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Antoine Kolosoy
Antoine Wendo Kolosoy, popularly called Papa Wendo, effortlessly mixed rumba, beguine, waltz, tango and cha-cha, creating the Congolese rhythm that mesmerized the entire continent of Africa in the late '50s to mid '80s.

Losing both of his parents at a very young age led the self-taught guitarist to an orphanage. It was there that he discovered his passion for music. Kolosy, 13 at the time, was expelled from the orphanage because the organization, which was run by the Society of the Missionaries of Africa, did not approve of his lyrics.

While music was his passion, Wendo did not pursue it professionally until the mid-40's. He traveled and worked as a sailor in Congo, Senegal and Cameroon. In 1948, he recorded "Marie Louise", a song that became one of his greatest hits and earned him international success.

"On The Rumba River", a documentary produced by French filmmaker, Jaques Sarasin, was based on Kolosoy's life.

Fela Kuti
Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti, widely-known as Fela, was the pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre, a complex fusion of Jazz, Funk, Ghanaian/Nigerian High-life, psychedelic rock, and traditional West African chants and rhythms. In 1958, he moved to London, where he studied music at the Trinity College of Music. It was during his time at the college that he formed his first band Koola Lobitos, playing a mixture of Jazz and high-life.

After his return to Nigeria in 1963, Fela recruited new members for Koola Lobitos, the group he formed while he was in London. In the late '60s, the Nigerian musical genius journeyed to Ghana to find a new melodic direction. It was there that he first called his music Afrobeat.

The group's 10-month stay in the United States completely changed their outlook on music. In 1969, he renamed the band Nigeria '70. Fela set up a nightclub in the Empire Hotel, first named the Afro-Spot and then the Afrika Shrine. His music created waves throughout the entire continent. His drummer, Tony Allen, played a huge role in the creation of Afrobeat. Fela pioneered a distinct sound that we often hear in African and African-influenced musical styles, and can be seen in Funk and Hip Hop.

Franco Luambo Makiadi (TPOK Jazz) (July 6 1938 - October 12 1989)
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Franco Luambo Makiadi, widely-known as the "sorcerer of the guitar", was the co-founder of TPOK Jazz, one of Africa's greatest musical bands. At the tender age of seven, the Congolese musician built his own guitar, and taught himself how to play the instrument.

By the age of 12, he made his first professional debut, playing the guitar for Paul Ebengo Dewayon's band. Although Makiadi's group was called TPOK Jazz, they became extremely popular for their electrifying blend of Cuban rumba and Congolese rhythm -- a sound that was first introduced by Wendo Kolosoy.

Luambo was highly respected for his unique ability to maximize the talent of any artist that joined his band. Throughout his 40-year career, the godfather, as many called him, released more than 150 albums and composed nearly a thousand songs. From the early '70s to the early '80s , TPOK Jazz dominated African charts. "Mario", a song Franco recorded 3 years prior to his death, remains one of his greatest hits, especially in Eastern Africa. Franco has been dubbed "the James Brown of Africa".

Emmanuel "Manu" N'Djoke Dibango (December 1933)
Cameroonian saxophonist and vibraphone player, Manu Dibango, is one of Africa's most influential musicians. The 80-year old artist is best known for Soul Makossa, an Afro-Soul song that became a huge hit all over the world. It is said that the song was so popular that it hugely influenced Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin".

Dibango was also a short-lived member of African Jazz, a Congolese rumba group founded by Joseph Kabasele Tshamala (Le Grand Kallé).

Nicolas Kasanda wa Mikalay (July 7 1939 - September 22 1985)
Mikalay was a composer and potentially one of the greatest guitarists in Africa. In the early '50s, he abandoned his career as a technical teacher to pursue music. He embarked on a musical career, becoming a backup singer at Opika, one of Kinshasa's earliest record labels.

Nicolas' unique style of playing the guitar earned him the nickname Dr. Nico, as well as a personal visit from American musician and songwriter, and one of the world's greatest guitarists, Jimi Hendrix.

Dr. Nico was a phenomenal guitarist who inspired a generation of musicians across the African continent.

Tabu Ley Rochereau (13 November 1937 or 1940 – 30 November 2013)
Congolese musician, Tabu Ley Rochereau, was the leader of Orchestre Afrisa International, as well as one of Africa's most influential vocalists and inventive songwriters. Tabu Ley created an innovative style of African rumba (Soukous) by fusing components of Congolese folk music with Cuban, Caribbean and Latin American rumba. The L.A Times called him “the African Elvis”.

