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{{Short description|Congolose musician (born 1965)}}
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{{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist|<!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = Werrason | name = Werrason
| image = Werrason.jpg | image = Werrason.jpg
| caption = Werrason in 2007 | caption = Werrason in 2007
| image_size = 147 | image_size = 230px
| background = solo_singer | background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Noel Ngiama Makanda | birth_name = Noel Ngiama Makanda
| alias = {{hlist|Roi De La Forêt|Phénomène|Igwe|Ambassadeur De La Paix|Vieux N'Soné|Émérite|Grand Formateur|Papa Formidable|Ya Ngiama|Ya Père Noël}}
| alias = King of the forest, Igwe of the jungle
| Born = {{birth date and age|1965|12|25}}<br /> {{flagicon|Democratic Republic of the Congo}} ], ], Democratic Republic of the Congo</small> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|12|25}}
| birth_place = ], ], ]<br/><small>(modern-day ])</small>
| instrument = Vocals, ], percussion
| instrument = Vocals, ], percussion
| genre = ], ], ], ]
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]}}
| occupation = Singer<br /> songwriter<br /> record producer<br /> ]<br /> dancer<br /> choreographer| years_active = 1981–present
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| website =
* Singer
* songwriter
* guitarist
* record producer
* arranger
* dancer
* choreographer
}}
| years_active = 1981–present
| past_member_of = ]
| website =
}} }}


'''Noël Ngiama Makanda''' ({{abbr|born|born}}&nbsp;25 December 1965), known professionally as '''Werrason''', is a Congolese singer-songwriter, composer, producer, philanthropist, and the bandleader of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ngaira |first=Amos |date=20 May 2016 |title=Singer Werrason's date with Nairobi, Kisumu fans |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/weekend/singer-werrason-s-date-with-nairobi-kisumu-fans-1200486 |access-date=29 May 2024 |website=Nation |language=en |publication-place=Nairobi, kenya}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e67iIQ9TqwoC |title=Résistances et dissidences: l'Afrique centrale des droits de l'homme , Volume 2 |date=1 January 2003 |publisher=Éditions Karthala |isbn=978-2-84586-346-0 |location=Paris, France |pages=68 |language=fr}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Diala |first=Jordache |date=5 January 2017 |title=Congo-Kinshasa: 52 ans d'âge et 35 ans de carrière officielle - Werrason - Le secret du succès ! |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: 52 years of age and 35 years of official career - Werrason - The secret of success! |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/201701050372.html |access-date=29 May 2024 |website=Laprosperiteonline.net/ |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2020-12-10 |title=Werrason |url=https://www.congolesemusic.com/person/werra-son/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Congolese Music}}</ref> He was a co-founding member of ], a musical group that played a pivotal role in the development of the ] dance music genre during the 1990s.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=26 July 2012 |title=Ngiama Makanda Noël alias le phenomene Werrason |trans-title=Ngiama Makanda Noël aka the Werrason phenomenon |url=https://www.universrumbacongolaise.com/artistes/werrason/ |access-date=29 May 2024 |website=Universrumbacongolaise.com |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Krings |first=Matthias |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V7PdCQAAQBAJ&dq=Werrason+found+wenge+musica&pg=PA113 |title=African Appropriations: Cultural Difference, Mimesis, and Media |date=20 July 2015 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-01640-9 |location=Bloomington, Indiana, United States |pages=113 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Otieno |first=Charles |title=The return of Wenge Musica |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/evewoman/living/article/2001449229/http//www.standardmedia.co.ke/evewoman/living/article/2001449229/the-return-of-wenge-musica |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=Evewoman Magazine |publication-place=Nairobi, Kenya}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 April 2022 |title=25-Year Wenge Musica Face-Off Appears to End |url=https://afropop.org/articles/25-year-face-off-appears-to-end |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=Afropop Worldwide}}</ref>
'''Werrason''', real name '''Noël Ngiama Makanda''' born December 25, 1965 in Moliombo, a small village in Northern Democratic Republic of Congo in ], ] is a musician from the Democratic Republic of Congo and also leader of the band Wenge Maison Mere ]. By age 8, Werrason was singing at his local church, the Protestant Church of Cebezo, Kinshasa. He loved Martial arts and was a Martial Arts champion by age of 12.<ref name="tripod1">http://idamawatu.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/werrason-press-kit.pdf</ref> In 1981 in between his studies (for a degree in Accountancy) Werrason, and his college friends Didier Masela, Adolphe Dominguez, J.B Mpiana, Blaise Bula among others created an innovative musical band “Wenge Musica 4X4 Tout Terrain Bon Chic Bon Genre”.


