Orchestre Moto is a New York and Los Angeles-based band with a constellation of roots, from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, Lubumbashi to Pointe-Noire, dedicated to showcasing the Congolese sound. Moto means “fire” in Lingala: a name that reflects the explosive, high-energy African dance music they bring to the stage. The ensemble performs genres such as rumba, sebene, mutuashi, and ndombolo—styles born in post-independence Africa that blend traditional rhythms with electric guitar and Afro-Cuban influences.

Founding & Leadership

Julian Apter: After years on the scene, Julian founded Orchestre Moto to provide an organizational platform for the incredible Congolese musicians he found himself performing alongside. Following a formative five-year tenure under the mentorship of Nkumu Katalay in the Lifelong Project Band, he has collaborated with legendary figures including Samba Mapangala, Ngouma Lokito, and Ricardo Lemvo. In December 2025, Julian traveled to Kinshasa to study and perform with Werrason, leader of one of the most influential Congolese bands of all time. As president, Julian oversees the band's bi-coastal operations and the mission of its nonprofit wing, Congo Culture Connection.

Solo De Kanto: Originally from Bandundu Province in the DRC, Solo De Kanto is a master guitarist and arranger whose career includes tenures with icons such as Adolphe Dominguez, Wenge Tonya Tonya, Chancelier Desi Mbwese and Planète Elegance. Orchestre Moto isn't just inspired by the Congolese sound; it is powered by De Kanto’s firsthand experience actively shaping the music scene in the DRC before arriving in the U.S. several years ago. De Kanto serves as the primary architect of the ensemble's sophisticated arranging techniques and high-octane live sound. 

The NY Division  

The New York division represents the ensemble's foundation. The lineup features a powerhouse of veteran talent, including lead guitarist Solo De Kanto, vocalists Parfam Mandiangu and Calibre Douze, bassist Maxwell Fleischman, and a legendary percussion section with Maixant Massamba, Rocssy Mahania, and Andoche Loubaki. For full-scale productions, the ensemble expands to include pianist Obed Mbasi and high-energy choreography from Tchappo Tshikuna and Khadijah Koumbassa (@dejajolie__).

The LA Division

Orchestre Moto’s expansion to the West Coast was spearheaded by Julian Apter and legendary guitar virtuoso Huit Kilos (Tabu Ley Rochereau, Afrisa International). This division serves as a powerful hub for Congolese excellence in Southern California, featuring a core lineup of world-class resident artists including Chella Mputu (vocalist; Koffi Olomide, JB Mpiana), Parigo Asuka (drummer, Afrisa), Kamale Lutumama (vocalist, Desi Mbwese), and Yassin Amazulu (percussion, Afrisa).

Recent Recognition & Impact

In 2026, Orchestre Moto’s work reached a new level of national validation:

• The New York Times: Mentioned for its performance for the launch of New Voyager Magazine, marking the ensemble's growing visibility within New York's premier cultural circuit.

• The Brooklyn Rail: Highlighted in a full length April 2026 feature profile, which explored the group’s role in preserving the Grand Orchestre tradition for a new generation.

• Civic Partnership: Congo Culture Connection was selected as an official NYC DOT Programming Partner, bringing large scale orchestral performances and dance workshops to the New York City public square via the Open Streets initiative.

Performance & Mission

Since its inception in Summer 2024, Orchestre Moto has performed at premier venues and festivals across the country, including the International African Arts Festival, BRIC Brooklyn, The Sultan Room, Mercury Lounge, Barbés, and Motherland Music. The ensemble has also partnered with the Jackson Heights Beautification Group and the NY DOT / CABID "Open Streets" initiative to bring free, community-oriented performances to public spaces.

The 2026 Summer Season includes a major tour with stops at:  

The Brand Summer Music Series (Glendale, CA), Summer Fest at Liberty State Park (Jersey City, NJ), Unity Hearts Festival (Springfield, MA), and Wakanda Celebration Festival (Poughkeepsie, NY).

Beyond the stage, the band serves as the flagship for the nonprofit Congo Culture Connection. Their mission is to ensure Congolese musicians earn a dignified, livable wage for their immense cultural labor while facilitating deep creative exchange between both Congos (DRC and Republic of the Congo) and the United States. They aim to bridge the Anglophone and Francophone worlds, and rebalance the lens of crisis through which Congo is often seen, providing the resources and programming necessary to present these traditions with the scale and respect they deserve while building a lasting community across the Atlantic.

Orchestre Moto operates officially as Maison Moto LLC, which serves as more than just a production house; we are a dedicated employer for African music specialists, some of them still navigating the transition to the United States. In partnership with our nonprofit arm, Congo Culture Connection, we provide a stable, official professional home for master artists, ensuring they receive dignified wages, legal employment history, and the resources needed to establish their lives and careers in their new community. By hiring through Maison Moto LLC, our clients directly support the professional stability and legal standing of world-class artists as they build their futures in New York and beyond.

The group is currently working on its debut album.