Rochereau became a household name after teaming up with Le Grand Kallé in the pan-african hit “Indépendance Cha Cha”, which was sang for Congo's independence from Belgium in 1960. After being part of several unsuccessful groups, he formed African Fiesta National, a band that became one of the most successful bands in African history, recording African classics such as Afrika Mokili Mobimba – which sold over a million copies by 1970. The group included notable musicians such as Papa Wemba and Sam Mangwana. In the mid 80's, Tabu Ley discovered Mbilia Bel who, through his mentoring, became one the best female Soukous singers in Africa. Throughout his career, Tabu Ley composed approximately 3,000 songs and produced 250 albums.

Would love to hear your comments: http://afri-culture.com/african-musicians-who-revolutionized-the-continents-music-scene/

Mykel4God: Charlize Theron
South African Academy award-winning actress Charlize Theron, adopted her son Jackson from her native country.
Marie-Louise Parker
Actress Marie-Louise Parker adopted a little girl from Ethiopia named Ash in 2007.
Madonna
Queen of pop, Madonna adopted two children from Malawi; Son, David Banda in October 2006 and daughter, Mercy in March 2009.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
A-List Hollywood Couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie adopted their little girl Zarhara from Ethiopia in 2005.
Emma Thompson
British actress, Emma Thompson adopted a teenage refugee from Rwanda named Tindyebwa Agaba, in 2003.
Brooke Smith
Actress Brooke Smith adopted a baby girl from Ethiopia in 2008.

I would have certainly appreciated it if you would have mentioned the source of this article, instead of making it seem like you wrote it. Thanks.

If you are a student (LIVING in Nigeria) looking for a part-time opportunity to make some money on the side, I may have a job for you. All are welcome to apply, but I would prefer a student.

** Must have a great command of the English language**

If interested, email info@afri-culture.com for more details.

Thanks.

Zedric: Lemme ask a simple question. Do u know americans(and the other white people) that u want us to start copying still observe traditional marriage rites? Ever heard of the pratice of throwing grains of rice at newly-weds or jumping the broom? If we cancel our traditional rites because we are trying to be like them, won't it be just stupid?

Where in my article do I mention copying Americans? Please show me. I never said that. Reformation isn't bad. All societies have gone through it -- it is part of growth and evolution. In addition to that, we already copy the European culture. So it's too late for your suggestion.

PAPA AFRICA: Homosexuality made illegal in Nigeria, mean while your power is still out. Lol.

....

derrick333: Jus notice u ar nt a nigerian(9jà)well in Nigeria homosexualism has bin pass to law its a criminal ofence dat attract 14yrs imprisonment. , and again u said ,they(homo) shud b allow. To liv there lives cus de hot nobody, my dear ,wat do you tink will hapen to the yung kids de wil adopt,cus for sure de can giv birth , there's diversity in religious bliv, but homo is the only tin all religion kick against, so my dear ,if u stil want more reasons why u shud stay away from such. Practices,vhit me up ,AMA giv you 99reasons, perception

Why aren't we fighting against fornication and adultery the same way? African men continue to marry multiple women in the name of culture. Isn't that wrong as well? Isn't that a bad example for young people as well?

derrick333: . O boy u funni die! 9jà gvmnt jus sign it2bill n u r sayin is nt a crime against d law?in 9jà homosexualism is a crminal ofence! N again u talk abt hotin no body, wt do u tink wil b d out com of does yung kids de wil adopt?cus forsure de cnt gv birth, de is diversity in blives,homo is so worst dat its d only tin ,all religion kickt against ,oboy if u need more reason y u shud stay away from such practice? Hit me up n I will gv u 99reasons

English please.

derrick333: Isn't stealin ,rapin n killin sin? So de shud b Scot free cus we all r sinners?? Bro ,b4 God mayb all sin r equall nt b4 man o ,u sabi bible well well o ,u Neva read reach sodom n gomorah??

Point of correction, rapists, thieves and murderers are in prison because they committed crimes against the law. If people were arrested for committing a sin, all of us would be in jail.

Homosexuality is not a crime against the law. You want to talk about Sodom and Gomorrah? But ignore the fact that sex before marriage is a sin. Why aren't you asking that fornicators be thrown in prison?

