Prince EyangoCameroon |1960| FrenchNdedi Eyango, also known as Prince Eyango, is a Cameroonian musician and founder/leader of his Les Montagnards band. He recorded his first five albums in France before relocating to the United States in 1993, where he has been based since. Eyango sings in both French and English and is known for his biggest hit, "You Must Calculate," which was released in 1987. In the same year, he was awarded "best artist of the year" by the Minister of Culture in Cameroon. Eyango is also a producer and owns a company called Preya Music. He has toured extensively in Africa, Europe, and North America and was nominated for the World Music category at the LA Weekly Music Awards in 2000.
Hoigen EkwallaCameroon |1959| FrenchHoigen Ekwalla, born as Ekwalla Mpouli Eugėne, was a renowned Cameroonian singer and composer who left an indelible mark on the music industry. From a young age, Ekwalla displayed remarkable musical talent. In 1982, he released his debut album "Ndol'am," receiving widespread acclaim and setting the stage for a successful musical journey. His album "Chat Botté" earned him the prestigious "Disque d'Or" award in 1988, solidifying his position as a beloved artist. Honored as "Artist of the Year" in 1994, Ekwalla's brilliance and impact on the Cameroonian music scene were undeniable. Although he temporarily ventured into business due to piracy frustrations, music remained his passion. His passing in 2008 left a void, but his legacy lives on through his timeless music.
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.
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.
Soum BillIvory Coast |1972| FrenchSoumahoro Ben Mamadou, also known as Soum Bill, is an Ivorian zouglou singer, author, composer, percussionist, and multi-instrumentalist with skills in guitar and piano. His deep connection to music traces back to his family's musical roots. During his middle school years in 1989, he became a part of the Mini Choc, an easygoing musical group. Subsequently, he joined Les Garagistes and later transitioned into Les Salopards before embarking on a successful solo career. He has received widespread recognition, including a prestigious Kora Award in 2003. Furthermore, his song "Gneze" was chosen as the official anthem for the Côte d'Ivoire national team during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Soum Bill's musical prowess continues to shine on both national and international stages.
Beautiful NubiaNigeria |1968| YorubaSegun Akinlolu, known as Beautiful Nubia, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, composer, and band leader. Inspired by Nigeria's traditional culture, he founded EniObanke in 1997 and released his debut album. EniObanke Music Festival, Nigeria's first folk and roots music festival, was initiated by his company. In 1998, Beautiful Nubia formed The Roots Renaissance Band, gaining fame with their third album, "Jangbalajugbu," featuring the hit track "Owuro L'Ojo." Despite piracy, the album sold over a million copies. With 14 more studio albums, Beautiful Nubia's music is didactic, philosophical, and moving, advocating for personal development and social justice. His unique style has received acclaim and reached international charts. Segun Akinlolu continues to captivate audiences with his passion and cultural wisdom.
