Fiston Maketa was born in 1981 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. He also lives and works in Congo. He was fond of drawing since childhood and also penciled on the floor. He used to paint billboards during his teens for a living. He started his artistic career in 1999 when hi learned from his mentor Lukojo Nsumbu. He also started painting on flour sacks.

He describes himself as a contemporary popular artist. He is greatly inspired by his daily life in Kinshasa and his works reflect his imagination, scenes of everyday life in Congo in a playful and joyful manner. He has a unique style and whatever comes to his mind goes on the canvas. The art work of Fiston Maketa is a reflection of the two Congos, the Congolese society.

The self-taught artist prefers warm colors on his art and also puts himself on stage. We can see him in several paintings with his loved ones and family members. He presents his culture by showing the joy of being together with loved ones and the joy that exists in Congo despite the difficult situation. He highlights smile in his work to show strength and resistance against the uncertainty, difficulty and misery.

Fiston Maketa was a part of a Solo Exhibition in 2021 at the Galerie Basango in Congo. He stayed in Colombia for 5 years and came back to Congo with the idea to re-launch activities which focus on exhibitions that will showcase the artwork by Africans, Afro-descendants and Congolese artists.