Hilarion NguemaGabon |1943| FrenchHilarion Nguema is a Gabonese musician and one of the founding fathers of modern Gabonese music. Nguema fronted Orchestre Afro-Success in the early '80s, refining his guitar style to include the makossa and soukous influences of Cameroon and Zaire. He has released several albums and has a discography that includes songs such as "Dvaluation, Pt. 2" and "L'argent." Nguema's music incorporates elements of makossa and soukous, creating a unique sound that has gained him popularity in Gabon and beyond. Nguema's music has garnered massive streams on several platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Discogs. Overall, Hilarion Nguema has made significant contributions to the music scene in Gabon and has played a crucial role in shaping modern Gabonese music.
Carlyto LassaCongo |1961| FrenchCharles Lassa, also known as Carlyto, is a Congolese musician and songwriter, who began his music career at age 17. He was discovered by the baritone Gérard Madiata and later worked with guitarist Lutumba Simaro. Carlyto collaborated with "Ok Jazz" as non-band member and later joined the Choc Star orchestra where he recorded several successful songs with them. In the 90s, he settled in Paris and recorded a solo album. Carlyto became a Christian preacher and his last recorded album was in 2001.
MeiwayIvory Coast |1962| FrenchFrédéric Ehui, professionally known as Meiway, is a renowned Ivorian singer, songwriter, and composer. He is credited with inventing a unique musical style called Zoblazo. Inspired by the folk rhythms of the Akan, Zoblazo incorporates traditional percussion and modern orchestration into his music. Meiway's second album, 200% Zoblazo, brought him fame in 1991, and he went on to win the title of best singer in Ivory Coast. Meiway's music is danced with a white handkerchief, a symbol of joy, purity, and peace.
Kristo NumpubyCameroon |1964| FrenchKristo Numpuby, the talented Cameroonian guitarist, bassist, and singer, began his musical journey at a young age, composing songs and developing an interest in percussion. Inspired by local performers in his village, he immersed himself in diverse genres and styles, blending classical, jazz, rhythm and blues, and Cameroonian music. With his first guitar at 12, he formed a trio performing his original compositions, showcasing their versatility. Despite initial skepticism, Kristo remained connected to his roots, fusing assiko music with unconventional percussion. His encounter with advertising propelled his musical career, leading to acclaimed albums and collaborations. Kristo Numpuby's music reflects his deep passion, diverse exploration, and cultural heritage.
Diblo DibalaCongo (Democratic Republic of the) |1954| FrenchDiblo Dibala, also known as “Machine Gun,” is a Congolese Soukous musician. He started playing guitar in Franco’s TPOK band after winning a talent competition at the age of 15. He later played with Vox Africa, Orchestra Bella Mambo, and Bella Bella, where he first played with Kanda Bongo Man. In 1979, he moved to Brussels and joined Kanda Bongo Man’s band in Paris. In the mid-1980s, he assembled his own band, Loketo, with singers Aurlus Mabele and Mav Cacharel. After the band broke up, he went on to form a new group called Matchatcha in 1990. Beyond his work with Loketo, Diblo Dibala has collaborated with a multitude of artists, both within Africa and beyond.
J'DessNigeria |1990| EnglishJoy Chioma Ebiem, also known as J'Dess, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and musician. Ebiem started her career as a gospel singer but began to gain prominence on the Nigerian music scene in 2017 when she participated in the reality TV singing competition, "The Voice Nigeria" Season 2 and finished as one of the finalist. She has since worked with artists such as Waje, Larry Gaga, BK, Zoro, and The Cavemen.. J'Dess debuted as an actress in the movie "Wind of Destiny."
Guy LobèCameroon |1959| FrenchGuy Lobè, whose real name doubles as his stage name, was a Cameroonian singer, lyricist, and multi-instrumentalist well-known for singing the makossa genre. He started performing music in school before performing at major cabarets in the city. In 1984, he released his debut album, "Dégager," which was followed by his second, "Mon amie à moi," in 1986. He was well-known in Africa and abroad and was said to have collaborated with prominent artists globally before his passing in 2015.
Fode BaroGuinea |1976| FrenchThe Lengenry Afro-Zouk musician, Fode Baro is a Guinean singer and songwriter who was born in the year 1976. He is enchanted by the one called the Dragon of African song.
