Music and dance: Singer / aut./comp.

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Author: Akendengue (Pierre-Claver)
Origin: Gabon

Biography: Pierre-Claver Akendengue was born in Awuta, in the Nengué Sika island of the Fernan-Vaz lagoon, in Gabon, on April 25, 1943. His childhood takes place in a peasant environment, cradled by the ebb and flow. waves on the shores of the island. He composed his first songs at the age of 14. After high school in Gabon he went to France and in 1967, he entered the Petit Conservatoire de Mireille in Paris for 3 years. He recorded his first 45 T, Ghalo Ghalo, in 1972. In addition to studying music, he studied psychology, and after obtaining his doctorate in 1987, he returned to Gabon. It is a whole picture of the contemporary social history of Africa found in his repertoire. He notes the imperfections of society, denounces the reign of money that stifles human relationships, the misery of the poorest, the mismanagement of some haves, the moral, physical and economic exploitation endured by Africans, neocolonialism, l ‘oppression. He also sings the beauty of nature, freedom, friendship and his love for Africa. Like the ancients, Akendengue uses metaphors and stories to convey his message. He plays his songs most often in myenes (his mother tongue) but also in French. Akendengue is also a guitarist, composer, author and arranger of all his songs. He also composed music for films, one of which won the Best Film Music Award (Les Coopérants) at Fespaco in 1985.


Discography: Ghalo Ghalo, 45T, 1972, Sonafric, SAF 1532A Nkere, 45 T, 1974, Saravah, SH 45055 Nandipo, 33 T, 1974, Saravah, SH 10045 Tonda, 45 T, 1975, Saravah, SH 4057 Afrika Obota, 33 T, 1976, Saravah, SH 10063 Ndandaye, 45 T, 1976, Ntye, NT 10001 Ewawa, 45T, 1977, Ntye, NT 10002 Olando, 45 T, 1978, Ntye, NT 10003 Eseringuila, 33 T, 1978, Sonepran, NT 30001 Afrika Salalo, 45 T, 1978, Sonepran, NT 10004 Elowe, 45 T, 1978, Ntye, NT 10008 Owende, 33 T, 1979, Song of the World, LDX 74677 Mengo, 33 T, 1980, Ntye, NT 13002 Tchaka, 45 T, 1980, Ntye, NT 10009 Isamu Ya Pili, 45 T, 1981, Ntye, NT 10010 Awana W’Afrika, 33T, 1982, Ntye, NT13003 Mando, 33 T, 1983, CBS, 25355 Wake of Africa, 33 T, 1984, Ntye, NT / AKN 13004 Piroguier, 33 T, 1986, Ntye, NT 13005 Ka’Bo, 45 T, 1986, CBS, A 127037 Sarraounia, 45 T, 1986, Sepam, A 295 RC 270 Hope in Soweto, 33 T, 1988, Encore, ENC 141 Quest for Freedom, 1989, CCF Silence, 33 T, 1990, Melody, 66882-1 Lambarena, CD, 1994, Africa Space, SK 64542 Maladalité, CD, 1995, Melody, 66976-2 Carrefour Rio, CD, 1996, MEPA 8961 Oba Kadences, CD, 2000, Romepa Gabon, ROMEPA GABON 83003

Biography: Youssou N’Dour was born in Dakar in 1959 and began to sing as a child in the district of the Medina in Dakar, Senegal. As a teenager he sang for the Star Band, the most famous Senegalese band of the time. In 1979, he created his own group, Etoile de Dakar, which became in 1981, The Super Star. This group created a modern African style, which influenced artists as diverse as Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon. It was Peter Gabriel who introduced Youssou N’Dour to American and British artists in his album So (1986) and who took The Super Star on tour with him. In 1988, Youssou N’Dour was part of Amnesty International’s “Human Rights Now!” alongside Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Tracy Chapman.

In 1991, Youssou N’Dour signed a contract with Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and A Mule Musicworks label, distributed by Columbia. The result of this collaboration was the album Eyes Open in 1992 with Le Super Etoile: the album won a Grammy Award. After the release of Eyes Open, Youssou N’Dour was named ambassador of UNICEF during the Year of the Child.
In July 1993, he composed an opera that was performed at the Paris Opera.

Discography: