Coco ArgenteeCameroon |1982| FrenchCoco Argentée, born Corine Céline Ntyame, is a celebrated Cameroonian singer known for her vibrant voice and dynamic performances. Fusing Afrobeat, Bikutsi, and Pop influences, her debut album "Nostalgie" propelled her to fame with the hit song "Dans la tanière," which was a tribute to Ndjamena, the city where her music career started. Her compelling voice and socially conscious lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide. Beyond music, Coco's avant-garde fashion choices and humanitarian efforts distinguish her. Her albums like "Nostalgie" and "Ouragan" showcase her artistic evolution. As an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and women's empowerment, Coco Argentée exemplifies the power of art to inspire change and uplift communities, solidifying her legacy.
Awa MaïgaIvory Coast |1964| FrenchAwa Maïga, also known as "the old mother," is a singer and backing vocalist from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Throughout the 1980s, Awa collaborated with several musicians across a range of genres, including zouglou, coupé-décalé, and afro-pop, and has been featured on albums by numerous artists, including Salif Keita and Cesaria Evora. In the 1990s, Awa started her solo career, drawing inspiration from François Lougah and releasing her debut album, "Elouwo," in the afro-zouk style.
Sam Fan ThomasCameroon |1952| FrenchSam Fan Thomas, born Samuel Thomas Ndonfeng, is a veteran makossa musician, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and band member from Cameroon. As a multi-instrumentalist, Thomas could play the guitar, bass guitar, percussion, and keyboard. He began his music career as a band member/ guitarist of Tigres Noires, a popular Cameroonian band and later left in 1976 to begin a solo career. Thomas released his debut solo LP "Funky New Bell," in Benin, likewise, the second but his big break in Cameroon came with the third, "Rikiatou", which was released in Nigeria. He has since released several other hits. He's also received several awards and earned recognition for his musical works. Thomas remains a significant inspiration to younger artists after several decades of performance.
Prince Kudakwashe MusarurwaZimbabwe |1988| ShonaPrince Kudakwashe Musarurwa was a highly talented Zimbabwean Afro-Jazz artist known for his skills as a singer, songwriter, producer, and musician. He grew up in a family with a musical background, and his passion for music developed early, leading him to participate in his school choir. After completing high school, he pursued his musical interests by attending the Zimbabwe College of Music. In 2011, he achieved a significant milestone by recording his debut album, "Kurarama," which marked the beginning of his musical journey. Prince Kudakwashe Musarurwa went on to create more albums, some of which gained international recognition. Tragically, he passed away in 2020 at age 31, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence.
Benny MayenganiSouth Africa |1978| TsongaBenny Mayengani, born Bennet Skheto Baloyi, is a celebrated South African Xitsonga singer who gained fame with his 2011 debut album, "Tiba Ben." His 10th studio album, "Ni Happy," received critical acclaim in 2019, earning him a Limpopo Music Awards nomination. Benny recognized for collaborations with artists like Mr. Jambatani and Prince Ranghani, has also made his mark in politics as a PR councilor in Johannesburg. His artistic brilliance and contributions have solidified his prominence in both the music and political spheres of South Africa.
MandozaSouth Africa |1978| EnglishMduduzi Tshabalala, better known as Mandoza, was a popular South African singer-songwriter known for his unique blend of kwaito and traditional South African music. He was famous for his stirring performances and hit albums like "Nkalakatha" and "Sgelekeqe," which won awards, including the South African Music Award for Best Kwaito Album. He passed away in 2016 due to cancer but remains remembered as an influential kwaito artist in the South African music scene.
Ben DeccaCameroon |1958| FrenchBenjamin "Ben" Decca is a renowned Cameroonian artist, musician, singer, and composer known for his unique style and delivery of Makossa music. He released his first solo album in 1981 and has since released 24 albums, including the hits "Yetena On," "One-Way Love," and "Reconciliation." In 2015, he celebrated 30 years of his career and received the Knight of the Order of Value distinction from the Minister of Culture. In 2017, Ben released his 25th album, "Electron Libre."
Hope MasikeZimbabwe |1984| ShonaRuvimbo Hope Masike is a Zimbabwean musical artist and mbira player. Hope discovered her love for music at a young age. She studied the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwean music and mastered the intricacies of the mbira. She quickly became a virtuoso on the instrument, earning her the nickname "The Princess of Mbira." Throughout her career, Hope has released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Hope," "The Exorcism of a Spinster," and "Mbira, Love and Chocolate. Her unique sound has garnered international recognition, and she has performed on prestigious stages around the world. Beyond her musical prowess, Hope is a passionate advocate for Zimbabwean culture and women's empowerment. Through her music and activism, she continues to uplift her community and bring attention to the beauty of Zimbabwean traditions.
LatifaTunisia |1961| ArabicLatifa El Arfaoui is a Tunisian singer known for her traditional style of music. She began her career in the 1970s and has since released multiple albums, many of which have become popular in Tunisia and throughout the Arab world. She's known for her powerful voice and emotive performances, and has been praised for her ability to convey the emotions of the lyrics in her songs. In addition to her singing career, Latifa has also appeared in several films and television shows.
