Roots and Professional Training (1999 - 2018)
Born Mubi Kabunga Abed'el on November 30, 1999, in Goma (North Kivu, DR Congo), Johnel's Golden boy was raised in a musical family where his passion for the arts was sparked at an early age. In 2018, right after earning his state diploma at the age of 18, he decided to formalize his dedication to music. He enrolled at the Foyer Culturel de Goma, a renowned local art school, where he studied vocal technique and learned the foundations of becoming a professional artist.
Collective Experience and Festivals (2018 - 2024)
As a versatile singer and dancer, his talent quickly found a home. He first joined the Kombo choir, formed by his art school, which led to a milestone performance at the prestigious Amani Festival in 2022.
Building on this momentum, he and four fellow vocal classmates co-founded the five-member boy band, The Majesty Five. The group became a staple of the local music scene, recording their single "Subiri", performing at numerous concerts and festivals in Goma, competing in the Bingwa wa Sanaa music competition, and eventually organizing their own headline shows.
Solo Journey and Cultural Identity (2025 - Present)
The year 2025 marked a pivotal turning point as Johnel's launched his solo career. He began performing acoustic sets and karaoke nights across Goma (DRC) and Gisenyi (Rwanda), alongside his best friend Kandi Aya.
A modern artist heavily influenced by global sounds, he caught the public's attention with a cover of Justin Bieber's "Be Alright". Driven by his lifelong idol, Chris Brown, he also took on the global R&B challenge launched by music legend Tank for the song "Residuals". Showcasing his deep cultural roots, Johnel's adapted the challenge into his country's national languages, seamlessly blending Lingala and Swahili into a captivating Afro-R&B performance.
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