AWILO LONGOMBA is the son of Vicky Longomba, co-founder of OK Jazz before Franco later turned it into TP OK Jazz. Awilo began his musical journey as a drummer in Viva La Musica, touring extensively with the band across Japan, Europe, America, and throughout Africa.
In the early 1990s, while with Viva La Musica, Longomba began drumming for various Congolese bands, including Orchestre Stukas and Loketo. In 1991, he toured Kenya for the first time, accompanying Aurlus Mabélé and the Loketo band as a drummer
A year later, he parted ways with Viva La Musica and founded his band, La Nouvelle Génération, of which he became the bandleader, accompanied by members Luciana de Mingongo, Lidjo Kwempa, Fataki Ndoko José, Maray Maray, Maestro Fanfan, and Fafa de Molokaï.
The newly established group swiftly garnered acclaim in Africa and produced several albums. He collaborated on numerous records in France and toured globally with prominent African artists. He became a French citizen in 1994, having married a French woman.
He rose to fame across Africa and among the continent's diaspora in Europe. Moto Pamba won him two consecutive Best Artist of Central Africa at the 1996 and 1997 Kora Awards.
In 1998, William unveiled his second studio album, Coupé Bibamba. The album's eponymous single (featuring Jocelyne Béroard on vocals), became a chart-topper in Africa and gained a considerable following in Europe and America. It is often often regarded as one of Africa's most acclaimed Lingala songs. William became the first artist to sell out the Lagos National Stadium for three consecutive days. The song was later featured in the World Tribute to the Funk compilation album by Sony Music, featuring a new funk remix titled "Comment Tu T'Appelles" with James D-Train Williams.
William is the first Congolese artist to have performed in São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as the only Sub-Saharan African, along with Miriam Makeba, to have performed in Libya during the creation of the African Union.
His third studio album Kafou Kafou, debuted in July 2000, later won him the Judges' Special Awards at the 2001 Kora Awards for his contribution to African music.
In September 2003, he issued his fourth studio album, Mondongo. In August 2008, he published his fifth studio album, Superman. In 2009, William clinched the accolade of Best Soukous Entertainer at the IRAWMA Awards.