Ngiama is widely recognized as one of the emblematic figures of Wenge Musica. His compositions, such as "Mulolo", "Kin É Bougé" (featuring JB Mpiana), and notably "Kala-Yi-Boeing", are acclaimed as some of Wenge Musica's most distinguished works.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5QU5AQAAIAAJ&q=Werrason%20Kin%20%C3%89%20Boug%C3%A9 |title=The Beat, Volume 20 |date=2001 |publisher=Beat Magazine |location=Melbourne, Australia |pages=65 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e67iIQ9TqwoC&dq=Werrason+Kin+%C3%89+Boug%C3%A9&pg=PA68 |title=Résistances et dissidences: l'Afrique centrale des droits de l'homme, Volume 2 |date=1 January 2003 |publisher=Éditions Karthala |isbn=978-2-84586-346-0 |location=Paris, France |pages=68 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kgU5AQAAIAAJ&q=Werrason+Kala-Yi-Boeing |title=The Beat, Volume 19 |date=2000 |publisher=Beat Magazine |location=Melbourne, Australia |pages=32 |language=en}}</ref> Following Wenge Musica's disbandment in 1997 due to internal disputes between Ngiama and JB Mpiana, the band split into Wenge Musica Maison Mère, led by Ngiama, and Wenge BCBG, headed by JB Mpiana.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanka |first=Joseph |date=8 June 2001 |title=Congo-Kinshasa: J.B. Mpiana attendu à Mbuji-Mayi le 23 juin 2001 |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: JB Mpiana expected in Mbuji-Mayi on June 23, 2001 |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200106080215.html |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Le Phare |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanka |first=Joseph |date=15 June 2001 |title=Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge BCBG : les fans de B Mpiana exigent un concert de 'correction' à Martyrs |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge BCBG: B Mpiana fans demand a 'correction' concert at Martyrs |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200106150256.html |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Le Phare |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
=== Werrason forms Wenge Musica Maison Mere ===
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/7727 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Their band Wenge Musica BCBG 4X4 Tout Terrain split in December 1997. Werrason and his two friends Adolphe Dominguez and Didier Masela, created Wenge Musica Maison Mere (WMMM)”, with its headquarters at Zamba Playa in the Kinshasa, D.R.Congo, with Werrason as head. With most band members gone with JB Mpiana Werrason and his two friends, had to build Maison Mere from scratch, with assistance from a number of people especially Sankara de Kunta and Zachary Babaswe. Werrason went round the country recruiting several young talented musicians and also taking back some old colleagues from from JB Mpiana's band. Werrason's original band members were Didier Masela, Adolphe Dominguez, Ferre Gola, Baby Ndombe, Seseli Adjani, JDT Mulopwe, Celeo Scram, Bill Kalondji, Serge Mabiala, Didier Lacoste, Lay Chou, Michael Shendu, Guitarists Flam Kapaya (solo), Japonaise Maladi (rhythm), Christian Mwepu (Bass) drummers Papay Kakol and Ali Mbonda. His first album, “Force d’Intervention Rapide” (force of rapid intervention) was released end of 1998. His song Chantal Switzerland was voted Song of the Year, while his animator Bill 'Clinton' Kalondji was voted the best animator. His second album "Solola Bien" of 1999 took the African music scene by storm. “Solola Bien” was<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rfimusique.com/musiquefr/articles/060/article_13307.asp |title=La rumba congolaise |publisher=RFI Musique |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> rewarded with the Golden Record in France. In the same year, his band Wenge Maison Mere was voted the Best Congolese Group, with Werrason as the Artist of the Year. In June 2001, Werrason released his first solo album "Kibuisa Mpimpa," a double CD with 17 titles. This was work that had taken him 5 years of preparation,<ref name="tripod1"/> 4 months of studio work, and over 2000 hours of compositions and philosophical reflection back to his roots. 'Kibuisa Mpimpa' was described as<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/2951 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> "culturally revolutionary" by observers of the African music. This album won him two (2)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/4887 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Kora Awards in South Africa including<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koraawards.com/Winners.html |title=Winners |publisher=Koraawards.com |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Best Artist in Africa and Best Album in Central Africa. Later that year Werrason gave one of his very best performances at a double concert (two days) at<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73FpwHRRHvI |title=Werrason – Grand Entrance – Zenith Paris |publisher=YouTube |date=November 10, 2006 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> "the Zenith de Paris,” one of the largest concert halls in France, with a seating capacity of well over 20,000. He also toured extensively major European cities like London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Rome and Stockholm. Through his musical innovations, Werrason attracts a new public to embrace the black cultural awareness without being militant. The United Nations have awarded him with the title of<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/3146 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/10833 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> and in campaigns against early marriages and promoting education for the<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve-7if5FUxc&feature=related |title=Werra Son In Hd Titre Les Filles Allez A L' Ecole / Djomegabp |publisher=YouTube |date=April 21, 2011 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> girl<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/16569 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> child. During his world tour he shared performances with great African artists among them<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehagueafricanfestival.com/artiesten-2011/werrason |title=Werrason – Artiesten 2011 |publisher=The Hague African Festival |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Manu Dibango who invited him in his concert at the Paris Olympia. Others were Passi,Doc Gynéco , Benji and Akil who asked him to take part in their musical projects. Werrason also collaborated with international artists like<ref>{{cite web|url=http://echodynamic.oldiblog.com/?page=lastarticle&id=638224 |title=Shaggy A Kinshasa ! |publisher=Echodynamic.oldiblog.com |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Shaggy. In the same year, Werrason also did a large concert at the Stade des<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/56868559#pm_cmp=vid_OEV_P_P |title=Video Werrason – Stade des Martyrs Kinshasa, RDC Concert van Werrason (Official Myspace) – Myspace Video |publisher=Myspace.com |date=October 13, 2011 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Martyrs which was attended by over 100,000 people. The year 2000 also saw Werrason do one of his best ever live performances at Bercy infront of over 17,000 fans<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVVweW87Veo&feature=related |title=Entrée des danseurs – Bercy 2000 – Wenge musica maison mere – Werrason – Congo – Dombolo |publisher=YouTube |date=June 16, 2009 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref>