I am afraid to break it down to you, but in the eyes of God, you are not better than the homosexual, murderer, liar, fornicator etc. In God's eyes all sins are equal.

I am not here for a religious argument. I am simply standing up for human rights and a progressive Africa. No person should be killed for choosing to live their lives as they please. Homosexuals aren't hurting anyone by living their lives. Just like fornicators aren't hurting anyone by having sex before marriage. Live and let live!

#ProgressiveAfrica

Are we going to keep pretending it doesn't exist within our regions or accept it exists and find a way to deal with it?

I am tired of seeing homosexuals being treated like animals and being jailed. I am Christian. I believe in God. If we are going to go with the homosexuality is a sin approach, how did Jesus treat sinners? Additionally, aren't we all sinner? What makes our sins better than theirs?

According to the Bible, divorce, unless due to extramarital affairs, is a sin?

Do you know that once you are divorced, you can't remarry because it is a sin?

African men are marrying multiple women -- when the Bible says a man is to have one wife, who is stoning them? Who is throwing them in prison? Who is killing them?

You don't have to agree with homosexuals and how they choose to live their lives, but why treat them like outcasts? That is so cruel!

Instead of trying to play God by deciding their fate, why not pray for them?

#ProgressiveAfrica

It is sad that one can't express their views without receiving insults. I am not encouraging anyone to imitate the Western culture. African culture is not better than Western culture and vice versa. There are always things we can learn from each other. That is why I am saying we need to have an open mind.

You people are speaking about this our African culture like it doesn't have any bad sides. There are MANY things we can learn from others and vice versa.

Even in the West, when you look 50-100 years ago, things were done differently than they are now. Their society evolved. Some of things they have adopted are good, others are bad. Why can't we learn from their mistakes? Let's carefully go through our culture and remove the things that aren't allowing us progress -- but of course we have to be selective so that we don't adopt things that could potentially destroy our core values. By the way, I clearly stated that I am in favor of traditional marriage, but I don't agree in the "bride price" aspect of it. I want celebrate the cultural aspect of it. In other words, I want to have a traditional marriage minus the whole bride price thing.

Marriage has an important significance in every society. In African societies, there are three marriage ceremonies, traditional, court and white. The traditional marriage is the most important of all three. It’s not just a celebration of unbinding love between two individuals – it’s the creation of a deep union between two families and communities.

Before the celebration of most traditional marriages, the groom’s family must present the bride’s family with goods, as requested by the elders in her clan. Money, property, shoes, clothes, food, jewelry, electronics and other accessories are examples of some of these goods. They often vary, depending on each family.

As an individual who was raised in a home centered around culture, I fully understand the importance of traditional practices. However, I have struggled with grasping the reasoning behind some of these practices. I recall having a conversation with a friend about the process of traditional marriage. She once told her mom that she was not interested in receiving a bride price. She is all for having a traditional wedding, but refuses to participate in a ceremony that she feels is unnecessary. Her mom was certainly not pleased with her request. In fact, she informed her that it wasn’t a decision that lied in her hands. It had already been decided for her the moment she was born. While I do see where her mother is coming from, I don’t think she should be forced to adhere to a custom that doesn’t apply to her as an individual. If anything, it should be a choice.

Personally, I want to have a traditional wedding because I want to celebrate my culture. But I do not agree with some of the details associated with having a traditional marriage. I am on the fence about my family demanding a bride price. I am just not sure where I stand on that particular issue. I am more induced by the celebratory and cultural aspect of a traditional marriage. Afterall, isn’t that what truly matters?

I fully get the symbolism behind receiving a bride price. It is a practice that has been in place for centuries. However, is it still relevant to our society? I know that this statement will probably give every tribal chief a panic attack, but it is a valid question. Everytime I think of the bride price, I remember the song “Matata Ya Mwasi Na Mobali Esila Te (Marital Problems Will Never End)”, where Franco Luambo sings, “soki na keyi ko traiter ba affaire, nazongi na lingi na pema, akomi ko tuna nga, ozalaki wapi? O uti wapi? Ba lobaki boye — mwasi na bala na mosolo, nani a pesi ye authorisation a tuna nga epayi na uti?” He is pretty much saying that a woman he married (paid for) is not authorized to ask him any questions regarding his whereabouts. It is a reminder that I am being purchased by someone.

In 2004, activists from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda and South Africa gathered in Kampala for the International Bride Price Conference to discuss ways of eliminating its practice in Africa. Quite frankly, I don’t think it is a good idea to get rid of it completely. I simply think that people should not be forced to participate. It should be optional.

A single African country can have anywhere from five to two hundred tribes, and each tribe carries its own customs. With so many rituals in place, individuals who come from the same country, but belong to different tribes, are not encouraged to marry. This is not a progressive way of thinking. If these traditions aren’t creating unified sense of belonging, why are Africans still holding on to them?

Scandal Actress, Kerry Washington, recently had a child with a Nigerian man. Due to her husband’s tradition, they had to wait eight days before naming their child. In his culture, a child is named in an official naming ceremony a week after birth. During a conversation with a Nigerian friend, I mentioned that story, and he had no idea such a tradition ever existed. According to him, these things vary from tribe to tribe. This is an issue found throughout the entire continent. Each tribe or ethnic group holds on to its own customs and refuses to welcome or appreciate those found in other regions.

For many Africans, the rise of inter-tribe and inter-Africa marriages is a sign that tribal disputes have ended. That’s like saying, inter-religion marriages have ended religious wars and disputes. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Tribal fighting is still an ongoing problem in Africa. Africans are still committing atrocious acts of violence towards one another due to tribal differences. A friend of mine once said that Africans are always complaining about how badly they were treated by Europeans, but refuse to acknowledge the fact that they are doing the same thing to each other.


Inter-tribe and inter-Africa marriages are becoming more popular due to Western influence. Most Western societies encourage cultural diversity and tolerance. Africans who have been exposed to it tend to become more open. The average African, living within the borders of Africa, would prefer to marry a person from their tribe. In fact, they have zero interest in knowing what goes on in other regions.

South Africa was listed as one of the world’s most multilingual countries. The average South African can speak or understand all of the country’s main languages. This is a great strategy towards creating a sense of unity and belonging within its frontier. It is a fantastic way of promoting cultural diversity.

In conclusion, before we start advocating for a “united Africa”, let’s first encourage a “united Congo”, “united Nigeria”, “united Sudan” and so forth. Africans love culture. That is what makes our continent so beautiful. However, it’s very difficult to genuinely appreciate the culture when it is playing key role in dividing our people. Africans hold traditional practices very close to their hearts, as they have been passed on from generation to generation. Change is not something most of us are quick to accept, but if we are working towards a unified and progressive Africa, accepting cultural diversity and tolerance is the right way forward.

source: http://afri-culture.com/african-traditions-in-todays-society-is-it-time-to-put-an-end-to-traditional-wedding-rites/

Anyways folks. It was nice meeting y'all. I got the info I needed.

I'm out.

Deuces.

appelmoieddy:
Tu te trompes là putain! Je me tais parceque je n'aime pas bcp de parler avec les chiennes, ca y est! Et quand tu te fatigues, suce une bite pour un sou! Trou du cul!

Don't take your anger out on me because your parents never gave you any attention when you were a child. Like I said earlier, you're over there getting all emotional about nothing and I am here laughing at you. #swerve

appelmoieddy:
Really? So how do I understand you, moreover I used the word unpardonable because of the gravity of your mistake, its ok if u use not living in congo as a pretext

Stop making noise for no reason. At least I've written in french. You have yet to write one word in french. Quit being emotional over nothing and go have a seat somewhere. Here's a chair _/

I don't give two f*cks. 0 f*cks given. #swerve

I don't understand how me asking one simple question turned into a drama fest.

Y'all need to chill out.

Rummenigge: Please, correct the title of this thread. "People" not "Peoples"

I know the correct term is people, but "peoples" is just a playful way of saying/writing it. Please don't tell me you've never hear someone say "peoples" before. Lol

appelmoieddy:
Yes it is,U didn't see what I highlighted for you to read in my previous post right? Ur mistake was unpardonable

Lol! Zoba...Mais ... toi meme tu n' ecris meme pas en francais.

I won't deny I speak better than I write because I haven't lived in Congo since I was six. And when I'm writing on here, I won't even make the effort to double check the grammar/spelling because I don't give two f*cks!

appelmoieddy:
Cos ur french is a bit rusty

My french is a bit rusty? Tu es vraiment bete toi. Je suis Congolaise. 100% Muluba! Roger that!

Logan's shadow:
Another moroni.c attention seeker.

