Congolese Guitar Lesson - Learn Sebene Guitar

Master The Congolese Guitar

This course profiles all of the greatest and most influential Congolese guitarists that shaped the genre of Sebene and teaches you their guitar lines with a step-by-step and clear instruction.

You’ll study and learn the signature approaches of Franco Luambo Makiadi, Roxy Tshimpaka, Popolipo Beniko, Alain Makaba, Pépé Felly Manuaku, and more. Each lesson not only teaches their iconic guitar lines but also helps you develop an authentic African feel, refining your phrasing, groove, and articulation.

More than just replicating these lines, this course equips you to create your own Sebene-inspired guitar parts—allowing you to confidently perform in an ensemble with the dynamic energy and rhythmic precision that defines Congolese music.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Build a Strong Foundation in Congolese Guitar

Develop fluency in call-and-response phrasing and melodic embellishments.
Understand the rhythmic role of the guitar in Sebene, Soukous, and Rumba.
Learn essential picking and fretting techniques for speed and accuracy.

Learn the Styles of Iconic Congolese Guitarists

Study Sebene lines from Franco, Alain Makaba, Popolipo Beniko, and Roxy Tshimpaka.
Break down interval techniques, chromatic runs, and phrasing unique to each player.
Explore how these guitarists shaped the evolution of Congolese music.

Play with Authenticity and Confidence

Develop strong right-hand technique for fluid, high-energy playing.
Apply Soukous groove concepts in a full band setting.
Learn to create and improvise Sebene lines in different key centers.

Understand the Cultural and Historical Context

Trace the evolution of Congolese guitar from Rumba to modern Soukous.
Discover how different guitarists influenced the development of the genre.
Explore the connection between Congolese music and other African and Caribbean styles.

Meet Your Tutor: Niwel Tsumbu

Niwel Tsumbu’s journey began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he crafted his first guitars using fishing line and bicycle cables. From those early days, he developed into one of the most sought-after and versatile guitarists of his generation, blending his deep roots in Congolese music with jazz, classical, and global influences.

His career has taken him across the world, performing with artists such as Buena Vista Social Club, Baaba Maal, and Natty Wailer, and collaborating with Sinéad O’Connor, Nigel Kennedy, and Michael O’Suilleabháin. More recently, Niwel played on Rhiannon Giddens’ Grammy-winning album and has toured extensively with her and Taj Mahal across the US and Canada. His latest album, Milimo, showcases his ability to bridge African tradition with contemporary expression, further cementing his reputation as a truly innovative musician.

Despite his genre-spanning career, Niwel remains deeply connected to his roots in Sebene, Soukous, and Rumba. In this course, he brings decades of experience back to where it all started—teaching the fundamental rhythms, phrasing, and techniques that define Congolese guitar.

The Ultimate Learning Experience

Congolese Guitar Evolution – Deluxe

2 hours of detailed lessons teaching you how to be an expert in the Congolese guitar styles; Soukous, Sebene and Rumba taught by the Grammy award winning virtuoso Niwel Tsumbu.

Interactive On-screen Notation

Learning new skills is easier with our innovative, interactive tools. Access on-screen notation, tablature, virtual fretboards, slow motion and more.

Niwel Tsumbu – Masterclasses

Take your Congolese guitar study even further with over 3 hours of detailed masterclasses led by Niwel Tsumbu.

African Backing Tracks

Put your new techniques into practice and jam over traditional African grooves so you can develop your own authentic feel and be confident playing in a variety of new styles.