My Biography
Rouddy Kimpioka – Congolese Advocate, Artist, and Revolutionary Spirit, Rouddy Kimpioka, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a self-driven entrepreneur, IT engineer, mechanical engineer, artist, and humanitarian. A true multi-talent, he is also a tuba and subaphone player, singer, dancer, guitarist, percussionist, interpreter, and an activist advocating for refugees and the Congolese diaspora. Fluent in Lingala, French, English, Kikongo, with some knowledge of Greek and Swedish, Rouddy expresses himself through music in all these languages.His songs are rooted in messages of justice, peace, love, freedom, and equality, calling for a peaceful revolution, spiritual liberation for African people, and an end to modern forms of slavery. Above all, Rouddy uses his art to give hope, creating music that uplifts, empowers, and leaves a positive impact. He began his musical journey in 2005 in the DRC. Forced by his stepmother to attend church despite facing mistreatment at home, Rouddy found a place to transform pain into purpose. There, surrounded by hardship, he learned early on how to remain strong, to hope, and to rise above injustice.Although he never aspired to be a politician, Rouddy was deeply committed to education. He pursued university studies in IT engineering, with a focus on robotics and remote security systems — dreaming of using technology to protect and rebuild his homeland. Amid civil conflict and political corruption, he envisioned a better Congo.
During this time, he also fully engaged in church life. Curious and spiritually driven, he visited various churches across the country, believing , like many , that God could bring change. It was in the church that he fell in love with music. He began studying under a military instructor who believed in him deeply and told him, “You will become a great musician.” After six years, Rouddy began performing in the church orchestra, playing the euphonium.After graduating from university, he worked with several companies and banks as a data manager. These roles helped secure his livelihood, but safety remained fragile due to the risks of holding sensitive positions in a volatile country.As Rouddy's political awareness grew, he became increasingly vocal against dictatorship and systemic injustice. His safety was threatened, and he made the difficult decision to leave the DRC in search of peace, protection, and a new path forward.This marked the beginning of a long journey, not just for survival, but to learn, grow, and ultimately, fight for a brighter future for his people. Through music , from reggae and traditional African rhythms to modern Ndombolo, and through activism, Rouddy Kimpioka continues to inspire. He is a voice of resistance, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of the enduring strength of the Congolese spirit.
The Journey of Rouddy Begins
Musical Journey Born from Pain, Hope, and Resistance
Rouddy Kimpioka’s journey into music took a new form when he left the Democratic Republic of Congo in search of safety and peace. His path led him through unimaginable hardship, and ultimately toward a purpose greater than himself. Escape and survival after fleeing his country, Rouddy arrived in Turkey. There, he fell into the hands of smugglers who lied to him, endangered his life, and forced him into a perilous journey across the sea to Europe. They told him he had only seven days to reach France. “Once you reach Athens,” they said, “my friend will pick you up and you’ll take a bus to France. Good luck.” With a small van built for nine people, they crammed in 65. They set off with hope, got into the boat in order to cross the Mediteranian sea. But as they tried to cross into Greece, the weather turned deadly. Their boat capsized. In the chaos, lives were lost. Rouddy was rescued by an EU vessel on the Turkish side, and immediately imprisoned, Music in the Darkness
Prison was brutal. Over 3,000 people were crammed together, allowed outside for only 30 minutes a day, ten minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening. There was no hope. But it was there, in that darkness, that Rouddy's music took root.He began singing for others inside. One of his first songs was called “Mokati Mbila,” in which he compared himself to a palm tree, resilient and essential:
“i am like the palm tree needed in joy, in sorrow, for oil, for shelter, for cleaning. i will not be broken. One day we will leave this place"
His lyrics carried strength and spirit. Soon, he was not just singing , he was dancing, and the prison population followed. People began looking forward to his daily performances. Even the guards sometimes joined, recognizing the power of his presence. Rouddy didn’t sing for fame, he sang to heal. To lift spirits. To bring light into darkness.
Moria Camp – The Fight for Dignity, After being released, Rouddy was transferred to Moria Camp in Greece, a place he described as “an open-air prison,” a living hell. Yet, the spirit of music followed him. Former prisoners who recognized him asked him to perform again, and he did. In 2017, he started what would become the Movement of Music for Hope.He organized the first concert inside the camp with the refugee community. He played for different organizations, always beginning with a powerful message:“Hey people, we are all the same here. Our name is refugee. We are fighting for our freedom. We survived the sea , why fight each other now? We know where we came from. Let's not kill our brothers and sisters.”This message, translated into many languages, brought peace to a divided camp. Fights between people of different nationalities and religions began to decrease. Rouddy became a trusted leader, a symbol of unity.
