Deli Kongoli

Mzee Deli Kongoli Mbayirwa (30 June 1964 – 10 December 2025), known professionally as Deli Kongoli, was a Congolese musician and singer. His primary instrument was a guitar. He is also known as "The Great Maestro."

Early life Kongoli was born in the Centre Hospitalier Mama Musayi (Mama Musayi Central Hospital) in the city of Butembo, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 30 June 1964.

Career Kongoli often performed in his home city of Butembo alongside fellow artist, Étienne Kasereka,

Kongoli helped organize the national "Africa Amkeni" festival, held on 28 June 2025. He explained that the patriotic festival, receiving 184 applications from across the DRC, aimed to celebrate the contributions of Congolese people Africa and the world.

Cultural influence Kongoli was hailed as a "mentor," "legend," and "icon" of Yira Mirembe folk music. Following his death, tributes were made in his honor. Thanks to the efforts of the community and a generous benefactor, the President of the Union for the Development of Lubero Butembo-Beni, Musa Muke Vwakyananda, announced Kongoli was transported from the Adventist church in Butembo to the Mulago National Specialised Hospital in Kampala, Uganda on 15 October.

Kongoli died on the morning of 10 December 2025 at the age of 61. located in Cimetière Kitatumba (Kitatumba cemetery). Prominent figures and members of his biological families paid final tributes.