In December 1999, Wenge Musica Maison Mère released the ndombolo-infused album ''Solola Bien!'', which achieved gold certification and experienced immediate success across Africa and its diaspora in France.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rorison |first=Sean |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cXJyOKBqJZwC&dq=Werrason+best+congolese&pg=PA80 |title=Congo |date=2008 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides |isbn=978-1-84162-233-0 |location=Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom |pages=80 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Diambu |first=Diambu Di |date=7 November 2002 |title=Congo-Kinshasa : Le Ndombolo qui triomphe, le ndombolo qu'on dénigre: Que la musique soit avec vous ! |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: The Ndombolo that triumphs, the Ndombolo that is denigrated: May the music be with you! |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200211070515.html |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=Lephareonline.net/ |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Rorison |first=Sean |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_5EoYIaHk70C |title=Congo: Democratic Republic – Republic |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-84162-391-7 |location=Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom |page=83}}</ref> In September 2000, Wenge Musica Maison Mère became the second African act to perform and sell out the ] following ] earlier that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Babunga |first=Benjamin |date=15 September 2017 |title=Le 16 septembre 2000, Werrason devient le deuxième artiste-musicien africain à remplir la salle mythique de Paris-Bercy, en France |trans-title=On 16 September 2000, Werrason became the second African artist to fill the legendary hall of Paris-Bercy in France |url=https://www.babunga.alobi.cd/2017/09/15/le-16-septembre-2000-werrason-devient-le-deuxieme-artiste-musicien-africain-a-remplir-la-salle-mythique-de-paris-bercy-en-france/ |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=Babunga.alobi.cd |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yunduka |first=Karim |date=29 October 2020 |title=Musique : Werrason prêt pour son concert au Zénith de Paris en 2021 |trans-title=Music: Werrason ready for his concert at the Zénith de Paris in 2021 |url=https://www.adiac-congo.com/content/musique-werrason-pret-pour-son-concert-au-zenith-de-paris-en-2021-121093 |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=Adiac-congo.com |language=fr |publication-place=Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2021 |title=Werrason déplore l'annulation de son concert au Zénith de Paris |trans-title=Werrason deplores the cancellation of his concert at the Zénith in Paris |url=https://www.latempete.info/?p=48294 |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=Latempete.info |language=fr-FR}}</ref> With a career spanning nearly four decades, Werrason has produced numerous successful ], including seven with Wenge Musica, nine with Wenge Musica Maison Mère, and four solo studio albums. Notable solo releases include ''Kibuisa Mpimpa'' (2001), ''Témoignage'' (2005), ''Sans Poteau'' (2015), and ''7 jours de la semaine'' (2017).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Press kit for Noël Werrason Ngiama Makanda |url=https://idamawatu.tripod.com/WengePressKit.pdf |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=Idamawatu.tripod.com |page=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanka |first=Joseph |date=27 July 2001 |title=Congo-Kinshasa : Wenge Musica maison Mère réclame un peu partout à travers la capitale : Werrason à Naïrobi le week-end prochain |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica maison Mère is calling all over the capital: Werrason in Nairobi next weekend |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200107300169.html |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=Lephareonline.net/ |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref name=":2" />
=== The Fall and Rise of Werrason ===
In 2003, Werrason’s musical career took a major blow when he lost a large number of key band members. These were his deputy and composer Ferre Gola, his chief animator Bill Kalondji, and Singer JDT Mulopwe. These members left a few months after other key members (Baby Ndombe, Serge Mabiala and Japonaise Maladi) had also left for varied reasons. These former members grouped together and formed a rival musical band called ‘les Marquis de Maison Mere.’ This period coincided with the time, Werrason could not get<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/21896 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> European visas for his musical group to go and produce his next album ‘Alerte General’ and to perform to his fans abroad, who to this day remain one of the key sources of revenue for his band. The following year Werrason parted ways with his then sponsor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/4138 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref>‘Bracongo,’ producers of beer ‘Skol.’ Werrason was forced to, for the first time, produce an album, 'Alerte Generale' in studios in Congo, which are inferior in quality compared to his favored studios in France.Werrason weathered this storm, rebuild his band and secured a lucrative sponsorship deal with<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalcongo.net/article/29237 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Bralima, producers of beer ‘Primus.’ In 2004, he finally released ‘Alerte Generale’ a single with 4 tracks and then proceeded on a European tour to promote the album. In 2005 in the midst of performances in Africa and Europe and as he reorganized his band Wenge Musica Maison Mere, Werrason continued work on his second solo album ‘Temoignage de Miracle’ a 14 track double CD which he released early 2005. It was evident that Werrason had bounced back in a big way and by this time had regained his position as the musician with the highest number of fans in Central Africa. That year (2005) Werrason won a<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qjJHDT5tAw |title=50 Years of Congo Music – Werrason – Winner Five Kora Awards (African Grammy) – Style Moomberg |publisher=YouTube |date=December 31, 2010 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> KORA award for the best artist in Central Africa beating off a strong field of contenders including Koffi Olomide. To crown his comeback, Werrason visited his province of birth Kikwit and did a concert attended by over 200,000 people, and this remains one of the biggest music concerts ever in the African continent. He followed this by another mega performance at<ref name="youtube1">{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMpPnlSbGtc |title=Werrason & Wenge Maison Mere – Live a Masina 2005 |publisher=YouTube |date=January 4, 2011 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Masina.