Founder of RAD Music International
- Support mental health and trauma healing through music.
- Celebrate and preserve refugee culture.
- Unite refugees, locals, and internationals in a shared community.
- Spread messages of peace and human dignity.
He recruited over 30 musicians from the refugee community in Moria to record an album — and began building his team and network from scratch. Music with Purpose. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rouddy and his band Kokowumba released a single to raise awareness about hygiene and the lack of sanitary support in the camp. After the devastating fire in Moria Camp, Rouddy released a powerful single titled “Freedom”, calling the world’s attention to the plight of refugees in Lesvos and invoking Article 45 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Later, RAD Music International released their first full album titled “Human Life”, sharing stories of pain, hope, and resilience. The standout song, “One Day,” became an anthem of hope for many. Since then, Rouddy and RAD Music International have performed over 50 concerts in Lesvos and across Greece, building bridges, spreading healing, and giving voice to the voiceless.
Rouddy Kimpioka as Humanitarian worker
Social Worker, Peace Advocate, and Bridge Builder, Voice of Hope.
Rouddy Kimpioka’s humanitarian journey began as a volunteer in Lesvos, Greece, where he offered his time and heart to support fellow refugees. From the start, his mission was clear: to bring dignity, hope, and justice to people on the move, those displaced, voiceless, and forgotten.
Humanitarian Work on the Ground Rouddy worked with multiple organizations, both local and international, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), where he served as a translator and health promoter. His role was vital, bridging language, culture, and compassion to help others access medical care and support. At the same time, Rouddy dedicated himself daily to RAD Music International, the cultural collective he founded. Through RAD, he supported thousands of refugees, offering not only music and cultural connection, but also emergency support, referrals, and emotional relief. RAD became a safe space, a hub of healing and community, building.Rouddy collaborated with numerous humanitarian organizations, including UN agencies and grassroots initiatives, raising awareness about the dire conditions in Lesvos and beyond, especially the suffering of children, women, and vulnerable individuals living in inhumane conditions.
A Voice Without Documents, A Voice for Many! Despite living in Greece for years, Rouddy remained without legal documentation , yet that did not silence him. Instead, it amplified his voice. He became a point of contact for countless people, known for his impact, positivity, and steadfast hope.He was invited to speak at universities, political gatherings, and international conferences, where he represented the refugee experience with strength and clarity. He collaborated with local musicians and wrote songs that mourned those lost at sea and called for justice and peace. His lyrics became a lifeline — a bridge between refugees and the local Greek community. His music carried messages of unity, nonviolence, and humanity.
Advocacy and Activism Rouddy's activism goes far beyond music. He has worked tirelessly to:
- Support survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
- Advocate for LGBTQI+ refugees, especially from Africa
- Fight racism and fascism, drawing from his own painful experiences
- Raise awareness about refugee rights and black voices in displacement
- Speak up for civil rights, peace, and systemic change Through his humanitarian work, Rouddy learned not only how to serve others but also how to create art that reflects their struggle and strength. Every experience gave him inspiration to write music with purpose, songs that speak to freedom, justice, and the power of the human spirit.
Grassroots Leadership and Micro-Politics
Rouddy embraced micro-political action, working on a grassroots level to understand and defend the rights of refugees. He supported people with employment advice, administrative help, and access to services, often responding to emergency needs in the camp. Even without institutional power, Rouddy became a true leader, chosen by the people, trusted by many, and respected by all. Rouddy Kimpioka – A Political Awakening Through Music and Action." From Protest to Purpose – A Movement for the People"
Rouddy Kimpioka’s political beliefs were shaped by his lived experiences, in exile, in injustice, and in resilience. While he had once deliberately avoided direct political engagement in his home country, the continued suffering of the Congolese people compelled him to rise. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rouddy refused to involve himself in politics for his own safety. But from abroad, with a clearer view of systemic injustice and the global power dynamics at play, he made a choice: to no longer remain silent.
Awakening for the People of Congo DRC, From his position in exile, Rouddy began raising awareness among his fellow Congolese and the broader African diaspora. He calls on people to understand their rights and responsibilities , to wake up. "If you don’t know your rights, the politicians will always manipulate you." This belief became the foundation of his activism. His message is not partisan, it is for the people, rooted in dignity and collective empowerment.
