The Ascendance of Theodora: Redefining French Pop with Grit and Vision
In 2022, Lili Théodora Mbangayo Mujinga—known professionally as Theodora—set a strict deadline for herself: she had exactly twelve months to transform her artistic passion into a viable, even if modest, livelihood. It was a high-stakes gamble for the artist, whose nomadic upbringing saw her move from Switzerland to Greece and eventually across France, following her father’s pursuit of a medical degree.
Her journey eventually led her to Saint-Denis, the heart of the “93” department, where she penned the seminal track “Le paradis se trouve dans le 93” (Paradise Is in the 93). This foundational piece served as her gateway to a wider audience, providing the momentum needed to abandon her law and economics studies and commit fully to music. Her initial EPs, including Neptune and the two-part Lili Aux Paradis Artificiels, established her signature sound: a sophisticated blend of contemporary pop laced with rich Afro-Caribbean textures.
The Viral Catalyst
The real turning point arrived with the release of “KONGOLESE SOUS BBL.” Marrying infectious bouyon rhythms with provocative, unapologetic lyrics, the track ignited social media debates and surged up the charts. Far from being a fleeting viral moment, the single peaked at No. 10 on the French Top Singles chart and acted as the vanguard for her full-length project, BAD BOY LOVESTORY.
While the album saw a quiet debut in late 2024, its subsequent reissue as MEGA BBL catapulted Theodora into the stratosphere of French music. By 2025, data from Luminate confirmed her status as the most-streamed Francophone female artist in the country. Her influence extends beyond her solo work; her chart-topping collaboration with Disiz on “Melodrama” further cemented her reputation as the industry’s “secret weapon.”
The Athlete’s Discipline
Before the stage, there was the tatami. Theodora was a competitive judoka, reaching the French national championships. However, her athletic career was marred by the challenges of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). “It was a version of myself that felt impossible to maintain,” she reflects. The hormonal disorder made weight management an agonizing struggle, often forcing her to engage in dangerous practices like excessive water consumption just to qualify for matches.
That same resilience now fuels her music career. She dismisses classist critiques regarding her brief stint in a prestigious preparatory school, noting that her credibility stems from her lived experience and artistic output rather than institutional validation.
A Voice for the “Alternative”
Theodora is acutely aware of her platform. When far-right political figures attempted to use her music on social media, she was quick to denounce them. For her, visibility is a responsibility. This extends to her advocacy for Black women who don’t fit traditional molds. During the Flammes awards, she famously dedicated her victory to “all the slightly weird Black girls.”
“Alternative white women are celebrated as icons. But for too long, alternative Black women have been rendered invisible, as if our existence were an error. It took me a long time to fully embrace my ‘alternative’ identity without fear of being misunderstood.”
The Family Fortress: Boss Lady Records
At the core of her success is a tight-knit creative circle led by her brother and composer, Jeez Suave. Their partnership, reminiscent of the synergy between Billie Eilish and Finneas, is built on mutual respect and creative exploration. This collaboration culminated in the founding of BOSS LADY RECORDS, an independent venture that allows Theodora to maintain total creative control.
As she prepares for 2026, Theodora is signaling a “new era.” Drawing inspiration from global icons like Rihanna and Taylor Swift, she views her career as a series of distinct aesthetic and musical chapters. “When you carry a project with your whole body, you mark a specific moment in time,” she explains. “When you move on, the world should feel that shift.”
Conquering the Stage
Theodora’s ambitions are no longer confined to the recording studio. Choosing the 7,000-capacity Zénith de Paris over smaller, legendary venues, she sold out her upcoming tour dates in mere minutes. Her goal is simple: to become a premier live performer.
“We are aiming for a spectacle on the level of major American productions—complex choreography, intricate set design, and total vocal preparation,” she says. “Music is a sport. To be the best, you have to train like an elite athlete.”
Whether she is walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week or judging on Drag Race France, Theodora continues to expand her horizons. For her, music is just the beginning—a gateway to an eclectic career defined by curiosity, sisterhood, and an unwavering commitment to her own truth.
Originally featured on Billboard France.