Aside from music, Ngiama is known for his humanitarian work. He founded the Werrason Foundation in 2000, a non-profit organization that aids orphans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ayorinde |first=Michael |date=February 2011 |title=Werrason: un seigneur à Paris |trans-title=Werrason: a lord in Paris |url=https://afriquemagazine.com/werrason-un-seigneur-paris |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Afrique magazine |language=fr |publication-place=Paris, France}}</ref> Recognized as an "]" and "people's singer" by the ],<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tijani |first=Achraf |date=12 April 2022 |title=DRC: Congolese music fans rejoice as Werrason and JB Mpiana finally reconcile |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/193958/drc-congolese-music-fans-rejoice-as-werrason-and-jb-mpiana-finally-reconcile/ |access-date=8 July 2023 |website=] |language=en |publication-place=Paris, France}}</ref> Ngiama is an advocate for ]'s initiatives against ] and ].<ref name=":4" />
=== The Success of Werrason 'Le Grand Formateur' ===
True to his nickname ‘le grand formateur’ Werrason dropped his next single ‘Sous Sol’ an album with new dance styles, guitar and drums that proved revolutionary. Counting on his new talented musicians Heritier Watanabe, Eboa Lotin, Miel de son, Cappucino Bogard,solo guitar master Flam Kapaya, his long time drummer Papy Kakol, animators Brigade Sabatini and Celeo Scram, seasoned dancers<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpLdXvfUkWE&feature=autoplay&list=PL77484FE6A5FBEF9C&index=29&playnext=9 |title=Bibisia. Toujours likolo |publisher=YouTube |date=January 14, 2007 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Anya Star, Bibisia Mfwengi, Gisele Yamamoto, Linda Kalome among others, the band enjoyed great success and did a number of major performances attended by tens of thousands in Brazzaville, Angola, Kikwit,<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuTOh6roSG0 |title=Werrason – Live Concert Series 5 – Matadi – Temoignage |publisher=YouTube |date=February 3, 2007 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Stade de Matadi, Bukavu,<ref name="youtube1"/> Masina,FIKIN among others.


== Career ==
Werrason joined forces, in 2006 in Kinshasa, with the Jamaican superstar Shaggy who, during an interview in CNN recognizes Werrason as “The greatest current African artist”. The album 'Sous Sol' was followed closely by another great album ‘Temps Present-Mayi Ya Sika’ also a double CD with 15 tracks, in which he gave his band members a chance to develop their singing and composition prowess. Werrason is recognized for his ability and desire to promote, nurture and expose his band members as a way of encouraging them to later confidently pursue their own solo careers. In that album ‘Temps Present – Mayi Ya Sika’ this was evident as he gave not just the singers, but even the instrumentalists a chance to make their own compositions. Heritier Watanabe once again shone with beautiful songs ‘<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_4-y6rOdzo |title=Congo – Werrason – Sol Demi Amour |publisher=YouTube |date=January 28, 2009 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Sol demi amour’ and ‘Confession Intime,’ the young singers Cappuccino Bogard and Eboa Lotin composed beautiful love songs ‘<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWwxi9dg-zI |title=Congo – Werrason – Point Carre in WS |publisher=YouTube |date=January 28, 2009 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Point Carre’ and ‘<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMm63U3lGN8 |title=Congo – Werrason – Temps Present – Bulawayo (Eboa Lotin) |publisher=YouTube |date=June 15, 2008 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Bula Wa Yo’ respectively while his experienced mi-solo guitarist Corean 'Polystar' Acompa, drummer Papy Kakol and Mimiche Bass also got a chance to do their own compositions. A number of former members of Werrason’s Wenge Musica Maison Mere have benefitted from this kind of exposure and have now gone independent. They include Ferre Gola, a high flying former chief d’ochestra in WMMM who presently leads a band called 'les Marquis de Gaulois', Bill Kalondji, former animator now leader of the band ‘le Samurai’, JDT Mulopwe a former singer with WMMM presently leading ‘Le Marquis de Maison Mere,' and Celeo Scram with his orchestra ‘Plus 10’, among others.
=== Early years and formation of Wenge Musica Maison Mère (WMMM) ===
When Werrason's college band ] split in December 1997, Werrason, Masela, and Dominguez then created ], a band based at Zamba Playa in ]. With the help of among others Sankara de Kunta and Zacharie Babaswe, Werrason travelled the country to recruit young musicians. The band's first album, ''Force d'Intervention Rapide'' was released on November 28, 1998.<ref name="Digitalcongo.net">{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/7727 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mbiriyamveka |first=Jonathan |date=31 July 2009 |title=Zimbabwe: Rhumba Lovers in for Treat |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/200907310184.html |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=] |publication-place=Harare, Zimbabwe}}</ref>