The Power of Education and History. As Rouddy improved his English, he dove deep into global history and political theory. He studied the forces that have shaped Africa’s past and present, colonialism, racism, corruption, religious manipulation, dictatorship, neocolonialism, and the global refugee crisis. He began connecting the dots, not just between Africa’s suffering and global systems of power, but also between past revolutionaries and today’s struggles. Inspired by the legacies of: • Patrice Lumumba • Thomas Sankara • Nelson Mandela • Steve Biko • Amílcar Cabral • Mahatma Gandhi • Martin Luther King Jr.• Muammar Gaddafi (for their Pan-Africanism, not dictatorship). Rouddy felt a deep responsibility to continue the fight for justice and peace , through his voice, his music, and his movement.
Music as a Political Weapon, Became Rouddy’s megaphone. He wrote songs calling out the President of the DRC, reminding him of the people's suffering , not only at home but also across Europe and (the World), where thousands of Congolese refugees live in hardship. He created music that speaks directly to African leaders, urging them to open their eyes to the consequences of their failures, broken nations, lost generations, and a diaspora in distress. From Protest to Action, Rouddy believes that protest alone is not enough. After witnessing many movements rise and fall without tangible change, he advocates for a shift: “We must move from protest to action. Action means strategy, vision, follow-through. Our future cannot be built only with slogans.” He is now building a global movement, calling on people, especially from the DRC and African diaspora to rise for peace and justice. This project is open to everyone who believes in the possibility of a better future for Congo DRC and for oppressed people around the world. He envisions a united people who organize, educate, and act, not just react, to reclaim their future from the hands of corrupt systems.
Rouddy Kimpioka – Belief, Spirituality, and the Path to Consciousness . "Faith is my compass; truth is my revolution."
Rouddy’s journey with faith began in childhood. He grew up in a household where belief in God was a central part of life. From a very young age, he was sent to church, often by force, and raised in an environment deeply rooted in religious tradition. In school, he studied religious education shaped by the colonial system, where Christianity was the dominant narrative. As he grew older, Rouddy began attending various churches, searching for deeper meaning. His family was divided between Muslim and Christian beliefs, and this diversity sparked his curiosity. He began exploring both traditions, trying to understand the essence of God beyond doctrine. At one point, the church even began preparing him to become a pastor and preacher, roles he embraced with humility and deep reflection.
From Religion to Spirituality, When Rouddy became a refugee, his experience of faith began to evolve. Displacement forced him to rethink religion, not as a system of rules, but as a personal connection with the divine. He started praying with a new purpose, asking God to open his eyes to truth, peace, and inner strength.Through this deep spiritual seeking, Rouddy realized he didn’t need a label or institution to know God. He began studying different world religions, tracing their origins, values, and purposes. His question was clear: "What was the true message of each faith, and who did it serve?"
Discovering Rastafari. In this spiritual exploration, Rouddy discovered Rastafari a movement that resonated with his soul. What touched him most was not just the image or music, but the message, peace, love, resistance, justice, and unity. He found that Rastafari was not just a religion, but a spiritual and social philosophy, deeply rooted in the fight for African liberation and human dignity. It honored the prophets, spoke of divine truth, and opposed colonial and oppressive systems. Already connected to reggae music and growing his rasta hair for symbolic reasons, Rouddy felt called to embrace the Rastafari path, not through rituals, but through its vision and message. “I’m a Rastaman not because I want smoke, but because I sing truth, I stand for justice, and I spread love.”
Faith Through Music, Today, Rouddy’s spirituality is deeply woven into his music. His songs are prayers for peace, justice, and unity, carrying a message that transcends religion. He believes that faith is not about division, but about awakening consciousness and living in harmony with all people. Rouddy does not follow one religion strictly, he follows truth, love, and light. He considers spirituality the foundation of his activism and creativity, and through it, he continues to inspire those around him to believe in a better world.
Influences and Inspiring Artists, “Music was my teacher before I spoke the language of the world.”
From his early years in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rouddy Kimpioka found comfort and inspiration in music. It became his first language of resistance, healing, and hope. As a child and teenager, he was drawn to international artists whose sounds touched his soul, even if he couldn't understand their lyrics at the time. He would listen to global legends like: • Michael Jackson – whose dance and rhythm electrified him, • Celine Dion – for her emotional power, • Nelly & Kelly Rowland, Rihanna, Sean Paul, and Singuila – who all gave him a glimpse into the wide world of popular music.
