Werrason

Infobox musical artist |
Name = Werrason


Img_capt = Werrason in 2007
Img_size = 147
Background = khaki
Birth_name = Noel Ngiama Makanda
Alias = King of the forest, Igwe of the jungle
Born = birth date and age|1965|12|25
flagicon|Democratic Republic of the Congo Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Instrument = Vocals, multiple instruments, percussion
Genre = African Music, Soukous, Congolese music, World music
Occupation = Singer
songwriter
record producer
arranger
dancer
choreographer| Years_active = 1967–present
URL = [http://www.werrason.eu Werrason Official Website]

Werrason, whose real is name Noël Ngiama Makanda (born December 25, 1965 in Kikwit) is a Congolese artist and musician.

Musical career

He was singing of the protestant church of Cebezo in Kinshasa at the age of 12. At the same time, he became a martial art champion. At the beginning of the 80’s, Werrason created the musical band “Wenge Musica 4X4 Tout Terrain Bon Chic Bon Genre”. The group split in 1997 [See [http://www.africahit.com/news/index.php?mod=article&cat=congo1&article=4456 Lepetit Baende "Enfin Werrason prend le dessus !"] ] . The next year Werrason created a new band “ Wenge Musica Maison Mere (WMMM)”. He launches the album “Force d’Intervention Rapide”. He toured throughout Europe, Africa, the USA, and Canada. His 1999 album “Solola Bien” was rewarded with the Golden Record in France [See [http://www.rfimusique.com/musiquefr/articles/060/article_13307.asp, Soeuf Elbadawi "La rumba congolaise"] ] .

In 2000 he had a concert in Paris-Bercy in front of 17.000 fans. in 2001 he wins 2 Kora Awards in South Africa including the one of "best african performer" [See [http://www.koraawards.com/Winners.html "Kora Awards Winners"] ] .

From 2002 to 2004 he had world tours with two concerts in Paris Zenith. Manu Dibango invited him to join him during his concert at the Paris Olympia. Artists such as Passi, Doc Gynéco , Benji and Akil invite him to participate at their musical projects. In 2005 he organised a large concert at Kikwit, his city of birth. Werrason sings in 2006 in Kinshasa with the Jamaican musician Shaggy who, during an interview at CNN recognizes Werrason as “The greatest current African artist” [See [http://echodynamic.oldiblog.com/?page=lastarticle&id=638224 "Shaggy à Kinshasa"] ] . In 2007 he released “Sous-Sol”, his first World music album.

Charity

Humanitarian action is part of Werrason’s life and personality. He could never be insensible to the misery of the Shegués (children of the streets) who consider him as their father. He dedicates a part of his income and spare time to schools, hospitals and prisons. He also owns a foundation, the "Werrason Foundation" that currently welcome more than 400 “shegues” [See [http://www.laconscience.com/article.php?id_article=4720 "Werrason Portrait"] ] . The main goal of the foundation is not only to make sure those kids do not hang out in the street by providing them a roof and a warm meal but also social activities and education in order to prepare them to get back to a real social life.

The United Nations have awarded him with the title of "Universal Ambassador of Peace". In 2001, WERRASON was received in audience by Pope John Paul II. Since then, he dedicates part of his time to all the UNESCO campaigns against AIDS and all sorts of discriminations.

Discography

*1999: Force d'Intervention Rapide
*1999: Solola Bien
*2000: Terrain Eza Miné
*2001: Kibuisa Mpimpa
*2002: A La Queue Leu Leu
*2004: Tindika Lokito
*2005: Alerte Générale
*2006: Témoignage
*2007: Sous-Sol
*2008: Temps Present, Mayi ya Sika
*Fall 2008: Simply the Best-Of

References

External Links

* [http://www.werrason.eu Official Website]