Ahmed FakrounLibya |1953| ArabicWith roots in Benghazi, Libya, Ahmed Fakroun, a name that serves as his birth name and stage name, is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, composer, and the founder of contemporary Arab World Music. His love for music began when he was young, and through the years he has grown as a musician by mastering a variety of instruments and exploring music from around the globe. He has performed on stage with well-known musicians all around the world and has garnered international renown.
Suzanna OwiyoKenya |1975| SwahiliSuzanna Owiyo is a celebrated Kenyan musician, known for her powerful vocals and fusion of traditional Luo rhythms with contemporary sounds. Her socially conscious music promotes African culture and advocates for positive change. Owiyo gained popularity with her debut album "Hodi Hodi" and has released several successful albums including "Anyango" and "Sarafina." Along with her musical career, she is a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Sokobila Waste Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation and waste management. Owiyo's commitment to music and philanthropy has earned her recognition globally, performing on prestigious stages and collaborating with renowned artists. With her talent and dedication to positive change, she is an influential figure in the Kenyan music industry and a role model for social activism.
ToguyCameroon |1947| FrenchToto Guillaume is a renowned Cameroonian guitarist, singer, songwriter/composer, author, and producer. He played a key role in elevating the Makossa genre and considered the master of the genre. As a talented musician, he revolutionized the genre by introducing new instruments such as the violin. He made his debut with the Douala Hall College Orchestra and later joined the "Blacks Styles" orchestra. He gained national success with his composition "Na Bolone Ndol'a Ngo" and further success with the title "Mba na na é".
Evoloko JockerCongo |1954| FrenchEvoloko Atshuamo, known as Evoloko Jocker or Lay Lay, is a renowned Congolese soukous singer. He rose to fame as the frontman and band leader of Zaiko Langa Langa, a prominent soukous band in the late 1960s. Evoloko, alongside talented musicians like Papa Wemba and Mavuela Somo, pioneered the popular cavacha sound and dance style. His exceptional songwriting, electrifying performances, and dance skills solidified Zaiko's position as the country's top band for young people. Evoloko briefly left Zaiko and formed Isifi Lokole, but later founded Langa Langa Stars alongside former Zaiko members and Dindo Yogo. Despite lineup changes, the band achieved significant success. Evoloko continued his musical journey with solo projects and collaborations, including occasional reunions with Zaiko Langa Langa.
Gadji CeliIvory Coast |1961| FrenchGadji Celi was a professional football player and singer-songwriter from Ivory Coast. He began his soccer career with the Stella Club of Abidjan in 1983 and later became the captain of the national team in 1992. Celi was known for his sharp playing on the field and his songwriting skills off the field, where he wrote songs inspired by soccer teams participating in the annual African Cup competition. Celi's reputation as a songwriter continued to grow, and he wrote hits such as "Et Dieu Crea l'Asec," "Egypt 86," "Morocco 88," and "Algeria 90." He eventually transitioned into writing more romantic-themed songs, and in 2000, he was a finalist in the Best Arrangement category of the KORA All-Africa Awards. Gadji Celi remains a well-respected musician.
Thione SeckSenegal |1955| WolofThione Ballago Seck was a Senegalese musician, composer, and songwriter known for his unique fusion of traditional Senegalese music, Cuban rhythms, and modern pop. He began his career as a member of Orchestra Baobab and later formed his group, Raam Daan. Seck's solo career took off in the mid-1980s, and he went on to become one of the most successful musicians in Senegal and West Africa. He was also involved in several philanthropic endeavors in his home country. Seck died on March 14, 2021.
Ismaël LôSenegal |1956| FrenchIsmaël Lô is a Senegalese singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, who plays the guitar and harmonica. He is fondly called the "Bob Dylan of Africa." Lô found his love music at an early age, making music with a homemade one-string guitar. He began his career in the 1970s and has released multiple albums over the years. His music is a blend of traditional Senegalese sounds and Western influences, and he sings in multiple languages including French, Wolof, and English.
