Libianca Kenzonkinboum Fonji (born July 23, 2000), known mononymously as Libianca, is a Cameroonian singer. She is best known for her breakout single "People" (2022). She previously competed in the 21st season of American TV show The Voice in 2021.
Early life Libianca Kenzonkinboum Fonji was born on July 23, 2000 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In an interview with BBC News Pidgin, Libianca recalled that when she was four years old, her family experienced issues with immigration. Her mother decided to have the family relocate to Bamenda, Cameroon, before they could be deported. In her upbringing in Bamenda, Libianca sung in gospel choirs and attended a boarding school, where she learned how to play the guitar.
2021–present: The Voice and "People" In 2021, Libianca competed on the twenty-first season of NBC's The Voice, where Blake Shelton was her coach. She made her way to the top 20 before being eliminated. Her covers of "Everything I Wanted" and "Woman" on the show were later released as singles via West Side Creative Agency.
Performances on The Voice season 21 RoundTheme Song Original Artist Order Original Air Date Result Blind Auditions rowspan="4" "Good Days" SZA 5.8 October 4, 2021 Ariana and Blake turned; Joined Team Blake Battles (Top 48) "Save Your Tears" The Weeknd 8.2 October 12, 2021 Saved by coach Knockouts (Top 32) "Everything I Wanted" Billie Eilish 11.5 October 25, 2021 Live Playoffs (Top 20) "Woman" Doja Cat 15.17 November 8, 2021 Eliminated
Libianca signed to 5K Records and Sony in 2022. In December of that year, she released "People", a song inspired by her cyclothymia. The song debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard Afrobeats chart, at No. 1 in UK Afrobeats chart, peaked at No. 2 in UK Official chart, and received wide attention across social media.
Libianca performed as an opening at Alicia Keys' 2023 Keys to the Summer Tour.
In April 2024, Libianca announced that she was postponing her North American tour following death threats for performing with a Cameroonian flag issued by separatists fighting in the Anglophone Crisis. The separatists consider the Cameroonian flag brandished by the singer as a sign of support for President Paul Biya, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders and dictators.
Artistry Libianca takes influence from genres prevalent in her upbringing, such as Cameroonian music, Nigerian music, and highlife. She describes her music as an "intersection of R&B, Afrobeats, [and] soul". Her songwriting has been praised by publications such as Complex UK for its honesty.
Discography Extended plays + List of EPs, with selected details Title Details Walk Away Released: December 8, 2023 Format: Digital Label: 5K Records, Sony
Singles +List of singles and selected peak chart positionsTitleYearPeak chart positionsCertifications AUS CAN FRA NLD NZ SWE SWI UK US WW "Level"2019 — — — — — — — — — — "My Place"2020 — — — — — — — — — — "Revenge" — — — — — — — — — — "Thank You"2021 — — — — — — — — — — "Special Lovin'" — — — — — — — — — —"People"2022 22 39 19 1 2 16 9 2 80 20 ARIA: Platinum BPI: 2× Platinum IFPI SWI: 2× Platinum MC: Platinum NVPI: 2× Platinum RIAA: Platinum RMNZ: 4× Platinum SNEP: Diamond "Jah" 2023 — — — — — — — — — — "Let Me Be in Your Arms" 2026 — — — — — — — 64 — —
Other charted songs +List of other charted songs and selected peak chart positionsTitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum NZHot "Mistaken" 2024 16 Walk Away
Awards Africa Entertainment Awards USA
! |- |rowspan=3|2023 |rowspan=2|Herself |Best Francophone Female Artist/Group | |rowspan=3| |- |Best Female Artist
|"People" |Song of the Year
The Future Awards Africa
! |- |rowspan="1" |2023 |Herself |Prize for Music
MTV Video Music Awards
! |- |rowspan="1" |2023 | People | Best Afrobeats
References