Gloria Bash

Gloria Bash
Background information
Also known asGogo
Born
Gloria Bashige Nehema

(2002-12-25) 25 December 2002
Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • cover artist
InstrumentVocals
Labels
  • Playone France
  • Black Star France
Websitegloriabash.com

Gloria Bashige Nehema (born on 25 December 2002), known professionally as Gloria Bash, is a Congolese singer-songwriter from Bukavu who rose to prominence through social media in 2022 after posting online covers, medleys, and mashups of songs by established artists.[1][2][3] Often referred to as "Gogo",[4] she mainly performs in Swahili, French, and Lingala.[5]

Raised in Goma, she gained widespread recognition for her medley reinterpretation of Fally Ipupa's album Tokooos II,[4] which earned her the nickname "the female Fally Ipupa" among fans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[6] She later competed in Season 8 of Vodacom Best of the Best All Stars, the Congolese version of the international Idol franchise.[7] Following the competition, she released several singles before issuing her debut Extended Play (EP) Patrona in 2025, followed by her second EP, Zoshi, in 2026.[5][8][9]

Life and career

2002–2023: Childhood, career beginnings and education

Gloria Bash was born Gloria Bashige Nehema on 25 December 2002 in Bukavu, located in the province of South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.[2][4][10] She is the youngest of six children born to Pontient Bashigi and Pelagi Bujiriri.[4] Raised in Goma in North Kivu, she started singing at the age of 10 in the children's Redemptoris Mater choir of the Bienheureuse Anuarite parish at the Catholic Church.[2][4][11] At 16, she stepped away from the choir to pursue modeling. A year later, she joined the Foyer Culturel de Goma, where she trained in poetry, slam, public speaking, writing, and critical thinking.[4] Bash had also been active in theater since the age of 12, and she later described her time at the Foyer Culturel de Goma as an important foundation in her development.[4]

Bash attended primary education at Mama Mulezi school (pictured here in Goma)

She completed kindergarten at Saint Vincent de Paul, attended primary school at Mama Mulezi, and earned her state diploma in biochemistry from Collège Mwanga de Goma.[4] After graduating in 2019, she enrolled at Université Catholique La Sapientia. In 2023, she graduated with distinction with a bachelor's degree in legal, political, and administrative sciences.[4]

2022–2024: Rise on YouTube, Vodacom Best of the Best All Stars, and releases

During an interview with Eventsrdc Radio in February 2022, Bash cited Fally Ipupa as her main musical inspiration and role model. She explained that she wanted audiences to discover her through his music because she admired his artistry and his approach to music.[11] Encouraged by a close friend to pursue her musical talent, she created her first official YouTube channel in January 2022.[4][12] Although concert halls and entertainment venues were shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued performing online through covers, medleys and mashups of songs by popular artists.[2][4][13][14] Her breakthrough came through a medley reinterpretation of Fally Ipupa's sixth studio album Tokooos II.[11][15][6] Bash told Eventsrdc Radio that she had always wanted to revisit Tokooos II in a different musical style because she had loved it since its release on 25 February 2022.[11] With support and guidance from her manager, she used the project as a way to introduce herself to the public with something distinctive. Bash also briefed the press that she does not confine herself to one musical genre, as she feels comfortable adapting to different styles.[11] The medley became popular in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and earned her the nickname "the female Fally Ipupa" from fans.[6]

In August 2022, she competed in Season 8 of Vodacom Best of the Best All Stars, the Congolese adaptation of the international reality TV franchise Idol, which was organized by Vodacom Congo and Pygma Communication. The competition offered a $20,000 prize along with a recording contract with Sony Music Africa.[16][7] She represented North Kivu and performed the 2003 zouk song "Mon Soleil" by Martinican singer Princess' Lover during the third round, but her performance "failed to impress the jury" and she did not qualify for the final after receiving scores of 4/10, 4/10, and 3/10.[16][6] Jury member Koffi Olomidé stated that she was not the contestant he would have chosen to represent the country, particularly because the round's theme was "You must convey emotion".[16]

