Go Back

Laba Sosseh

First Name: 

Other Names: 

Last Name: 

Stage Name: 

Country: 

Born: 

D.O.D: 

Primary Language: 

Other Languages: 

Bio

Laba Sosseh was a Gambia-born Senegalese singer, composer, and percussionist who gained fame in West Africa in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a versatile musician, proficient in various genres such as afro-cuban, salsa, soukous and traditional Gambian music. He was a member of several bands, including Star Band and Africando, and released several albums as a solo artist. He is considered a pioneer of Afro-Latin music in West Africa and his music continues to be popular today. Laba passed away Spetember 20, 2007.

Discography

Albums¹⁰

Sessions extraordinaires, Vol. 32009 • AlbumTracks: 8

Classic Title2009 • AlbumTracks: 12

Sessions extraordinaires, Vol. 12009 • AlbumTracks: 9

Sessions extraordinaires, Vol. 22009 • AlbumTracks: 9

Laba Sosseh2008 • AlbumTracks: 6

Roberto Torres Presenta a... Laba Sosseh2008 • AlbumTracks: 6

El Maestro2001 • AlbumTracks: 12

Le Roi De La Salsa1984 • AlbumTracks: 5

Salsa Africana Vol. 41980 • AlbumTracks: 4

Salsa Africana1980 • AlbumTracks: 5

Label

Record Label associated with Laba Sosseh - past and current.

Similar Artists

Ayinde BakareNigeria |1912| Yoruba

Ayinde Bakare was a well-known Nigerian juju "faaji" maestro and bandleader of Meranda Orchestra. He was widely known for his innovative work in the juju and highlife music genres. Bakare first developed a love for music after seeing a band perform at an engagement. In 1935, his career took off, and in 1937, he released his debut album on the HMV label. Bakare was very well-liked, garnering the moniker "Mr. Juju" in the 1950s and 1960s. Ayinde's death passed away mysteriously on October 1, 1972.

Tilahun GessesseEthiopia |1940| Amharic

Tilahun Gessesse was a legendary Ethiopian singer. With a captivating voice and soulful performances, he became a national icon. He rose to fame as a member of the Imperial Bodyguard Band in the 1960s. Known as "The Voice," Tilahun released several albums, including hit songs like "Sew Manen Yimeslal" and "Erishiw/IIhud." He used his fame to advocate for social justice and unity. He received several recognitions and awards, such as Honorary Doctorate Degree from the prestigious Addis Ababa University for his contribution to Ethiopian music. Tilahun's music blended Ethiopian folk, jazz, and pop, earning him acclaim both in Ethiopia and internationally. Tilahun Gessesse's legacy lives on, inspiring generations and cementing his place as one of Ethiopia's greatest musicians.

Alhaji Salisu JankidiNigeria |1844| Hausa

Alhaji Salisu Jankidi, was a celebrated Hausa vocalist from Nigeria, started his musical journey in his early years and rose to fame as a popular performer in Nigeria's northern regions. Jankidi's music was heavily influenced by his Islamic faith, which led him to sing about religious themes and social issues that affected his community. He also integrated the cultural diversity of Nigeria and Arabic music into his compositions. Despite facing several challenges, including persecution by colonial authorities, Jankidi persevered and continued to perform and record music throughout his lifetime. He is regarded as one of the most significant singers in the history of Hausa music and has earned a place among Nigeria's music legends for his contributions to the advancement of Hausa music.

Cheikha RimittiAlgeria |1923| Arabic

Cheikha Rimitti, born Saadiya al-Ghizaniya, was a renowned Algerian singer-songwriter who started singing traditional Algerian music at an early age. She developed a distinctive style and gained popularity in the 1940s for her bold and provocative lyrics, touching on taboo subjects such as sexuality and alcohol. Rimitti combined traditional Algerian styles with Western instruments, creating a unique sound known as rai, despite censorship and opposition from conservative groups in Algerian society. She toured extensively in North Africa, becoming a symbol of resistance and liberation. Her music gained recognition in France in the 1970s and 1980s, and she continued to perform and release albums until her death at age 83 in 2006. Her legacy as the "Mother of Rai" inspires new generations of musicians and fans.

Bi KidudeTanzania, United Republic of |1930| Swahili

Bi Kidude is the stage name of popular award-winning Tanzanian singer, Fatuma binti Baraka. She was also crowned the "Queen of Taarab and Unyago music." She was believed to be over a hundred years old before her demise. Interestingly, the gravel-voice-like singer sang and went on tours until the end of her life. Aside from her being a music cultural ambassador, Bi Kikude love for cigarettes was second to nature for her.

Johannes "Spokes" MashiyaneSouth Africa |1933| English

Johannes "Spokes" Mashiyane was a renowned pennywhistle artist from the 1950s-1970s. He blended and bent notes with the instrument's simplicity, gaining international recognition in the 1960s. He played with Bud Shank, performed at the Newport Folk Festival, and influenced the music of Zimbabwe. In 1989, the South African band Mango Groove released Special Star as a tribute to him after his passing to liver disease in 1972.

Abdullah Ibrahim Fka Dollar BrandSouth Africa |1934| English

Abdullah Ibrahim, born Adolph Johannes Brand, is a highly esteemed South African pianist, composer, and bandleader. He began playing piano at the age of seven and made his professional debut at the age of fifteen, quickly becoming one of the leading jazz musicians in South Africa. His career saw collaborations with notable musicians, including the Jazz Epistles, and later, international recognition. In 1965, he moved to New York, where he performed at prestigious venues and became deeply engaged with the global jazz community. In 1990, Mandela invited him back to South Africa, marking a significant return. Ibrahim's illustrious career includes collaborations, film scores, documentaries, and many recognition and awards. He continues to tour, educate, and innovate in music, leaving an enduring legacy.

Jann HelexanderGabon |1982| French

Halexander, born Aurélien Makosso-Akendengué, is a versatile Franco-Gabonese artist known for his talents as a singer, songwriter, actor, and director. His artistic journey began at a young age, and he adopted the stage name "Jann Halexander" to pursue his career in France. With a prolific career spanning singles and albums released independently and under various record labels, Halexander has graced prestigious stages in France and worldwide. Beyond music, he has ventured into acting and directing, showcasing his diverse creative abilities. Jann Halexander's artistic pursuits have earned him recognition and a dedicated global fan base.

Halim El-DabhEgypt |1921| English

Halim El-Dabh, born Halim Abdul Messieh El-Dabh, was an exceptional Egyptian-born American composer, ethnomusicologist, and performer. He received a fullbright scholarship to study music in the US in 1944 and began experimenting with tape recording and electronic music. El-Dabh's compositions blended traditional Middle Eastern music with Western classical music and electronic soundscapes. He was a renowned teacher and taught at several universities in the US. His work received numerous accolades and recognition. El-Dabh passed away in 2017 at the age of 96.