Emma'a

Born in 2003, Gabonese singer Emma'a, whose real name is Emmanuella Issembe, belongs to a new generation of African R&B influenced by artists like Fally Ipupa, Wizkid and Aya Nakamura. Blending R&B, afrobeats and French-language urban pop, Emma'a crafts a melodic, intimate style that keeps the voice at its center, supported by mid-tempo rhythms and instantly memorable choruses. Her career took a turn in 2022 with the track “Grand Bandit,” a collaboration with rapper Eboloko that brought her to the forefront of Gabon's urban scene. A few weeks later, the single “Encré” resonated widely on social media and streaming platforms, allowing her to reach a broader audience beyond her home country. Continuing that momentum, she joined Sony Music Africa and released her debut EP, “Encré,” the same year, which features “Grand Bandit” and “Encré,” including a remix by French DJ Bob Sinclar. Emma'a’s songs mainly explore romantic relationships, self-confidence and heartbreaks, with straightforward, accessible writing aimed primarily at young listeners connected to the urban scenes of Central Africa and the francophone world.