Kady DiarraBurkina Faso |1981| FrenchA native of Burkina Faso but born in Cote d'Ivoire, Kady Diarra grew up in a griot family. Her musical journey started with her attending festivals and functions with her parents and grandmother, who are renowned griots in Burkina Faso. Inspired by her identity, Kady's musical creativity led her to start her solo career and a personal band in 1998. She became famous for singing in her dialect, Bwamu and Bambara, fused with local melodies from Balafon or N'goni.
Annie-Flore BatchiellilysGabon |1967| FrenchAnnie-Flore Batchiellilys is a Gabonese singer, songwriter, and activist known for blending folk traditions with jazz and blues influences. Raised by her grandmother, she began her musical journey at the “Arts Crossroads” in Libreville before furthering her education in France. Singing in Punu and French, she has performed globally and collaborated with artists like Youssou N’dour and Lokua Kanza. Her music addresses social issues such as women's rights and environmental protection, and she has released acclaimed albums like "Mon Point Zérooo" and "Afrique mon toit."
Jo TongoCameroon |1920| FrenchJo Tongo, a highly skilled musician and singer-songwriter with Cameroonian roots, is renowned for his mesmerizing fusion of Afrobeat, funk, and soul. Being raised in a musical family, Tongo became deeply passionate about music from a young age. Prior to starting a solo career, he began his career playing bass guitar for a number of bands. Tongo is known for his music's catchy rhythms, deep melodies, and strong voices, which sometimes borrow from traditional Cameroonian music. Tongo has made a lasting impression on the African music industry with his distinctive style and charismatic stage presence, garnering praise both domestically and abroad.
ToguyCameroon |1947| FrenchToto Guillaume is a renowned Cameroonian guitarist, singer, songwriter/composer, author, and producer. He played a key role in elevating the Makossa genre and considered the master of the genre. As a talented musician, he revolutionized the genre by introducing new instruments such as the violin. He made his debut with the Douala Hall College Orchestra and later joined the "Blacks Styles" orchestra. He gained national success with his composition "Na Bolone Ndol'a Ngo" and further success with the title "Mba na na é".
Coumba GawloSenegal |1972| FrenchCoumba Gawlo Seck, known as Coumba Gawlo, is a highly talented Senegalese singer from a musical family. Her father foresaw her greatness and gave her the surname "Gawlo," meaning "griot" in Pular. She recorded successful cassettes as a student, and in 1996, her debut CD "Aldiana" gained fame in Africa. A collaboration with French singer Patrick Bruel led to the successful album "Yo Malé" in 1998, highlighted by her rendition of "Pata Pata" which became a platinum single, topping charts in Belgium and selling 50,000 copies in France in one day. She is a celebrated figure in the music industry, and the second best-selling Senegalese singer.
M'Pongo LoveCongo |1956| FrenchAimee Françoise M'Pongo Langu, known as M'Pongo Love, was a Congolese singer and songwriter. Overcoming childhood polio, she pursued music after meeting saxophonist Empompo Loway. Forming the band Tcheke Tcheke Love, she gained popularity for hits like "Ndaya." M'Pongo composed her music, using her clear, slightly nasal voice to sing feminist themes, criticizing polygamy. Her empowering lyrics addressed women's struggles. Despite physical challenges, she performed with determination, her powerful message advocating for African women's rights. Her life ended tragically in 1990 due to illness. M'Pongo Love remains remembered for her distinctive voice, impactful compositions, and advocacy for gender equality in African society.
