We were lucky to catch up with Nkumu Katalay recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nkumu , thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I earned most, if all my, of my living, until a year ago when I started working at Morgan Stanley, combining a full time regular job to a full time artist life, from the arts, which combined live performances, teaching workshops, doing presentations for special cultural origins educational events, collaborating with schools for art programs, teaching after school programs and teach private drum or dance classes.

Nkumu , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Nkumu Katalay is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur renowned for his ability to arrange and perform his own music, as well as his deep integration into event planning and programming. As a co-founder of the Congo Youth Coalition, alongside Bob Musungu, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between Kinshasa and the Congolese diaspora worldwide, fostering connections and cultural exchange.

Background and Entry into the Industry

Nkumu’s journey is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, which informs his artistic pursuits. Growing up surrounded by a rich tapestry of Congolese traditions and artistic expression in Kinshasa, he cultivated a passion for music and the arts. This foundation, combined with formal education in social science and business school for administrative assistance, equipped him with the tools to navigate various creative industries.

His entry into the arts was not linear; he explored diverse roles that enriched his understanding of creativity, from music production to event coordination. This breadth of experience has allowed him to seamlessly blend artistic expression with organizational skills, making him a sought-after figure in his field.

Products and Services

Nkumu Katalay offers a range of products and services that reflect his artistic vision and commitment to cultural representation:

Music Composition and Performance: Arranging and performing original music that resonates with both Congolese culture and contemporary audiences.
Event Planning and Programming: Coordinating cultural events that celebrate Congolese heritage and bring communities together.
Workshops and Training: Leading sessions focused on empowering the next generation to embrace their identity and cultural heritage.
Cultural Projects: Initiatives aimed at showcasing traditional Congolese attire, such as the Kuba cloth and leopard hat, as official aesthetics representative of Congo.

Problem Solving and Unique Value Proposition

Nkumu addresses several challenges faced by the Congolese community and broader audiences:

Cultural Representation: Acting as a cultural ambassador, he ensures Congolese voices are heard on prominent stages, including the Apollo, Manhattan Center, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Webster Hall, and Terminal 5.
Identity and Heritage Education: His commitment to teaching the next generation about the importance of holding firm to their identity and cultural roots is paramount.
Community and Entrepreneurship: Through his company, Nkumu Katalay LLC, he creates platforms for social and professional networking, organizing events such as concerts, dance classes, and cultural celebrations that unify the Congolese diaspora.

Vision and Achievements

Nkumu’s vision emphasizes the significant contributions of Congolese culture to world history, aiming to elevate cultural awareness and appreciation. He is focused on training leaders within the community and fostering both social and professional networks.

Among his proudest achievements is the successful establishment of the Congo Youth Coalition, which aims to create meaningful connections between the Congolese diaspora and their homeland. Through this initiative and his artistic endeavors, Nkumu has made a lasting impact, promoting cultural pride and unity.

Key Messages for Clients and Followers

Nkumu Katalay conveys several key messages to potential clients, followers, and fans:

Commitment to Cultural Excellence: A dedication to authentically representing Congolese culture through his artistic and entrepreneurial efforts.
Empowerment through Identity: A belief in the importance of teaching the next generation about their heritage and the power of their identity.
Community Connection: A passion for creating opportunities that bring the Congolese diaspora together, fostering exchange and collaboration.

In conclusion, Nkumu Katalay stands as a vibrant bridge between culture, music, and community, dedicated to fostering innovation while honoring his roots. His work not only serves his clients and audiences but also inspires a broader appreciation for the richness of Congolese culture on a global stage.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey is a testament to resilience, particularly highlighted by my early experiences after launching my solo career in 2011. At that time, I faced the daunting challenge of creating my own events and resources from the ground up. Managing every aspect of my career, from event planning to performance, often felt overwhelming due to a micromanagement approach to leadership that i had initially adopt in the beginning; in other words, doing everything myself with very limited resources.

Drawing on my experiences as a student leader in college, I learned to organize agendas and translated that into concert rehearsals and repertoire planning, etc… I was fortunate that Congolese music is rich with historical significance and spectacular narratives, which provided a strong foundation for crafting engaging concerts. Learning from cultural wealth inspired me to create events that not only entertained but also educated audiences about their heritage.

My time traveling with the Soukous All Stars band from 2003 to 2008 was instrumental in shaping my perspective on the music business. From this experience, I learned invaluable lessons about professionalism and reputation. I understood the importance of punctuality, avoiding disputes about finances, and focusing on delivering a quality product. These lessons illuminated the intricate relationship between artistry and the business side of music, teaching me that a great reputation is often built on reliability.

As I navigated the dual roles of musician and promoter from 2010 to 2019, I faced the challenge of balancing the financial aspects of his events with his performance responsibilities. This period was marked by a steep learning curve, as I had to develop the skills in budgeting, marketing, and audience engagement while also honing my craft as a performer.

Despite these challenges, my sense of resilience shone through. I was able persevered, adapting my own approach and continually learning from each experience. This journey not only solidified my identity as an artist but also equipped me with the tools to curate events that resonate with the Congolese diaspora and beyond. My ability to face adversity with determination and creativity has become a hallmark of my career, inspiring others in the community to embrace their own paths with similar resilience.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In reflecting on his journey in the arts, music, and community organizing, Nkumu Katalay acknowledges that there are several resources he wishes he had known about earlier in his creative path. He recognizes that for many Francophone Africans, the traditional avenues of support often fall short. While churches can provide a sense of community and moral encouragement, they typically do not offer the institutional backing necessary for artists pursuing secular activities like his own.

For Nkumu, the church served primarily as a moral booster rather than a sustainable resource. His personal circumstances added to the complexity; after arriving in the USA, he experienced significant challenges when his father fell into depression shortly after their arrival. At just 16 years old, Nkumu found himself facing the realities of adulthood much earlier than most. His father had been his primary support, and with that support diminished, Nkumu had to learn quickly how to navigate life on his own.

Looking back, Nkumu realizes that if he had gained a better understanding of the grant systems available in New York City, as well as skills in bookkeeping and financial management, it would have greatly enhanced his ability to succeed. Learning these skills at a young age would have provided him with a significant advantage, allowing him to combine his artistic talents with the necessary business acumen. This knowledge could have opened up opportunities for funding and sustainable growth in his music career, enabling him to focus more on his creative work without the constant burden of financial uncertainty.

Nkumu’s journey has been one of resilience and adaptation, but he emphasizes the importance of equipping the next generation of artists with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in their creative endeavors. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to inspire others to seek out these resources early in their journeys, ensuring that they can build a solid foundation for their artistic aspirations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nkumukatalay.com
• Instagram: @nkumukatalay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nkumukatalayTLLPB?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: IsaackatalayDiallo
• Twitter: @nkumukatalay
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nkumukatalay
• Soundcloud: https://SoundCloud.com/nkumukatalay

Image Credits

Photo one a personal one
Photo 2 by @photonycdot
Photo 3 by @picsbyshiloh
Photo 4 by @mofaux Luis Chan of Lycée Français