Election time in the Democratic Republic of Congo means a torrent of fresh music from some of the country’s hottest artists.
In this nation of music-lovers, politicians have often formed symbiotic relationships with singers – but not everyone is happy to play the game.
In his newest release, Koffi Olomide, one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians, sings the praises of incumbent president (and election hopeful) Felix Tshisekedi.
“Fatshi, Fatshi Béton!” Olomide sings, chanting the president’s nickname over and over. “We have seen your love for the youth, the people and Congo.”
On 5 December, industry veteran Werrason also endorsed Mr Tshisekedi. In his music video, clips of Werrason alternate with footage of the president: waving to adoring crowds, holding a hospitalised baby, addressing packed-out rallies.
“What he’s done, we’ve seen and the people don’t want to go back,” Werrason sings.
On the other hand, rising star Infrapa urges his hundreds of thousands of Facebook followers to vote for wealthy businessman – and one of Mr Tshisekedi’s biggest challengers – Moise Katumbi at Wednesday’s polls.
Photos of Infrapa in T-shirts printed with the number three – Mr Katumbi’s candidate number – fill the screen as the musician croons: “We are tired of suffering and hunger. Choose Moise Katumbi.”
DR Congo – a nation wounded by decades of conflict, corruption and poor governance – has a long history of musicians endorsing politicians in their songs.
Numerous icons have admitted accepting money to mention influential people and corporations – a practice known locally as libanga.
Just last year, “prince of Congolese rumba” Fally Ipupa told Kenya’s Trace FM he can make around €10,000 (£8,600; £11,000) per mention, while late legend Papa Wemba said he practised libanga amid a “sick”, unprofitable Congolese industry.
Papa Wemba’s bleak assessment of the music scene is echoed by his peer, Blaise Bula. He tells media: “It is not easy to earn money because the Congolese music industry is not yet very developed, particularly on the issue of copyright.”
Although many Congolese stars have a huge following across the continent and in the large diaspora, rampant piracy and a badly organised touring circuit mean that even popular artists can struggle to make a living.
Bula, a former member of the pioneering Wenge Musica band, released his own pro-Tshisekedi track, Fatshi No. 20, three weeks ago.
He insists he was not paid to make it, but adds: “Because the industry is not well developed, [musicians] must make a living from our profession and as a trader – from the sale of our services.”
In Fatshi No. 20, Bula tells Tshisekedi: “One eye can see, but with a second eye, humans see even better. That is why we give you a second term in office so that you can bring life to your vision for DR Congo.”