His song "Chantal Switzerland" became a noted song of the year, while his animator ] was voted best animator.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-05 |title=Lyrics translation of Chantal Switzerland by Congolese artist Werra Son |url=https://www.congolesemusic.com/chantal-switzerland-lyrics/ |access-date=2023-07-08 |website=Congolese Music}}</ref> Their second album, ''Solola Bien'' (1999) was successful in the African music scene,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rfimusique.com/musiquefr/articles/060/article_13307.asp |title=La rumba congolaise |date=July 11, 2001 |publisher=RFI Musique |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> and earned the Gold Record in ].
Werrason’s next album Techno Malewa Sans Cess was released in October 2010. Making use of the continental style ‘Coup De Calle’ and new dance moves, the album received great success across Africa and in Europe, and in it Werrason’s versatility was shown. His new young singers<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9uIzg_sP0k&feature=related |title=Mitterand Champagne [Deplic&#93; – Techno Malewa |publisher=YouTube |date=August 13, 2009 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Deplik Filla,<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HszegBFt3Tg |title=Diego Music – Werrason – Techno Malewa – Clip |publisher=YouTube |date=August 13, 2009 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Fabrice Energie and<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBIWV8tkiMc&feature=related |title=Salon D'honneur [Café Roum&#93; – Techno Malewa |publisher=YouTube |date=August 13, 2009 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Cafe Roum were given an opportunity to star in songs composed by Werrason. Werrason followed the release of Techno Malewa Sans Cess with his energetic performances at a packed<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FugjQprUO5o |title=werrason zenith 2010 youtube.mp4 |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref>‘Zenith de Paris’ in March 13, 2010. He later visited Holland, Bruxelles, Lyon among others. His African performances including at<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsFOlyH7rzc&feature=related |title=Werrason à Bukavu 2010 |publisher=YouTube |date=November 3, 2010 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Bukavu‘s Stade de Kadutu will remain long in the memory of many African Music Fans. In June 2011, Werrason gave a grand performance at Stade De France’s<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twqfvDupHig&feature=player_embedded |title=Werrason Live |publisher=YouTube |date=June 12, 2011 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Africa Night alongside other Great African artists including Meyway, Magic System and Passi and in the same month released a single Primus<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MggefB3ssDc&feature=related |title=Clip Werrason Diata Bawu – Techno malewa suite et fin (Musique congolaise) |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Diata Bawu. His next album Techno Malewa Suit en Fin is scheduled for release in July 2011.


In June 2001, Werrason released his first solo album ''Kibuisa Mpimpa'', a double CD with 17 tracks. This recording was the result of five&nbsp;years of preparation,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why did volume 2 of the Kibuisa-Mpimpa clips never came ? - Congolese Music - Congo Vibes |url=http://congovibes.com/congolese-music/why-did-volume-2-of-the-kibuisa-mpimpa-clips-never-came/ |access-date=2023-07-08 |website=congovibes.com}}</ref> four months of studio work, and over 2,000 hours of writing. This album won him two Kora awards in South Africa, including<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.koraawards.com/Winners.html |title=Winners |publisher=Koraawards.com |accessdate=October 19, 2011 |archive-date=March 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311025100/http://www.koraawards.com/Winners.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> "Best Artist" in Africa and "Best Album" in Central Africa.
=== EARLY HISTORY: Werrason in Wenge Musica BCBG 4x4 Tout Terrain ===
The early part of Werrason’s musical career, starting from 1981 was spent in Wenge Musica BCBG 4x4 Tout Terrain, where he was the deputy band leader and the finance director. Initially, between 1981–1985, the band was like a holiday hobby for the members who were all students. In 1985 they begun to curtain raise for then big music performers before they decided to begin recording some of their compositions in 1986. Werrason's musical ability begun to show very early in Wenge Musica BCBG 4x4. In 1988, the band released an album, 'Bouger Bouger' that topped charts in Congo for three years and propelled Werrason and his friends to national fame. In this five song album 'Bouger Bouger' Werrason was credited with composing the song 'Nicky D'. The album had a theme chant called 'mulolo', which was elected the Song of The Year, but which until today it is not clear who between Werrason and JB Mpiana, composed though each of the two claim it was their original idea. In 1991 the group produced another master class titled<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPyLg9wQyww |title=Wenge Musica – Kin e Bouge |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref>'Kin e Bouge' an album that was voted 'The album of the year 1991.' In it Werrason composed the song 'Kaskin.' However 1993 was the year that Werrason gained international recognition when he composed the song<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVwSm6SYnao |title=Wenge Musica 4x4 - Kala Yi Boeing by www.kinwebtv.com |publisher=YouTube |date=January 8, 2011 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref>'Kala Yi Boeing,' which was also the title of the group album, an album which received international acclaim. For ten years (between 1987 and 1997) the band enjoyed incredible success throughout Africa and Europe. As the deputy band leader of Wenge Musica 4x4 tout terrain bon chic bon genre, Werrason was credited with composition of key beats that took the African music scene by storm, bringing in great talents like Ferre Gola to the band and also his energy during live performances.