You're an idiot. How am I an attention seeker when I asked a genuine question?

sopoundz: Bienvenue à nairaland mon ami. Les Nigérians sont de très bonnes personnes. J'ai beaucoup d'amis autour de l'Afrique et ils toujours aimé l'attitude. Ne nous jugez pas par quelques commentaires

Merci beaucoup mon ami. C'est tres gentil. Mais la je commences a avoir peur des Nigerians. Je ne pense pas que vous aimez les Congolaises.

GeneralShepherd:

There is no universal answer, different strokes for different folks. But I think folks from Edo state are less emphatic on sticking to men/women from their tribe! In my opinion they are the most liberal in all Nigeria and are completely free from tribal,ethnic and national prejudice


I want to take you home, straight to Mama! Dayum you are pwetty. I don't really do this over the internet but can we be friends?

Proudly Igbo

I'm sending you a PM right away, if I let you pass me by it'll hunt me forever!

Choi oyoyo nwa

Make me your personal maga!! *ok I'm over doing it now* *stops*

Thank you very much for the compliment.

I'm sure you meet women 10x prettier than me over there. I heard igbo girls are really pretty.

cbrass: Hello congolese woman if u r honest with you interest of Nigerian men I will advice you to think twice about ur choice of the igbo guys, thoes guys don't joke with their culture and food( will you be able to pound apu?) And if you marry the yoruba guys although they maybe tolerant but they don't spend a lot on women (it still depends on the individual anyway). I will therefore ask you to pick me cos I want to learn the french language ;DHello congolese woman if u r honest with you interest of Nigerian men I will advice you to think twice about ur choice of the igbo guys, thoes guys don't joke with their culture and food( will you be able to pound apu?) And if you marry the yoruba guys although they maybe tolerant but they don't spend a lot on women (it still depends on the individual anyway). I will therefore ask you to pick me cos I want to learn the french language

No thanks.

But thank you for the information. To be quite honest, based on the responses I've gotten on this forum and the attitudes I've encountered here, I am starting to doubt Nigerian men are for me. I like a gentleman. Not impolite people.

Khalessi: Erm Congolese queen why you dey lie? Kini big deal...Èbu Nigerian é bia nga dey form things...Charlie carry this your kwasia Asem attitude and log in with your real A/c jare.

Huh? What does this mean?

De Tus: @CongoleseQueen, yeah..well, u can add me up online and indicate "Congolese chick" so i can accept your request. I would be busy pretty soon. My job is tough:-)

Smh

De Tus: @CongoleseQueen, I know a bit about you guys. One of my best friends is a Congolese. He likes me a lot because I don't struggle for things. Things come to me naturally. So you shouldn't blame that chick because it's all about attraction. My Conglese friend was like why didn't i take that chick, i was like man, what does it profit you to gain the whole and then lose your soul....lol? The guy really laughed a lot. Then i said to him, we gonna go home:-) and then we left:-)

Interesting story.

Enegod: lots of Nigerian men have fvcked you, you mean?

Absolutely not. That is a rude and unkind thing to say.

Didn't I just state I have yet to be seriously involved with a Nigerian guy?

Just because the girls you mess with are hoes doesn't mean all girls are all hoes!

De Tus: @CongoleseQueen, you guys are so confident. I could recall how a French Congolese got crazy on me at a nightclub in Sydney. It's really fascinating by the women taking the initiatives.

I think that just depends on each woman. I don't go to nightclubs, but I'm sure if I did, I wouldn't do that.

But overall, each girl is different. I would give a guy a hint I like him, so he knows to approach me. The thought of being approached by a guy I'm not interested in really annoys me.

Not every girl enjoys unnecessary male attention.

Just to set the record straight, I'm not here to find Nigerian men. Lots of Nigerian men hit on me & I've even had one or two propose to me. But, I've never dated one because of a few concerns.

1) The family won't like me.

2) He might leave me abruptly to go back home & marry a Nigerian girl.

So, before I ever consider being in a serious relationship with one, I just wanted to get more information.

Mondisweets: Please can all these foreigners get off our website please go create your own and get your own men there
You want to steal our men and starve them of their eba, egusi and ogbono to cook your sken sken dishes for them ehn?!
Devil is a liar!
U will not succeed oo

No one is here to steal your men.

Sorry folks can't help who/what I'm attracted to.

FLYFIRE:
Please keep your mouth shut if you do not have anything meaningful to say. Childishness like yours are beginning to make NL very unattractive.
@CQueen, do not be afraid, the Lord will build your home for you.

Amen! God bless you!