16/01/2026
The Michael Jackson of Congo: The Legend of Gatho Beevans
Gatho Beevans, born Mangubu Gatho Bienvenu Vincent in the 1960s in Kisangani, DRC, was a man who had the moves, the style, and the voice that stopped a continent. In the early 1990s, he didn't just release music; he created a fever.
Trained at the Institut National des Arts in Kinshasa, Gatho brought a level of professional choreography and pop-star magnetism that was rare for the era. His smash hit Azalaki Awa became a massive cultural phenomenon, especially in Zambia, where his signature dance moves and sharp fashion were imitated by fans in every corner of the country. He was the definitive king of the stage, blending Congolese Rumba with a global pop energy that earned him his legendary nickname as the Michael Jackson of Congo.
But what happened to the superstar who once had thousands screaming his name? At the height of his fame, Gatho made a life-changing choice. He relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and transitioned from the world of secular stardom to a life of faith. Today, the man who once commanded the dance floor serves as a pastor and gospel artist, proving that while his stage has changed, his mission to move people remains the same.
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What is your favorite memory of watching Gatho Beevans perform, or which of his songs always takes you back to the 90s?