Later that year, Werrason performed back-to-back concerts at ], one of the largest concert halls in France. He toured ] including ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The ] have awarded him the title of ]. In 2001, Werrason was received by ]. Since then, he has spoken for ] campaigns against ] and ], and in campaigns against ] and to promote ]. During his world tour, performed with other ] ] including<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehagueafricanfestival.com/artiesten-2011/werrason |title=Werrason – Artiesten 2011 |publisher=The Hague African Festival |accessdate=October 19, 2011 |archive-date=August 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811082133/http://www.thehagueafricanfestival.com/artiesten-2011/werrason |url-status=dead }}</ref> ] at the ], ], ], Benji and Akil. Werrason also collaborated with ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://echodynamic.oldiblog.com/?page=lastarticle&id=638224 |title=Shaggy A Kinshasa ! |publisher=Echodynamic.oldiblog.com |accessdate=October 19, 2011 |archive-date=August 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815105010/http://echodynamic.oldiblog.com/?page=lastarticle&id=638224 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the same year, Werrason performed a concert at ], which was attended by over 100,000 people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Werrason |url=https://overlook-events.com/tyrell/werrason/ |access-date=2023-07-08 |language=en-US}}</ref> He also performed for 17,000 at Bercy in 2000.
=== The Split of Wenge Musica BCBG 4x4 Tout Terrain ===
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/7727 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> In 1995, problems begun to emerge in Wenge Musica BCBG 4x4. Sources of this were, personality clashes, interference from other big bands in Congo that felt threatened by the rise of Wenge Musica BCBG 4x4, disagreements about money and the direction of band and producers and promoters who wished to take advantage of the new stars once they went their separate ways. Band members begun to align themselves around JB Mpiana the band leader and around Werrason, his deputy. The band's tours of Nairobi and later Abidjan revealed growing tensions in the band. In the Nairobi tour where the band was hosted at the grand Marble Arc Hotel, and performed at among others Carnivore and Safari Park, when not on stage performing, Werrason kept a low profile and could only be seen in company of Adolphe and Didier Masela. In the tension filled performance in Ivory Coast's commercial city of Abidjan, Werrason and<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24pevhPq3Fs&feature=related |title=Wenge Musica 4x4 Live in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 1997, Djodjo Ngonda |publisher=YouTube |date=June 9, 2010 |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> JB Mpiana could not even share a stage leading to the band doing two part performances with Werrason and JB Mpiana leading each separate session. It is worth noting that apart from Alain Mpela, the musicians that shared the stage with Werrsaon during this tour (Emelia, Ferre Gola, Adolphe, Masella) all later joined Werrason's band. Upon return to Kinshasha,JB Mpiana released his solo album 'Faux De L'Amour' with support of the band and also with participation of Papa Wemba. This followed an example set by another leading light Prince Alain Makaba, who had in previous year, 1995 released a solo album 'Poile ou face' with the support of the group. However it was during the release of 'Faux de L'Amour' at the Grand Hotel Kinshasa in December 1997, that the band disintegrated. Musicians aligned to the two rivals exchanged words on stage,<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kNeD54xRQA |title=LA SEPARATION DE WENGE 3 : WERRA INTERPELLE JB, PAPA WEMBA MET LES POINTS SUR LES i (INEDIT) |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> with Blaise Bula, who was then aligned to JB Mpiana sarcastically telling Werrason, "my friend, you dream, and in your dreams, you would like to be Blaise Bula, JB Mpiana Alain Makaba ... it is allowed to dream, my brother." These happened in presence of Papa Wemba who was a guest.. The concert has come to be known today as<ref>{{cite web|author=om een reactie te plaatsen! |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zArABS3pZj8 |title=LA SEPARATION DE WENGE 1 : CONCERT FEUX DE L'AMOUR, CONCERT DE LA SEPARATION AU GHK (INEDIT) |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref>'le Concert de la Separation.'


== Controversies ==
After the split of Wenge Musica BCBG 4x4, J.B Mpiana took with him most band members. These were Prince Alain Makaba, Blaise Bula, Alain Mpela, Aimélia Lias, Ficarra, Kusangila, Titina, Al Nzimbi, Theo Bidens, Burkinafaso Mboka Liya, Ekokota and Tutu Calugi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/21547 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> This split brought with it tension between JB Mpiana and Werrason's band. JB Mpiana was the first to release his album titled 'Titanic' in whose cover jacket him and his associates are seen escaping with floaters from a large sinking ship. Observers were quick to link that Titanic to the big band that was the original Wenge Musica BCBG 4x4 which JB now considered a sinking ship. Werrason responded by releasing an album titled, ‘Force de Intervention Rapide’ (force of rapid intervention). As per tradition of competition between the two, when Werrason released his second album, Solola Bien which in the local language meant ‘speak well’ JB Mpiana launched TH (meaning always humble) in an apparent reaction to Werason's growing success. Whereas music rivalry is not a new thing, the musical rivalry between Werrason and JB Mpiana of Wenge Musica BCBG, and later with<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/32349 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Koffi Olomide of<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalcongo.net/article/33974 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> Quarter Latin International<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalcongo.net/article/15170 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> has served to shape Werrason's approach to music. It has inspired him to always try to produce very high quality albums and better live shows so as to remain at the<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalcongo.net/article/13862 |title=3.0 |publisher=Digitalcongo.net |accessdate=October 19, 2011}}</ref> top musically.
]
In September 2021, the Parisian prefecture announced the cancellation of a large concert of Werrason which was to be held at the ], citing "risks of serious disturbances to the public order and of attacking the safety of the spectators", in particular with threats of the demonstrations of radical opponents to the regime in place. Werrason has expressed his anger towards France.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20210926-rdc-le-chanteur-werrason-en-col%C3%A8re-apr%C3%A8s-l-annulation-d-un-concert-en-france |title=RDC: le chanteur Werrason en colère après l'annulation d'un concert en France |publisher=www.jeuneafrique.com |accessdate=September 26, 2021}}</ref>


== Werrason's Music Awards == == Discography ==
===Albums===
1999:
*Best Congolese Group: Wenge Musica Maison Mere {{For|discography with the group|Wenge Musica Maison Mère}}
*2001: ''Kibuisa Mpimpa''
*Best Singer: Werrason Ngiama Makanda
*2005: ''Temoignage''
*Best Song: Chantal Switzerland by Werrason
*2008: ''Simply The Best Of, Vol. 1''
*Best Animator (Atakalu): Bill “Clinton” Kalonji
*2015: ''Sans Poteau''
*2017: ''7 Jours de la Semaine''