By September 2022, Bash's YouTube covers were rapidly gaining attention. Her most viewed video was an Amapiano-style cover of Buga by Kizz Daniel and Tekno, which reached 2.2 million views in three months. This was followed by her cover medley of Tokooos II with 695,000 views in six months, while her video "Le mélange de la musique ivoirienne et congolaise" ranked third with 433,000 views in five months.[15] On 13 January 2023, she released the Amapiano-inspired single "Koleya Money" through Playone France.[13][14] She later released "Alakini" on 20 June, a song centered on hope, solidarity, and unity amid the ongoing M23 conflict in eastern Congo.[6] The same theme continued with "To Kufi", released on 15 February 2024. On 14 May 2024, Bash collaborated with rapper Yvon Yusuf on "Mbele". The Swahili title means "ahead" or "forward", and the song encourages perseverance and ignoring criticism.[17][18][19] She later appeared on "Épuisée" by Butembo-born rapper Alia Kas on 26 June, although the music video had premiered earlier on 15 June.[20] On 24 August 2024, Bash released the Afrobeats-inspired single "Cascade" under Black Star France, the label founded by Cameroonian businessman and producer Walter Tchassem, rapper Timati and Congolese-French singer and rapper Gims to promote young French and African talent internationally.[21][22][18] In December 2024, she officially signed with the label after Gims reportedly discovered her talent during a visit to Goma.[23][22][24][25] That same month, she released the single "Toza Bien".[26][18]

2025–present: Solidarité Congo concert, standalone releases, Patrona, and Zoshi

On 7 March 2025, Bash released "Ada".[27] The next month, on 22 April, during the Solidarité Congo benefit concert at Accor Arena attended by more than 22,000 spectators, Gims surprised the crowd by inviting her onstage during his closing performance. After performances by artists such as Youssoupha, Singuila, Gazo, Dadju, and Fally Ipupa, she performed several of her own songs.[28] On 4 July, Bash issued the single "Fond de teint", which was described by Radio France Internationale as "a true declaration of self-love" that encourages young women to value themselves beyond physical appearances.[27] She later released "Mabega" on 12 September.[29]

Her debut Extended Play (EP), Patrona, was issued on 1 November 2025 and featured nine songs plus a bonus track. It was by singles "Koleya money", "Hau Shalange", "Love Taste", and "Die Die".[17] On 7 November, she followed with the zouk-inspired love song "Amour Amour", which is noted for its "perfect symphony of meticulously combined instruments".[30] She later released "Toleka" on 19 December and "Milele" on 6 March 2026.[29]

On 10 May 2026, Bash released her second seven-track EP, Zoshi, which features two bonus tracks and a guest appearance by The Mingongo.[8][9]

Controversies

AI-generated image

On 25 November 2025, a photo showing a young woman in a bikini on a beach began circulating on the Facebook page Kivu Masolo, which had more than 2,600 followers. The post described the image as a "sexy revelation for the first time" and alleged that the woman was Bash.[31] According to the accompanying rumor, the picture had supposedly been taken in Kinshasa during celebrations surrounding her song "Mabega", which premiered on 12 September 2025. The image was widely shared across social media, and it soon fueled confusion and spread misinformation among internet users. As commonly happens with sensational online content, the image circulated rapidly without verification.[31]

Bash denied being the woman shown in the image, stating: "...You can clearly see that it's an image created with AI". Eleza Fact, a fact-checking organization based in Goma, launched an investigation that combined Bash's direct testimony with technical examinations using AI-detection tools. Hive Moderation, a professional platform specializing in identifying AI-generated visuals, assigned the image a 98.4% probability of being artificially generated.[31] A second analysis conducted with Fake Image Detector, another tool designed to identify manipulated or computer-generated visuals, also confirmed that the picture had been digitally created or altered. Isabelle Kasoki of Eleza Fact stated that the incident represented a form of gender-based digital violence in which artificially suggestive images are used to sexualize and humiliate women.[31] As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the organization stressed that sharing intimate or allegedly intimate content without consent — even when created through artificial intelligence — amounts to violence intended to undermine women's dignity, reputation, and emotional security. Kasoki added that such practices can encourage blackmail, stigmatization, and societal pressure, especially toward women who hold public visibility or political influence.[31]

