His full name was Delphin Katembo Vinyasiki, but he released his music under Delcat Idinco (also spelled as “Delcat Idengo” and Delcat Idingo”). The Congolese musician and activist was fatally shot on February 13, 2025, in Goma, the capital city of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while filming a music video.
Idinco was known for songs that addressed corruption, armed conflict, and governance in the DRC, and his death is yet another harsh reminder of the growing insecurity in the region. The region has suffered from decades-long instability, and around 350,000 people have been internally displaced from fighting around Goma and Minova from the most recent attacks.
Idinco’s death came at a time when tensions were rising in North Kivu, where the Congolese military has been battling various armed groups, including the M23 rebel movement. Idinco was one of hundreds of inmates who escaped a prison in Goma, after M23 militants seized the city in January. Idinco was awaiting trial when he escaped, after having been arrested on charges of inciting violence – a common offense thrown at artists who sing critically of their governments.
Idinco was filming a video for his latest release, “Bundukiza Kwetu” (“Our Guns”), an audio version of which he had uploaded to his YouTube channel the day before his death. The lyrics specifically condemn M23 and ADF as occupying forces in Goma.
In the wake of Idinco’s murder, protesters have taken to the streets of Beni, Idinco’s birthplace, to demand justice.
Both the DRC government and the M23 point their fingers at each other, and only time will tell if any justice will come out of this awful situation. While Idinco is yet another creative professional whose life has been violently taken (likely with complete and disgraceful impunity), his music will live on forever. The song can not be killed.
