star Awilo Longomba launched his career in the '90s as a drummer for a string of successful bands, so it's no surprise that when he picked up the mic his songs came packed with kicking, rhythmic and explosive vocals. Longomba's breakthrough album—2008's Coupé Bibamba—is like party-starting rocket fuel, sparked by rapid-fire French verses, call-and-response and peppered with bombastic shouts. His funky bass lines and splashy percussion makes these tracks undeniably fun, while later hits like "Karolina" show an artist in command of fiery hooks and catchy, unfettered pop.