The Reggae Revelation, When Rouddy arrived in Europe and began learning English, his world opened up again — this time through reggae music. It became not just a genre, but a spiritual and political awakening. Reggae lyrics taught him English and gave him a voice for his soul’s message. The artists who shaped this journey include: • Bob Marley, his prophet of peace and resistance • Lucky Dube – the voice of truth and African liberation • Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff – messengers of rebellion and love • Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly – powerful voices from West Africa • Anthony B, Clinton Fearon, Erick Bingy Bunny, and Matthias – all shaping Rouddy’s musical style with deep spiritual and revolutionary messages • Peter Kimbangu – a Congolese spiritual and cultural leader who deeply inspired Rouddy’s belief in African liberation and identity.
Through these artists, Rouddy not only found his voice — he found his mission. “These musicians gave me more than rhythm. They gave me purpose. And I hope, one day, my music will inspire others the way theirs inspired me.”
"My music is my message — a message of unity, justice, and hope for those who need it most."
Rouddy’s music is rooted in a deep sense of solidarity with people on the move, especially immigrants and refugees. He understands that leaving your home country is never easy. It's often a journey of survival, struggle, and hardship. Through his art, Rouddy raises awareness about these issues and the urgent need for change. His ideology is simple: music has the power to heal, unite, and inspire action. As an artist, he believes that it is his mission to stand with the most vulnerable, to remind people of their shared humanity, and to challenge systems that perpetuate racism, injustice, and disrespect. His songs speak to the heart, asking the world to love and respect each other as we would ourselves.
Music as a Tool for Change
Rouddy’s music is not just about rhythm and melody; it is a call to action. He believes that art can offer solutions to the most pressing problems facing humanity, especially in conflict zones and crisis situations. Through his lyrics, he shares stories of struggle, hope, and survival. He wants to remind everyone that, while we may come from different backgrounds, we are all the same, but not all of us have the same privileges. For Rouddy, music is a way to support the vulnerable and give a voice to the hopeless. It’s a way to bring people together, to remind them that, no matter their skin color, nationality, or religion, they have shared dreams, struggles, and aspirations. His songs focus on what unites us as humans, not what divides us.
The Artist’s Responsibility, As an artist, Rouddy does not see himself as someone who simply performs for fame or recognition. He believes that his role is much more profound: to serve a higher purpose. For him, music is a tool for human rights, a way to fight for justice, and a means to raise awareness about the realities faced by those living in poverty or fleeing conflict. He explains: "Many artists play music for fame, but I choose to use my voice to share messages of unity, justice, and hope. My music is not just for entertainment, it’s for human cause." His music does not just entertain; it empowers people, challenges injustices, and calls for collective action. Rouddy believes that, as artists, they have a responsibility to speak truth and share wisdom with the world.
A Message of Unity: For Rouddy, the world’s divisions — racial, political, or economic — must be overcome through understanding and compassion. His message is clear: “We must live together. The past cannot be changed, but the future is in our hands. We are the change, not the politicians. It’s time to rise up with love, peace, and unity.” In every lyric and every beat, Rouddy’s music aims to be a force for positive change, a message of hope and resilience for those who feel forgotten, silenced, or oppressed. His music serves as a reminder that, no matter where we come from, we are all visitors on this planet — bound by the same shared humanity.
Inspirational Words
I speak not to silence the oppressor, but to awaken the world. My weapon is truth, my shield is compassion, and my mission is justice. I do not fear chains or bullets, I fear a world asleep while injustice reigns. I will fight, not with hatred, but with a love fierce enough to shake empires and heal the wounded. I do not raise my voice in anger, but in unshakable truth. I do not fight with fists, but with the fire of justice. I am not here to conquer, I am here to awaken. Peace is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to stand in the storm with love, dignity, and purpose.
For African People
I am the child of a continent that will not kneel. My voice carries the thunder of ancestors who dreamed beyond chains. I do not fight for power, I fight for the soul of my people. Justice is my inheritance, and I will defend it with the courage of those who walked barefoot into history and left footprints of fire. Africa will rise — not because we beg, but because we build. It is the people who free the country, not the politicians. Wake up, my African brothers and sisters. Thank you to Ibrahim Traoré for reminding us of our power.
Rouddy Kimpioka , peace , love and justice to all