Noah Mavuela
Congolese-Belgian footballer Noah Mavuela holds the distinction of being the first African player in the Belgian First Division, though injuries cut short his promising career.
Rapper
October 24, 2000
24
Noah Mavuela, also known as Yung Mavu or Noah Powa, is a Congolese-Belgian rapper, singer, and songwriter who gained international recognition with his Harry Potter-inspired track “Black Magic.” The freestyle video amassed over 3 million views within a month of its release in 2019.
Born on August 15, 1991, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Noah grew up in a musical family and began writing his own songs at the age of 12. He moved to South Africa to pursue his music career and released his debut mixtape, “The Genesis,” in 2012.
Noah’s subsequent singles, including “Nalingi Yo” and “Control,” gained him recognition in the South African hip-hop scene. His debut album, “The African Dream,” released in 2014, was a critical and commercial success, featuring hit singles like “Nalingi Yo (Remix)” featuring AKA and “Control (Remix)” featuring Cassper Nyovest.
Since then, Noah has released several more albums and mixtapes, showcasing his unique blend of Congolese rhythms, African melodies, and contemporary hip-hop beats. His notable works include “The Rise of Noah” (2016), “The Legacy” (2018), and “No Pressure” (2020).
Throughout his career, Noah Mavuela has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the South African Music Awards (SAMA) for Best Hip Hop Album, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) for Best Francophone Artist, and BET Awards for Best International Act: Africa. He has also received nominations for prestigious awards such as the Grammy Awards and the MOBO Awards.
Beyond his music, Noah is known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to social justice. He established the Noah Mavuela Foundation, which focuses on providing education and support to underprivileged children in Africa. He is also an advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing his own experiences with depression and anxiety.
Noah Mavuela’s fluency in French, English, Lingala, and Swahili, as well as his passion for soccer and dancing, add to his multifaceted personality. His talent, influence, and dedication to his craft have solidified his position as one of the most celebrated artists of his generation, continuing to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.