Makoma

Makoma is an award-winning Christian, pop, R&B and dance musical group originating from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) and established in the Netherlands. It is made up of 6 siblings (3 brothers and 3 sisters): Nathalie Makoma, Annie Makoma, Pengani Makoma, Tutala Makoma, Duma Makoma, Martin Makoma and a non-family member, Patrick Badine. They mainly sing in Lingala and in English, but at times also in French, Dutch and German.^[1]

Lead singer Nathalie Makoma left the group in 2004 and has her solo career after ending as runner-up during the Dutch Idols 4 in 2007-2008.

Career

The group Makoma was established by Tutala Makoma in 1993, and started performing in public as a group in 1995. The name of the band was "Nouveau Testament"^[2] (translated as New Testament").

The family left Democratic Republic of Congo formerly known as Zaire because of political strife and established in the Netherlands, later in Germany to return in 1996 to reside in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The band was renamed Makoma (the name of the family) after establishing in Europe. They record at the Westcoast Studios, also owned by Tutala Makoma in Rotterdam. Annie Makoma designs most of the group's stage attire, and Martin Makoma doubles up as the group's choreographer.^[3]

Their debut album was released in 2000 entitled Nzambe Na Bomoyi followed in 2002 entitled On Faith. The same year they won the Best African Group at the Kora African Music Awards.^[4] They have toured many countries including many European countries, Africa, the Caribbean and Canada.

Nathalie Makoma, born on 24 February 1982 in Kinshasa became, in her own right, a well-known Dutch-Congolese singer. Nathalie Makoma left the band and established in England and later in Ireland. She released On Faith in 2003 and I Saw the Light in 2005. In 2007-2008, she returned to the Netherlands and participated in Idols 4 in the Netherlands and finished runner-up, with the title going to Nikki Kerkhof. The group Makoma made a guest appearance on the Idols final with their sister Nathalie singing Ola Olé in English with her.^[5] She is signed to Sony BMG.

Awards

• 2002: Best African Group at the Kora Awards

Discography

Albums

• 1999: Nzambe na Bomoyi (Jesus For Life)
  • Tracks:

1. Napesi
2. Butu Na Moyi
3. Mwinda
4. Moto Oyo
5. Nataboli
6. Nzambe Na Bomoyi

• 2000: Makoma
  • Tracks:

1. Baby Come
2. I'm So Excited
3. My Love Is True
4. Sweeter
5. NYC (Nathalie feat. Makoma)
6. Let Me Be Your Sunshine
7. All I Need Is Your Love
8. Someday I Know
9. Happy Days
10. Promise You Made
11. Summertime
12. Hurry Up
13. When The Angels Come
14. Baby Come (Remix)
15. Sweeter (Remix)

• 2002: Mokonzi na Bakonzi (King of Kings)
  • Tracks:

1. Mokonzi Na Bakonzi
2. Nasengi
3. Bana
4. Naleli
5. Nzambe Na Ngai
6. Tolingana

• 2005: Na Nzambe Te, Bomoyi Te also known as No Jesus, No Life
  • Tracks:

1. Yo wuti
2. Nakobina
3. Ola Olé
4. Asala
5. Ezali Mawa
6. No Jesus, No Life
7. Bolingo

• 2005: My Sweet Lord (Credited as Makoma feat. Nathalie Makoma)
  • Tracks:

1. Baby Come
2. My Sweet Lord
3. My Love Is True
4. I'm So Excited
5. Sweeter (Remix)
6. Let Me Be Your Sunshine
7. All I Need Is Your Love
8. Someday I Know
9. Promise You Made
10. Yo Zali
11. When the Angels Come
12. Bana
13. Baby Come
14. Gospel Medley

• 2009: Nzambe Alingi Yo (Jesus Loves You)
  • Tracks:

1. Nzambe Alingi Yo
2. Lisumu Nini Nasali
3. Sosola
4. Likambo Nini
5. Lobiko Na Ngai
6. Yoka Mawa (Aie Pitie)
7. Ola Olé (remix) [1]

References

1. ^ K-RTL interview with Makoma
2. ^ Afrika Nieuws: Nathalie uit Idols was al een ster in Afrika (in Dutch)
3. ^ Museke: Page on Makoma
4. ^ Award ceremonies at the 2002 Kora Afriican Music Awards
5. ^ Makoma performing at Idols 4 in 2008 with their sister Nathalie Makoma in the finals

External links

Makoma

• Makoma Official website
• Makoma Facebook
• Makoma YouTube page