Talent Latent

The band was founded by Mosain Malanda and Faustin Djata, who were not musicians by profession. Although the exact year of the band's formation remains unknown, Syllart Records, a French label specializing in African and Afro-Latin music, asserts that the band emerged in the late 1990s and achieved some level of success between 1997 and 1999.[1] The band's name, "Talent Latent", suggests its members possess hidden abilities. Among other members were the illustrious Fally Ipupa and his old friends Atele Kunianga, Lisimo Gentamicine, Cellulaire Yankobo, Pitshou Luzolo, and the preternatural soloist and guitarist, Papillion.[1][5][6][7]

In 1999, the band experience their breakthrough moment with the release of their sole album, La Nouvelle Vague, which translates to "the new wave." Produced by Syllart Records, the album comprised 10 tracks and was subtitled "A l'œuvre on connait l'artiste," emphasizing that a true artist is known by their craft. The album expeditiously captured the hearts of Congolese rumba enthusiasts, propelling Talent Latent to the forefront of the industry. Some of the popular singles from the album include "Face B (Sylvie Demba)", which highlights one of the group's successes, and "Otwa", the shortest track, featuring acoustic guitar and female vocals in addition to the usual singers of the band.[1][8]

With the success of their debut album, the band was poised to reach even greater heights with a second album in the works. However, fate intervened when several members decided to pursue a different path, forming Quartier Latin Académia in Paris.[1][9] This new venture emerged following a split within the group Quartier Latin International, led by artist Koffi Olomidé. Fally Ipupa joined Quartier Latin International in 1999.[10][11][9] His involvement with the group led to an abundance of success before he embarked on a successful solo career in 2006. Notably, Ipupa established his very own label, F'Victeam Entertainment, solidifying his place as a multi-talented artist. In 2015, F'Victeam released the double album Libre Parcours, which held a special significance as it featured a reunion with another former member of Talent Latent, Atele Kunianga.[9][1]