Discography

EPs

  • Patrona (2025)
  • Zoshi (2026)

References

  1. ↑ Mukaya, Mookie (29 December 2024). "Gros plan sur Gloria Bash, l'étoile montante de la musique congolaise: en route vers le sommet" [A close look at Gloria Bash, the rising star of Congolese music: on the road to the top]. Congoprofond.net (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Johnson, Verite (22 June 2022). "Du talent à la voix, elle sadapte, perce et surprend...zoom sur Gloria Bash, lartiste révélée trop tôt" [From her vocal talent, she adapts, breaks through, and surprises... a closer look at Gloria Bash, the artist revealed too soon]. 243Stars (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  3. ↑ Kasi, David (27 June 2023). "Découverte : Gloria Bash, un talent brut à polir!" [Discovery: Gloria Bash, a raw talent waiting to be polished!]. Arts.cd (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Kasereka, Chris (18 July 2024). "RDC: À 20 ans, la jeune artiste Gloria Bash est l'artiste urbaine féminine la plus suivie sur YOUTUBE en RDC" [DRC: At 20 years old, the young artist Gloria Bash is the most followed female urban artist on YouTube in the DRC]. Gueules Afrique (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  5. 1 2 Masamba, Plamedi (7 April 2025). "Gloria Bash: "Les gens ne réalisent pas que la RDC n'a pas que le Lingala"" [Gloria Bash: "People don't realize that the DRC has more than just Lingala"]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Mandina, Hervé (22 June 2023). "Afro-Club, le hit des platines avec Omah Lay, Mathey, Sidiki et Ahmed Diabaté" [Afro-Club, the hit on the turntables with Omah Lay, Mathey, Sidiki and Ahmed Diabaté]. Musique.rfi.fr (in French). Paris, France: Radio France Internationale. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  7. 1 2 Matanda, Alvin (19 September 2022). "Vodacom Best of the Best 2022: Jacob Jay est l'heureux gagnant du concours" [Vodacom Best of the Best 2022: Jacob Jay is the lucky winner of the competition]. Music In Africa (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  8. 1 2 Migabo, Franklin (6 May 2026). "Foncez voir ça!: Gims partage "Fiesta" de Gloria Bash et intrigue sur le contenu de son EP "Zoshi"" [Go check it out!: Gims shares Gloria Bash's "Fiesta" and teases about the content of his EP "Zoshi"]. KulturalMag (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  9. 1 2 Kitatu, Jonathan (29 April 2026). "EP "Zoshi": Gloria Bash annonce une collaboration unique avec The Mingongo" [EP "Zoshi": Gloria Bash announces a unique collaboration with The Mingongo]. KulturalMag (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  10. ↑ Kambashi, Stanislas (4 June 2022). "Une jeune catholique de Goma sort une chanson pour accueillir le Pape" [A young Catholic woman from Goma releases a song to welcome the Pope.]. Vatican News (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 "Musique: Gloria Bashige, la jeune pépite de Goma à la voix cristalline" [Music: Gloria Bashige, the young star from Goma with the crystal-clear voice]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). 21 February 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  12. ↑ "Gloria... De chantre à artiste à succès" [Gloria... From singer to successful artist]. Gloria Bash (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  13. 1 2 Mpereng, Chadrack (11 January 2023). "Gloria Bash lance sa carrière avec le single "Koleya money" attendu ce vendredi" [Gloria Bash launches her career with the single "Koleya money" expected this Friday]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  14. 1 2 Mpereng, Chadrack (15 January 2023). "Gloria Bash: Une grande première house pour "Koleya money"" [Gloria Bash: A major house premiere for "Koleya Money"]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  15. 1 2 Kambala, Étienne (18 September 2022). "En huit mois, Gloria Bash dépasse le cap de 100.000 abonnés sur YouTube!" [In eight months, Gloria Bash surpassed 100,000 subscribers on YouTube!]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  16. 