Mélomé ClémentBenin |1934| FrenchMélomé Clément was a highly influential Beninese musician and the conductor and saxophonist of the Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo. Clément started his career in 1968 with the Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo and managed to keep the group's flame alive, though it went under for a period and returned in 2009. He and his band was able to bring their stunning combination of funk, soul, voodoo rhythms, and Afrobeat to the world stages. Mélomé Clément passed away at the age of 67 following a heart attack.
Peter MilesUganda |1980| LugandaPeter Miles, whose real name is Peter Kanyike, is a prominent Ugandan reggae and dancehall artist, songwriter, and music producer. Born into a musically inclined family, he started his African dancehall career at 14. Peter Miles released his first single, "One Time," in 2003. He has released several hit songs that have become anthems in Uganda and beyond. Tracks like "One Time," "Owange," "Muwala," "Ruckus," "Oah Aah," and "Combination" have not only topped charts but also showcased his versatility as an artist. He's received accolades, including Best Dancehall Video at the Kisima Awards in Kenya (2004–2005), cementing his musical prowess. Peter Miles serves as a brand ambassador for Motorola in Uganda, further showcasing his influence.
Francois Misse NgohCameroon |1949| FrenchFrançois Missé Ngoh, is a celebrated Cameroonian musician, who embarked on his remarkable journey from modest beginnings to worldwide acclaim. While studying accounting and shorthand typing in Yaoundé, he discovered his passion for music and self-taught himself to play the guitar. In 1970 he Joined "Los Calvinos" band and became the group's informal leader, captivating audiences with his virtuosic guitar skills. In 1975, François signed a contract with Sonafric studios in France, leading to the release of his highly successful albums "Ngon'a Suza" and "Charlotte Amélie. Known as "The Quiet Man of Makossa," he has released 40 albums and earned the title of "Cameroonian Artist of the Century." François Missé Ngoh's cultural influence and musical artistry continue to leave a lasting legacy.
Khaira ArbyMali |1959| FrenchKhaira Arby, the renowned Malian singer and songwriter, earned the moniker "The Nightingale of Timbuktu" during her illustrious music career. Starting young, she mesmerized audiences with her voice at events, eventually gaining international acclaim in the early 2000s, notably at the Festival au Desert. Beyond Africa, she toured extensively, leaving a musical legacy admired for its fearless social and political commentary. Sadly, her passing has left a void, but her inspiring legacy lives on.
Abderrahmane AbdelliAlgeria |1958| BerberAbderrahmane Abdelli is a singer-songwriter from Algeria. His music blends traditional Algerian music with modern styles like jazz, rock, and electronic music. Abdelli released his debut album, "Khali," in 1986, which was well-received and established him as a pioneer of Algerian music. His lyrics, mostly in the Berber language, deal with themes such as identity, exile, and the struggle for freedom, promoting Algeria's cultural heritage and giving a voice to the Berber people. Abdelli has collaborated with renowned musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, and Sinead O'Connor, and his music has been featured in film soundtracks. Abdelli's unique style and innovative approach have earned him fans worldwide, inspiring and influencing musicians with his message through music.
Justin ValiMadagascar |1964| FrenchJustin Rakotondrasoa, also known as Justin Vali, is a celebrated musician and multi-instrumentalist from Madagascar based in Paris. He is renowned for his mastery of the Vahili, a traditional Malagasy instrument. Vali's career took off in the late 1980s with contributions to compilations, leading to his own albums from 1990. His breakthrough came in 1994 with "Ny Marina" recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios. Collaborations like "The Sunshine Within" with Paddy Bush and the Malagasy All Stars project showcased his versatility. Vali frequently performs at music festivals, including WOMAD. In 2006, he received the Grand Prize for Traditional Music from the French songwriters' guild. His contributions to Malagasy music and mastery of the valiha have solidified his place in the world of world music.
Dr K. Gyasi'S Noble Kings Of GhanaGhana |1949| GaK. Gyasi's Noble Kings Band of Ghana is a group led by Kweme Gyasi from Ghana. K. Gyasi has worked hard in the the music industry. And he has worked with so many artists in from Ghana as well. He worked with Agymang. O.T.P. and other. He was one of the influential artist in Ghana.
