I’ve always dreamed of seeing Congolese music embrace the spirit we witnessed in the ’80s and ’90s, when groups like Kassav, Malavoi, Zouk Machine and others united purely for the love of their fans, their culture, and the music itself. Back then, artists would jump on each other’s songs—sometimes singing lead, sometimes joining the chorus—and it created events so magical they still feel unreal today. Sadly, in Congolese music, ego and petty rivalries have made that kind of unity almost impossible. But imagine, just imagine, a grand concert where Koffi Olomide, JB Mpiana, Werrason, Ferre Gola, and Fally Ipupa share the same stage, each performing one another’s classics—Fally singing “Omba” backed by Fabregas and BCBG voices, Ferre delivering a soulful “Eau Bénite” supported by Quartier Latin, JB taking on “SOS,” Koffi interpreting “Blandine” or “Maboko Pampa,” Werrason giving us “Show Me the Way.” That would be history. That would be magic. That would be the dream Congolese music still owes us.