===Singles===
2000:
*2013: "I Found a Way" <small>(feat. ])</small>
*Artist of the year: Werrason
*2014: "Block Cadenas"
*Best Song: Vita-Imana by Ferre Gola
*2017: "Diemba (Balançoire Générique)"
*Best Animator (Atakalu): Bill “Clinton” Kalonji
*2019: "Formidable"
*2020: "Yeke Yeke" <small>(feat. Bikorine & But Na Filet)</small>


;Featured in
2001:
*2021: "RDV" <small>(Picolcrist bil feat. Werrason)</small>
*KORA AWARD Winner: African Artist of the Year
*KORA AWARD Winner: Best Artist in Central Africa
*Best Congolese Group: Wenge Musica Maison Mere
*Best Singer: Werrason Ngiama Makanda
*Best Album: Kibuisa Mpimpa
*Best Animator (Atakalu): Bill “Clinton” Kalonji


== Awards and nominations ==
2002:
{| class="wikitable"
*Best Celebrity: Werrason Ngiama Makanda
!Year
*Best Song: Blandine by Werrason
!Event
*Best Animator (Atakalu): Bill “Clinton” Kalonji
!Prize
*Best Dancer: Zina of Wenge Musica Maison Mere
!Recipient
*Best Event: Double Zenith Concert by Werrason
!Result

!Ref.
2003:
|-
*Best Congolese Group: Wenge Musica Maison Mere
|2001
*Best Animator (Atakalu): Bill “Clinton” Kalonji
|]

|Best Male Artist of Africa
2004:
|Himself
*Best Singer: Werrason Ngiama Makanda
|{{Won}}
*Best Album: Alerte Générale
|<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kanka |first=Joseph |date=9 November 2001 |title=Afrique: Koras 2001 a Sun City: Werrason n°1 d'Afrique |trans-title=Africa: Koras 2001 at Sun City: Werrason n°1 in Africa |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200111090238.html |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=Lephareonline.net/ |language=Fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>

|-
2005:
|2001
*KORA Award winner Werrason 'Best Artist Central Africa'
|]

|Best Male Artist of Central Africa
== Charity ==
|Himself
Humanitarian action is part of Werrason’s life and personality. He could never be insensible to the misery of the ]s (children of the streets) who consider him as their father.
|{{Won}}
He dedicates a part of his income and spare time to schools, hospitals and prisons. He is also the founder of the charity the ''Werrason Foundation'' that currently welcome more than 400 “shegues”.<ref>See </ref> 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.
|<ref name=":1" />

|-
The United Nations have awarded him with the title of ''Universal Ambassador of Peace''.
|2001
In 2001, WERRASON was received in audience by ].
|Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo
Since then, he dedicates part of his time to all the ] campaigns against AIDS and all sorts of discriminations.
|Best Star

|<small>(with JB Mpiana)</small>
==Discography==
|{{Won}}
{{main|Werrason album discography|Werrason singles discography}}
|<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=18 March 2002 |title=Congo-Kinshasa: Referendum musical 2001 : Werrason et JB Mpiana |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: Musical Referendum 2001: Werrason and JB Mpiana |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200203180827.html |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=Lephareonline.net |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>

|-
*1997: Force d'Intervention Rapide
|2001
*1999: Solola Bien
|Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo
*2000: Terrain Eza Miné
|Best Album
*2001: Kibuisa Mpimpa
|''Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération dragon)''
*2002: A La Queue Leu Leu
|{{Won}}
*2004: Tindika Lokito
|<ref name=":5" />
*2005: Alerte Générale
|-
*2006: Témoignage
|2001
*2007: Sous-Sol
|Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo
*2008: Temps Present-Mayi ya Sika
|Best Composer
*July 2009: Techno Malewa Sans Cesse
|Himself
*June 2011: Primus 'Diata Bawu'
|{{Won}}
*September 2011 Techno Malewa Suite en Fin
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|2001
|Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo
|Best Orchestra
|Wenge Musica Maison Mère
|{{Won}}
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|2002
|Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo
|Event of the Year
|2002 ] concert
|{{Won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanka |first=Joseph |date=15 July 2003 |title=Congo-Kinshasa: Référendum 2002 : Koffi Olomide a fait carton plein |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: Referendum 2002: Koffi Olomide wins |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200307150769.html |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=Lephareonline.net |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
|-
|2004
|]
|Best Central African Male
|<small>(with ])</small>
|{{Won}}
|
|-
|2004
|]
|Best Male African Artist
|Himself
|{{Won}}
|
|-
|2005
|]
|Best Male Artist of Central Africa
|Himself
|{{Won}}
|
|}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
* *


{{Authority control}}
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->

| NAME =
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = December 25, 1965
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]

]
]
]

Latest revision as of 16:24, 11 December 2024

Congolose musician (born 1965)

Werrason
Werrason in 2007Werrason in 2007
Background information
Birth nameNoel Ngiama Makanda
Also known as
  • Roi De La Forêt
  • Phénomène
  • Igwe
  • Ambassadeur De La Paix
  • Vieux N'Soné
  • Émérite
  • Grand Formateur
  • Papa Formidable
  • Ya Ngiama
  • Ya Père Noël
Born (1965-12-25) December 25, 1965 (age 59)
Kikwit, Kwilu District, Congo-Leopoldville
(modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • guitarist
  • record producer
  • arranger
  • dancer
  • choreographer
Instrument(s)Vocals, multiple instruments, percussion
Years active1981–present
Formerly ofWenge Musica
WebsiteWerrason Official Website
Musical artist

Noël Ngiama Makanda (born 25 December 1965), known professionally as Werrason, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, composer, producer, philanthropist, and the bandleader of Wenge Musica Maison Mère. He was a co-founding member of Wenge Musica, a musical group that played a pivotal role in the development of the ndombolo dance music genre during the 1990s.

