Go Back
Philo Kola
First Name: 
Other Names: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
D.O.D: 
Primary Language: 
Bio
Philippe Kola Dia Ntalulu, known by his stage name Le Grand Philo Kola, or simply Philo Kola, was a well-known Congolese singer, guitarist, and musician. He was a member of the Congolese soukous band, Orchestre African Fiesta National, led by Tabu Ley Rochereau. Philo Kola contributed significantly to the music scene in the Congo during his career. He composed and released several projects, including popular songs like "Bon Annee" and "Elle Fait Semblant." These songs showcased his musical talent and contributed to his recognition as a notable artist in the Congo. Tragically, Philo Kola passed away in May 2012, leaving a legacy of his music and contributions to Congolese music.
Discography
Discography not yet available. Check later.
Label
Record Label associated with Philo Kola - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Zib Hombers
    Zib HombersBenin |1945| French
    Orchestra Zib-Hombers of which I can’t seem to find any decent information. Mabuse, it’s front man appears to be Congolese but one of our visitors once suggested they are from a mid African country like Gabon or Cameroon. The music which was recorded by Namaco in Nigeria is called Rumba from Zaïre if you believe suggestions made on Amazon. The lyrics are sung in French and English. All together I am a bit confused, Are we dealing with a Congolese group, they mostly use the term ‘orchestre’ in stead of ‘orchestra’. Melodies make me believe it is more highlife than rumba, alhough sleeve says ‘sukus’.. it is most certainly no soukous to my opinion.
    King Bruce
    King BruceGhana |1922| Ga
    King Bruce (June 3, 1992- September 12, 1997) was a Ghanaian composer, arranger, band leader, and musician who has set his footprints on Ghana's band highlife tradition in diverse ways. He learned the principles of Western music and other Ghanaian ethnic group songs while in secondary school. After learning how to play the trumpet, he returned to Accra and played in Teacher Lamptey's Accra Orchestra. He was the co-founder of the Black Beats band and in the 70s, he got involved in organizing the Union of Musicians. King Bruce was a manager of the Sixteen Track Elephant Walk recording studio and on April 30, 1988, he was given an award for his immense contribution to the development of Ghana art,
    E.K Nyame
    E.K NyameGhana |1926| Akan
    Emmanuel Kofi Nyame, also known as E.K. Nyame, was a prominent Ghanaian highlife musician, bandleader, composer, and skilled guitarist. His musical journey began as a drum major, leading his school life band. In 1947, he joined Appiah Agyekum's Band, gaining valuable experience. Subsequently, he established his own musical venture, E.K.'s Band, in 1949. In the same year, E.K. formed the group known as the Akan Trio, further expanding his musical footprint. Sadly, E.K. Nyame's musical career was cut short when he passed away in 1977, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of Ghanaian highlife music.
    Roy Chicago
    Roy ChicagoNigeria |1937| Yoruba
    Roy Chicago, originally known as John Akintola Ademuwagun, was a celebrated Nigerian highlife musician, vocalist, trumpeter, and saxophonist. His musical journey began during his elementary school days in the 1940s, setting the stage for a remarkable career. In the 1950s, he started to make his mark, and in 1959, he became a pivotal member of Hubert Ogunde's band, a significant step in his musical odyssey. He reached the pinnacle of his fame during the 1960s, crafting his music around Nigerian indigenous themes and folklore. Notably, he founded "Roy Chicago's Abalabi Rhythm Dandies," a testament to his innovative spirit. His success soared with hits like "Iyawo Pankeke," "Are owo niesa Yoyo gbe," and "Keregbe emu," establishing him as a beloved figure in Nigerian highlife music.
    Nkem Owoh
    Nkem OwohNigeria |1958| Igbo
    Nkem Owoh, also known by his stage name Osuofia, is a Nigerian actor, comedian, and one of the most talented and versatile performers in the Nigerian film industry. He's best known for his role as the titular character in the 2003 film "Osuofia in London," which was a huge commercial success and cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria's most popular actors. In addition to his acting work, Nkem Owoh is also a skilled musician and has released several albums.
    Daudi Kabaka
    Daudi KabakaKenya |1939| Swahili
    Daudi Kabaka Masika was a Kenyan musician and composer. He recorded his first composition, "Nie Kabaka Naimba," at age 14, and continued his career as a musician, attending a music conservatory in the late '60s. In 1972, he co-founded his production company, African Eagles Recording. Kabaka received numerous accolades, including "Kenyan Cultural Ambassador" and the Distinguished Service Award from Kenyatta University. He passed away in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of musical contributions to Kenya.
    Cardinal Rex Lawson
    Cardinal Rex LawsonNigeria |1938| Igbo
    Erekeosima Jim Lawson, widely recognized as Cardinal Rex or Pastor Jim Rex Lawson, was a deeply emotional and philosophically inclined Nigerian highlife singer, trumpeter, alto saxophonist, and bandleader, commanding a significant presence in the African highlife music scene during the 1960s. His musical journey began as a band boy for Lord Eddyson's Starlight Melody Orchestra, an early stepping stone to his illustrious career. He later assumed the leadership of the Majors Band, where his talent truly flourished. What set him apart was his remarkable ability to sing in various languages and dialects, including Kalabari, Nembe, Ijaw (Izon), Igbo, Urhobo, Ibibio, and Efik, as well as those from Cameroon and Ghana. Tragically, he passed away in his early 30s, but his musical legacy endures.
    Natoso
    NatosoNigeria |1947| Igbo
    Festus Natoso Edukpe, popularly known as Natoso, was a talented Nigerian high-life musician, vocalist, songwriter, composer, and guitarist. He gained fame as the leader of the renowned Osaije Dance Band of Iuleha and was a prominent figure in the music industry between 1978 and 1987. Natoso's unique sound and music was highly regarded in his time. Although his heyday was relatively short, he left a lasting impact on the Nigerian music scene and is remembered for his distinctive contributions to the high-life genre.