1 2 3 Lutete, Michée (12 August 2022). "Vodacom Best of the Best prime 3: la mauvaise note de Gloria Bash" [Vodacom Best of the Best Prime 3: Gloria Bash's poor rating]. Lemag (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  17. 1 2 Mandina, Hervé (30 May 2024). "Afro-Club, le Hit des platines avec Wayé et Lema, Minz et Davido, Gloria Bash et Yvan Yusuf" [Afro-Club, the hit on the turntables with Wayé and Lema, Minz and Davido, Gloria Bash and Yvan Yusuf]. Rfi.fr/fr/musique (in French). Paris, France: Radio France Internationale. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  18. 1 2 3 Mandina, Hervé (19 December 2024). "Afro-Club, le Hit des platines avec Dorty, Bobo Wê et Big MJ" [Afro-Club, the hit on the turntables with Dorty, Bobo Wê and Big MJ]. Rfi.fr/fr/musique (in French). Paris, France: Radio France Internationale. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  19. ↑ Mpereng, Chadrack (27 May 2024). ""Mbele", Gloria Bash inaugure son premier duo de carrière avec Yvon Yusuf" ["Mbele", Gloria Bash inaugurates her first career duet with Yvon Yusuf]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  20. ↑ Johnson, Verite (18 June 2024). "Alia Kas et Gloria Bash: un feat entre deux pépites "épuisées"" [Alia Kas and Gloria Bash: A collab between two "exhausted" gems]. Bunia Actualité (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  21. ↑ Kabamba, Jérémie (2 September 2024). "Gloria Bash vous présente son nouveau clip "Cascade" (VIDÉO)" [Gloria Bash presents her new music video "Cascade" (VIDEO)]. Strong2kin Moov (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  22. 1 2 Mpereng, Chadrack (7 December 2024). "Signée chez Black Star France, Gloria Bash franchit un nouveau cap dans sa carrière" [Signed to Black Star France, Gloria Bash takes a new step in her career]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  23. ↑ Matanda, Alvin (9 December 2024). "RD Congo: Gloria Bash rejoint le Label Black Star France de Gims" [DR Congo: Gloria Bash joins Gims' Black Star France label]. Music In Africa (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  24. ↑ Mande, Ordi (7 December 2024). "Gims signe Gloria Bash chez Black Star France" [Gims signs Gloria Bash to Black Star France]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  25. ↑ Mugisho, Bashomba (8 December 2024). "Gloria Bash voit grand avec Black Star France" [Gloria Bash has big plans with Black Star France]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  26. ↑ Masamba, Plamedi (14 December 2024). "Gloria Bash lance l'aventure chez Black Star France avec "Toza Bien" (VIDÉOCLIP)" [Gloria Bash launches her adventure with Black Star France with "Toza Bien" (MUSIC VIDEO)]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  27. 1 2 Mandina, Hervé (7 August 2025). "Afro-Club et Afro-Club Deluxe - Gloria Bash revient avec "Fond de teint", une ode à l'authenticité" [Gloria Bash returns with "Fond de teint", an ode to authenticity]. Rfi.fr/fr/podcasts (in French). Paris, France: Radio France Internationale. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  28. ↑ Masamba, Plamedi (25 April 2025). "Concert Solidarité Congo: "Voilà le public français", le coup de projecteur monumental de Gims sur Gloria Bash" [Congo Solidarity Concert: "This is the French public," Gims' monumental spotlight on Gloria Bash]. Eventsrdc.com (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  29. 1 2 "Toutes les chansons de Gloria Bash - Discographie" [All songs by Gloria Bash – Discography]. Gloria Bash (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  30. ↑ Kombi, Gaéthan (12 November 2025). ""Amour Amour": Gloria Bash se noie dans un verre de mélancolie" ["Love Love": Gloria Bash drowns in a glass of melancholy]. Totalement Actus (in French). Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 Kasoki, Isabelle (6 December 2025). "Faux, cette prétendue photo de Gloria Bash en bikini est une image générée par intelligence artificielle" [False, this supposed photo of Gloria Bash in a bikini is an image generated by artificial intelligence]. Elezafact.cd (in French). Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Eleza Fact. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
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