Hamid BaroudiAlgeria |1960| ArabicHamid Baroudi is an Algerian social activist, musician and singer known for his unique blend of ethno-pop and multicultural influences. He's considered a pioneer of world music and recognized for his ability to mix Eastern roots with Western rhythms and modern sounds. He has a long history of musical experimentation and has worked with various bands before pursuing a successful solo career. His music has topped charts in multiple countries and he has received recognition and accolades for his work.
Kelly KhumaloSouth Africa |1984| ZuluKelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo, known as Kelly Khumalo, is a South African artist with a diverse range of talents that include singing, songwriting, acting, and dancing. Her debut studio album, T.K.O, was released in 2005 and it met with great success. This propelled her to the forefront of the Afro-pop music scene and earned her the title of Best Newcomer. Khumalo went on to release several more albums, including "The Past, The Present, The Future" in 2012, which garnered her an award in 2013.
Tamrat DestaEthiopia |1978| AmharicTamrat Desta was a renowned Ethiopian singer-songwriter who gained fame during the 2000s. He began his career in Dire Dawa in 1998, performing as a singer before moving to Addis Ababa to pursue music professionally. Tamrat released his debut album "Anleyaym" in 2004, followed by "Kanchi Aybeltm" in 2008, and "Keza Sefer" in 2014. Tragically, Tamrat passed away in 2018 due to a mild illness, cutting short a promising career.
Arielle TGabon |1978| FrenchArielle Tomby, professionally known as Arielle T, is a Gabonese singer-songwriter, known for her performances in Afro-zouk, RnB, soul, and Afro-soul music. She was first revealed in 1988 as a lead singer in the group Mballa and has a reputation as an excellent dancer and stage actor. Arielle has released several albums, including "Mes envies" in 2010 and "A Nu" in 2013. Arielle T has also collaborated with other artists like Shan'L, Tina, and Dibi Dobo.
LatifaTunisia |1961| ArabicLatifa El Arfaoui is a Tunisian singer known for her traditional style of music. She began her career in the 1970s and has since released multiple albums, many of which have become popular in Tunisia and throughout the Arab world. She's known for her powerful voice and emotive performances, and has been praised for her ability to convey the emotions of the lyrics in her songs. In addition to her singing career, Latifa has also appeared in several films and television shows.
Rocky DawuniGhana |1969| EnglishRocky Dawuni is a two-time GRAMMY nominated singer, songwriter, producer and activist. He is known for his unique "Afro Roots" sound, which straddles the boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. He is also a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa, a UN Foundation Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance and a Global Ambassador for the World Day of African and Afrodescendant Culture, using his music and platform to raise awareness on important global issues.
Eyob MekonnenEthiopia |1975| AmharicEyob Mekonnen Yalem was an Ethiopian reggae artist often referred to as one of the pioneers of reggae music in Ethiopia. From a young age, his passion for music was evident, and he channeled it by forming a 5-person band known as the Zion Band. In 2007, he marked his musical journey with the release of his debut album, "Ende Kal." During this time, he was signed to the Yisakal Entertainment record label. Subsequently, he embarked on a solo career that led him to tour various parts of Europe and North America. Sadly, Eyob Mekonnen Yalem's blooming career was cut short by illness, and he passed away in 2013, leaving behind a rich legacy in Ethiopian reggae music.
NiyolaNigeria |1985| EnglishEniola Akinbo, popularly known as Niyola or EME First Lady, is an award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter. Niyola's musical career began when she participated in the AMEN Starlet competition. Emerging as the first runner-up, she got signed under Freestyle's Make-Sum Noise Entertainment. Under the label, Niyola released her first singles, "Me n U (in da club)', 'No More' and 'Dem Say'. She has released numerous hit singles and albums, and earned an award in her name.
