Koffi Olomide
Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba, also known as Koffi Olomide ,is a DR Congolese Lingala singer, dancer, producer, and composer. Koffi has had several gold records in his musical career. He was also the founder of the Quartier Latin International orchestra with many notable artists including Fally Ipupa. I
During the 70’s he began to build a reputation amongst the Zairean community as a songwriter. ‘Onia’ was his first success. In 1977 Koff’s brother encouragedhim to record his first songs. During his holidays, he recorded ‘Asso’ and ‘Princesse Ya Senza’ -a hommage to women- at the Veve studios in Kinshasha, from then on, he collaborated with artists such as Papa Wemba and Zaiko Langa Langa. Koffi was awarded the title of ‘Best Zaire artist in the year 1978 for the single ‘Aniba’ . He later joined Papa Wemba’s band, Viva la Musica, initially as a composer and songwriter, and later as a lead vocalist.
1983 was a turning point in Kofi’s career, he recorded his first album ‘Ngouda’ and showed a strong determination in becoming a main force in African Music. Two duets were performed and recorded with Yakimi Kiesse and Fafa from Molokai.
In 1986, he formed his band known as Quartier Latin, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2006. At the same time he was heavily impressed and influenced by the groups such as Kassav. After 10 years of success he also decided that he wished his career to take a more international turn.
The long awaited international fame truly started in 1988 when the song ‘Henriquet’ -hommage to Miss Congo- became a huge hit. From then on Koffi’s nickname became ‘Golden Star’.
He enjoyed a great success with the song written for his only daughter Minou called ‘Elle et Moi’, this song described the enormous joy and emotions that he felt after her birth. During the 90’s Koffi built his fame on his characteristics ‘Soukous Love’ also called ‘Tchao Tcho’. From 1990 until 1994, Koffi enjoyed a growing success in less than 4 years he published over 7 albums under his own name, or under the groups name ‘Quartier Latin’. In 1992 he was awarded ‘Best male singer’ and ‘Best video clip’ at the African Music Awards in Abidjan. Today Koffi is unanimously recognised as the most recognised as the most celebrated and distinguished Zaire modern artist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiSFHItpxcc
Fally Ipupa
Faustin Ipupa N’Simba known by his stage name Fally Ipupa, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, philanthropist, guitarist and producer from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. He was part of the band of Koffi Olomidé, Quartier Latin International, from 1999 to 2006 before starting a solo career. His first solo album was Droit Chemin released in 2006, which went on to sell over 100,000 units, and his second album Arsenal De Belles Melodies was released in 2009.
He was part of the group Quartier Latin for about 10 years and worked his craft with Koffi Olomide. He notably created several hits for Koffi, among them Eternellement on Force de Frappe in 2001 and Ko ko ko ko on Affaire d’Etat which got him being promoted to the position of conductor despite his young age. In 2006, debuting his solo career, he delivered his first solo album Droit Chemin that sold over 100,000 copies with hits like Droit Chemin, Liputa or Kidiamfuka.
With his silky smooth voice, he has conquered the international music scene and reached the hearts of many with his music blend of various styles,such as soukous, ndombolo, pop and R&B. In 2009, his album Arsenal de Belles Mélodies was very much noticed, with hits like Chaise électrique, a duet performed with ex G-Unit R&B singer Olivia.
His presence in the international music industry has indeed been acknowledged, in 2007, When he won Best Male Artist at the Cesaire Awards and Best Artist or Group from Central Africa at the Kora Awards. In 2009, he performed at the Africa MTV Awards, performing Bicarbonate.
With a smooth soulful voice, an impeccable sense for style and dance moves that will have the opposite sex swarming,it must be said that Fally Ipupa is a very talented, music genious who is here to stay.
In 2007, Ipupa won the Kora Awards for Best Artist or Group from Central Africa. In 2010, Fally Ipupa won the MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 for Best Video (for Sexy Dance) and Best Francophone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJOQHh2Nd4E