Ngiama is widely recognized as one of the emblematic figures of Wenge Musica. His compositions, such as "Mulolo", "Kin É Bougé" (featuring JB Mpiana), and notably "Kala-Yi-Boeing", are acclaimed as some of Wenge Musica's most distinguished works. Following Wenge Musica's disbandment in 1997 due to internal disputes between Ngiama and JB Mpiana, the band split into Wenge Musica Maison Mère, led by Ngiama, and Wenge BCBG, headed by JB Mpiana.

In December 1999, Wenge Musica Maison Mère released the ndombolo-infused album Solola Bien!, which achieved gold certification and experienced immediate success across Africa and its diaspora in France. In September 2000, Wenge Musica Maison Mère became the second African act to perform and sell out the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy following Koffi Olomidé earlier that year. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Werrason has produced numerous successful studio albums, including seven with Wenge Musica, nine with Wenge Musica Maison Mère, and four solo studio albums. Notable solo releases include Kibuisa Mpimpa (2001), Témoignage (2005), Sans Poteau (2015), and 7 jours de la semaine (2017).

Aside from music, Ngiama is known for his humanitarian work. He founded the Werrason Foundation in 2000, a non-profit organization that aids orphans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recognized as an "Ambassador For Peace" and "people's singer" by the United Nations Global Compact, Ngiama is an advocate for UNESCO's initiatives against AIDS and discrimination.

Career

Early years and formation of Wenge Musica Maison Mère (WMMM)

When Werrason's college band Wenge Musica split in December 1997, Werrason, Masela, and Dominguez then created Wenge Musica Maison Mère, a band based at Zamba Playa in Kinshasa. With the help of among others Sankara de Kunta and Zacharie Babaswe, Werrason travelled the country to recruit young musicians. The band's first album, Force d'Intervention Rapide was released on November 28, 1998.

His song "Chantal Switzerland" became a noted song of the year, while his animator Bill Clinton Kalonji was voted best animator. Their second album, Solola Bien (1999) was successful in the African music scene, and earned the Gold Record in France.

In June 2001, Werrason released his first solo album Kibuisa Mpimpa, a double CD with 17 tracks. This recording was the result of five years of preparation, four months of studio work, and over 2,000 hours of writing. This album won him two Kora awards in South Africa, including "Best Artist" in Africa and "Best Album" in Central Africa.

Later that year, Werrason performed back-to-back concerts at Zénith Paris, one of the largest concert halls in France. He toured Europe including London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Rome, and Stockholm. The United Nations have awarded him the title of Universal Ambassador of Peace. In 2001, Werrason was received by Pope John Paul II. Since then, he has spoken for UNESCO campaigns against AIDS and discrimination, and in campaigns against early marriages and to promote education for girls. During his world tour, performed with other African artists including Manu Dibango at the Paris Olympia, Passi, Doc Gynéco, Benji and Akil. Werrason also collaborated with Shaggy. In the same year, Werrason performed a concert at Stade des Martyrs, which was attended by over 100,000 people. He also performed for 17,000 at Bercy in 2000.

Controversies

JB Mpiana (middle, dressed red and green) in 2007

In September 2021, the Parisian prefecture announced the cancellation of a large concert of Werrason which was to be held at the Zénith of Paris, citing "risks of serious disturbances to the public order and of attacking the safety of the spectators", in particular with threats of the demonstrations of radical opponents to the regime in place. Werrason has expressed his anger towards France.

Discography

Albums

For discography with the group, see Wenge Musica Maison Mère.
  • 2001: Kibuisa Mpimpa
  • 2005: Temoignage
  • 2008: Simply The Best Of, Vol. 1
  • 2015: Sans Poteau
  • 2017: 7 Jours de la Semaine

Singles

  • 2013: "I Found a Way" (feat. Mohombi)
  • 2014: "Block Cadenas"
  • 2017: "Diemba (Balançoire Générique)"
  • 2019: "Formidable"
  • 2020: "Yeke Yeke" (feat. Bikorine & But Na Filet)
Featured in
  • 2021: "RDV" (Picolcrist bil feat. Werrason)

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref.
2001 Kora Awards Best Male Artist of Africa Himself Won
2001 Kora Awards Best Male Artist of Central Africa Himself Won
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Star (with JB Mpiana) Won
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Album Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération dragon) Won
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Composer Himself Won
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Orchestra Wenge Musica Maison Mère Won
2002 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Event of the Year 2002 Zénith Paris concert Won
2004 Kora Awards Best Central African Male (with Félix Wazekwa) Won
2004 Kora Awards Best Male African Artist Himself Won
2005 Kora Awards Best Male Artist of Central Africa Himself Won

References

  1. Ngaira, Amos (May 20, 2016). "Singer Werrason's date with Nairobi, Kisumu fans". Nation. Nairobi, kenya. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
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  18. Yunduka, Karim (October 29, 2020). "Musique : Werrason prêt pour son concert au Zénith de Paris en 2021" [Music: Werrason ready for his concert at the Zénith de Paris in 2021]. Adiac-congo.com (in French). Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
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