Drakensberg Boys ChoirSouth Africa |1920| EnglishFounded in 1967, South Africa's Drakensberg Boys Choir seamlessly weaves academic education with a robust choral program, shaping boys for life and leadership in a Christian setting. Their diverse musical repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary, enchants global audiences through high-energy performances at renowned venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. The choir boasts numerous awards for musical excellence and cultural contributions, having collaborated with notable figures such as Paul McCartney and Nelson Mandela.
Alice FitoussiAlgeria |1916| ArabicAlice Fitoussi, an Algerian singer and musician born in Bordj Bou Arréridj, inherited her musical talent from her father, Rahmim Fitoussi, a singer and violinist, under whose tutelage she honed her craft. Releasing her debut record at just thirteen, Fitoussi's legacy resurfaced in 2006 through the "Trésors de la Chanson Judéo-Arabe" series, showcasing her recordings to a wider audience. Notably, she tailored her performances, using an all-female orchestra for Muslim women audiences and exclusively male accompaniment for Muslim men. Her adaptability and musical finesse left an enduring mark on Algerian music
Zied GharsaTunisia |1975| ArabicZied Gharsa, a Tunisian musician and singer, inherited a rich musical legacy from his father, Tahar Gharsa, and absorbed the Tunisian malouf traditions through family tutelage. Influenced by the esteemed Khemaïs Tarnane, he honed his craft, becoming a maestro in Tunisian music. Recognized as Officer of the National Order of Merit, Gharsa's dedication to preserving and evolving his country's musical heritage marks him as a prominent figure in Tunisia's cultural landscape.
William H. Chapman NyahoGhana |1958| EnglishWilliam H. Chapman Nyaho (surname Chapman Nyaho; b. Washington, D.C., 1958) is a Ghanaian American concert pianist specializing in solo piano music by composers from Africa and the African diaspora. He graduated from the Achimota School in Achimota, where he studied piano with John Barham. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in music from St Peter's College, Oxford University, an M.M. from the Eastman School of Music, and a D.M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He has also studied at the Conservatoire de Musique de Genève. He has taught at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Colby College and Willamette University. He currently teaches privately and performs nationally and internationally giving recitals, masterclasses and workshops. His repertoire includes music by Gamal Abdel-Rahim, Margaret Bonds, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Robert Nathaniel Dett, Halim El-Dabh, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Gyimah Labi, and Joshua Uzoigwe. He has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe, as well as in China. He has compiled and edited a five-volume anthology Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora published by Oxford University Press.[1] He lives in Seattle, Washington.
AsmahanSyrian Arab Republic |1912| ArabicAmal al-Atrash, known by her stage name Asmahan, was a renowned Syrian-Egyptian singer with an exceptional vocal talent, recognized from a young age. Her remarkable voice spanned a wide range, encompassing contralto and dramatic mezzo-soprano. Asmahan, skilled in playing the 'oud, began singing at a young age, performing at events and making recordings. She was invited by an Egyptian record company at the age of 14 to create her first album, featuring the debut song "Ya Nar Fouadi." Notably, her voice posed significant competition to Umm Kulthum's, making her a cultural icon celebrated for her independence and provocative style. Unfortunately, she passed away at a young age.