Empire Bakuba is an influential soukous band that formed in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1972.

Other members of Empire Bakuba include guitarists "Boeing 737" Kinanga Nanzao and "Doris" Ebuya Lange, Dokolos, Jolie Bebe and the dancer "Emoro" Tumba Ayila.

They quickly established themselves as one of the leading youth bands of Kinshasa, becoming a constant presence in the Congolese charts[7] and a major part of the soukous scene in the 1970s and 1980s.

Empire Bakuba's live performances were highly scenographic, with frontman Pepe Kalle, who was six feet tall and weighing 300 pounds,[8] accompanied by dwarf dancer Emoro.

Emoro was replaced by three Pygmy dancers and Empire's live performances became even more similar to circus shows.