Bella BellowTogo |1945| FrenchGeorgette Adjoavi Bellow, popularly known by her stage name Bella Bellow, was a Togolese singer who sang in French and Ewe, a local dialect in Togo and some part of Ghana. Bellow rose to fame quite early in life but unfortunately died in an accident in her late twenties. Before her demise, Bellow had several hit releases to her credit and has performed on a couple of international stages such as Paris Olympia. She also recorded with popular Cameroonian star, Manu Dibango.
Cheikha RimittiAlgeria |1923| ArabicCheikha 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.
Cheikh El HasnaouiAlgeria |1920| ArabicCheikh El Hasnaoui (1910–2002) was a Berber singer born in a small town near Tizi Ouzou in Algeria. He sang Algerian chaabi music, and was, along with Slimane Azem, responsible for laying the foundations of modern popular Kabyle music in the 1950s and 1960s. He was deeply involved in Algerian music.
Muluken MelesseEthiopia |1954| ---Muluken Melesse is an Ethiopian singer and drummer. He later abandoned his music career to involve himself in the Pentecostal Church.
Kasse Mady DiabatéMali |1949| FrenchKassé Mady Diabaté was a Malian singer, musician and griot. His soft and particular voice with deep undertones – an atypical characteristic for a griot – earned him the nickname "The golden voice of Mali". He is considered, together with Salif Keita, as one of the greatest Mandinka artists of his generation.
Atualfo AlvesBrazil |1909| PortugueseAtaulfo Alves de Sousa, a renowned samba composer and singer, was born to "Captain" Severino, a talented musician. He displayed a passion for music from a young age, writing verses at eight. Amidst various occupations and the loss of his father, he moved to Rio de Janeiro at eighteen. By nineteen, he mastered playing the guitar, cavaquinho, and mandolin. Ataulfo composed over 320 songs, celebrated by notable artists and groups. Sadly, he passed away at fifty-nine due to health complications. In honor of his centenary, a mausoleum and memorial collection were dedicated to him in Miraí, solidifying his enduring legacy.
