Does the alias La Blueswoman d'Afrique ring a bell? What about Bella Bellow? Who is she?

Let's have another hint - She was the childhood music idol of five-time Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo.

Bella Bellow, born Georgette Adjoavi Bellow, was a renowned Togolese singer who had a significant influence on the West African music scene during the 1970s. She showcased her musical talents from a young age and gained recognition for her exceptional voice.

With encouragement from family and community, Bella Bellow pursued her passion and got her big break in 1996 after representing Togo at the First World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, Senegal. She was praised by most for her incredible voice and outstanding performance.

Following her big break, she moved to Paris and while there, Bella Bellow got signed on by Paris-based Togolese producer and record label executive Gérard Akueson in 1968. After a year with Akueson, she released her hit debut album, Rockia.

Her music combined soul, blues, and jazz elements with her powerful and expressive voice, all conveying a wide range of emotions.

Her popular songs like "Dasi Ko" celebrated love, while "Rockia" became a beloved track in Ghana in the 1970s and was played at social gatherings and by several dance groups. Her other songs include "O Senye," "Bléwu," "Zelié," and "Denyigban," which was dedicated to her homeland.

Bella Bellow's popularity extended beyond Togo, with performances at music festivals in Athens, the Olympia in Paris, and tours across Europe. She captivated audiences with her songs about love, loss, and everyday struggles. Her influence reached Africa and Europe, earning her the title "La Blueswoman d'Afrique."

Tragically, Bella Bellow's life was cut short in 1973 when she died in a car accident at the age of 27.  Despite her short career, her impact on African music remains significant. She continues to inspire musicians, including Angelique Kidjo, who dedicated her debut album "Pretty" to Bella and regularly performs renditions of her songs. Today, Bella Bellow's music is celebrated worldwide, showcasing the enduring power of music to transcend cultural boundaries.

Georgette Adjoavi Bellow, aka Bella Bellow, was a gifted Togolese singer who significantly impacted the West African music scene during the 1970s

La Blueswoman DAfrique - Bella Bellow: An Unsung Hero

Georgette Adjoavi Bellow, aka Bella Bellow, was a gifted Togolese singer who significantly impacted the West African music scene during the 1970s

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