Theodora: The Woman Behind the Modern French Sound

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In 2022, Lili Théodora Mbangayo Mujinga, known professionally as Theodora, set herself a challenging goal: to make a living from her art within one year. Born in Switzerland and having lived in Greece, her childhood was marked by frequent relocations as her father pursued a medical career. These experiences shaped her artistry, particularly in her track “Le paradis se trouve dans le 93” (“Paradise Is in the 93”), inspired by her time in Saint-Denis.

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Theodora’s breakthrough came when her music allowed her to continue pursuing her passion. She left her law-and-economics preparatory program after just months of study to fully immerse herself in music. Her early EPs—*Neptune, Lili Aux Paradis Artificiels* and *Lili Aux Paradis Artificiels: Tome 2*—established a distinctive hybrid pop sound with Afro-Caribbean influences.

Less than a year later, she released “KONGOLESE SOUS BBL,” which combined bouyon rhythms with bold themes. This track not only captured public attention but also sparked discussions, ultimately reaching No. 10 on the France Top Singles chart two months post-release.

Initially perceived as part of a viral trend shaped by short-form videos, the song laid the foundation for her success with *BAD BOY LOVESTORY*, released on November 1, 2024. Despite a modest debut at No. 119 on the Top Albums chart, the album’s reissue as *MEGA BBL* a year later established it as one of France’s top successes of 2025.

Theodora’s influence extends beyond her own releases. Her collaboration on “melodrama” with disiz has dominated charts for over two months. Luminate data shows she has become the most-streamed francophone female artist in France for 2025.

The Genesis

Before her musical journey, Theodora was passionate about judo, reaching the French national championships. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “It was a version of myself that wasn’t possible,” partly due to her struggles with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which complicated her weight management in the sport.

After finishing high school, she enrolled in a law and economics program but left to focus on her music career. “I often see people using a classist argument to defend me by pointing to that prep school, but… I never finished it,” she explained.

A Political Artist?

Theodora took a stand when her music was used by Jordan Bardella, a prominent figure of France’s far-right Rassemblement National party. She stated, “When you become famous, your words carry weight,” emphasizing the importance of informed communication on social issues.

Her tenure on the Brittany Regional Youth Council, where she later led the culture commission, was not about political ambition, but about empowering the youth. “It was more about opening the door to demands than about institutions,” she remarked.

Theodora’s experiences of constant relocation and encounters with racism profoundly influence her art and public statements. “I feel like I’ve sensed it my whole life… it’s today that I experience it the most,” she noted, sharing an anecdote of being mistaken for someone else solely due to her race.

She observed that while not everyone harbors prejudice, many outside Île-de-France lack exposure to diversity, leading to preconceived notions. “Some of us are French too, and even when we’re not, we’re producing work in France that contributes to its soft power,” she said.

A Family Creative Cocoon

Theodora collaborates closely with her brother and composer, Jeez Suave. Their partnership, likened to that of Billie Eilish and Finneas, is built on mutual respect. “He’s truly my best friend,” she stated, highlighting their strong bond both personally and professionally.

In late 2024, they co-founded BOSS LADY RECORDS, a name that aligns with Theodora’s identity. “Being together every day, 17 hours a day, I feel like we’ve known each other for years,” she described their creative process.

Being a Black Woman in 2025’s France

At the Flammes awards ceremony in May, Theodora dedicated her win to “all the slightly weird Black girls,” a message that resonated widely on social media. “They come up to me, they thank me. I didn’t think it would have that much impact,” she remarked.

On *BAD BOY LOVESTORY*, she embodies a confident persona, which has become her signature. However, she emphasizes the importance of kindness and sisterhood in an industry often dominated by male producers. “This industry isn’t anti-girls—it’s anti-women,” she stated, critiquing the systemic challenges women face in music.

A New Era

As 2026 approaches, Theodora is preparing for a new phase in her career, inspired by American pop stars’ concepts of musical “eras.” She expressed admiration for artists like Rihanna, saying, “when you carry a project with your whole body, you mark it in time.”

France, Then the World?

Her collaboration “MASOKO NA MABELE” with Nigerian-British producer Thisizlondon showcases her ambitions beyond France. “Today, those ambitions are even stronger,” she said, noting the warm reception from international audiences.

While acknowledging the language barrier, she believes that each language carries its unique richness. “Every language also has something unique, things that can’t be translated,” she remarked.

First Tour

For her debut tour, Theodora chose to perform at the Zénith de Paris instead of the smaller Olympia venue, selling out all four shows within minutes. “We really have the ambition of an American-style show,” she stated, emphasizing the scale and spectacle of the production.

She is focused on becoming the best performer she can be, incorporating extensive preparations. “Music is a sport, and to be the best, you have to train,” she explained.

Support From the LGBT Community

Theodora’s appearance on *Drag Race France* alongside Mami Watta connected her further with the LGBT community, which she identifies with. Her background working at La Gaîté Lyrique introduced her to the ballroom culture, inspiring her appreciation for expression and unity.

New Territories

“I think music reveals one side of me and allows others to exist,” Theodora concluded, expressing her curiosity about exploring other artistic domains. Following her runway debut for designer Rohan Mirza during Paris Fashion Week spring/summer 2026, she is considering several creative avenues.

“I’m a very curious person. I don’t know if I’d talk about a ‘career’ in other fields—that’s a word you can only use after you’ve succeeded,” she said, reflecting on her multifaceted artistic journey.

This article originally appeared on Billboard France.