Werrason

Werrason
Werrason in 2007
Background information
Birth name	Noel 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	Congolese rumba ndombolo soukous
Occupations	Singer songwriter guitarist record producer arranger dancer choreographer
Instrument(s)	Vocals, multiple instruments, percussion
Years active	1981–present
Formerly of	Wenge Musica
Website	Werrason Official Website

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.^[1][2][3][4] 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.^{[5][4][6][7][8]}

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.^[9][10][11] 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.^[3][12][13]

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.^[14][15][16] 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.^[17][18][19] 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).^[20][21][3]

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.^[5][22] Recognized as an "Ambassador For Peace" and "people's singer" by the United Nations Global Compact,^[22][23] Ngiama is an advocate for UNESCO's initiatives against AIDS and discrimination.^[5]

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.^[24][25]

His song "Chantal Switzerland" became a noted song of the year, while his animator Bill Clinton Kalonji was voted best animator.^[26] Their second album, Solola Bien (1999) was successful in the African music scene,^[27] 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,^[28] four months of studio work, and over 2,000 hours of writing. This album won him two Kora awards in South Africa, including^[29] "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^[30] Manu Dibango at the Paris Olympia, Passi, Doc Gynéco, Benji and Akil. Werrason also collaborated with Shaggy.^[31] In the same year, Werrason performed a concert at Stade des Martyrs, which was attended by over 100,000 people.^[32] 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.^[33]

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	[34]
2001	Kora Awards	Best Male Artist of Central Africa	Himself	Won	[34]
2001	Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo	Best Star	(with JB Mpiana)	Won	[35]
2001	Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo	Best Album	Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération dragon)	Won	[35]
2001	Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo	Best Composer	Himself	Won	[35]
2001	Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo	Best Orchestra	Wenge Musica Maison Mère	Won	[35]
2002	Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo	Event of the Year	2002 Zénith Paris concert	Won	[36]
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.
2. Résistances et dissidences: l'Afrique centrale des droits de l'homme , Volume 2 (in French). Paris, France: Éditions Karthala. January 1, 2003. p. 68. ISBN 978-2-84586-346-0.
3. Diala, Jordache (January 5, 2017). "Congo-Kinshasa: 52 ans d'âge et 35 ans de carrière officielle - Werrason - Le secret du succès !" [Congo-Kinshasa: 52 years of age and 35 years of official career - Werrason - The secret of success!]. Laprosperiteonline.net/ (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
4. "Werrason". Congolese Music. December 10, 2020. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
5. "Ngiama Makanda Noël alias le phenomene Werrason" [Ngiama Makanda Noël aka the Werrason phenomenon]. Universrumbacongolaise.com (in French). July 26, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
6. Krings, Matthias (July 20, 2015). African Appropriations: Cultural Difference, Mimesis, and Media. Bloomington, Indiana, United States: Indiana University Press. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-253-01640-9.
7. Otieno, Charles. "The return of Wenge Musica". Evewoman Magazine. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
8. "25-Year Wenge Musica Face-Off Appears to End". Afropop Worldwide. April 14, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
9. The Beat, Volume 20. Melbourne, Australia: Beat Magazine. 2001. p. 65.
10. Résistances et dissidences: l'Afrique centrale des droits de l'homme, Volume 2 (in French). Paris, France: Éditions Karthala. January 1, 2003. p. 68. ISBN 978-2-84586-346-0.
11. The Beat, Volume 19. Melbourne, Australia: Beat Magazine. 2000. p. 32.
12. Kanka, Joseph (June 8, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: J.B. Mpiana attendu à Mbuji-Mayi le 23 juin 2001" [Congo-Kinshasa: JB Mpiana expected in Mbuji-Mayi on June 23, 2001]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
13. Kanka, Joseph (June 15, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge BCBG : les fans de B Mpiana exigent un concert de 'correction' à Martyrs" [Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge BCBG: B Mpiana fans demand a 'correction' concert at Martyrs]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
14. Rorison, Sean (2008). Congo. Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom: Bradt Travel Guides. p. 80. ISBN 978-1-84162-233-0.
15. Diambu, Diambu Di (November 7, 2002). "Congo-Kinshasa : Le Ndombolo qui triomphe, le ndombolo qu'on dénigre: Que la musique soit avec vous !" [Congo-Kinshasa: The Ndombolo that triumphs, the Ndombolo that is denigrated: May the music be with you!]. Lephareonline.net/ (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
16. Rorison, Sean (2012). Congo: Democratic Republic – Republic. Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom: Bradt Travel Guides. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-84162-391-7.
17. Babunga, Benjamin (September 15, 2017). "Le 16 septembre 2000, Werrason devient le deuxième artiste-musicien africain à remplir la salle mythique de Paris-Bercy, en France" [On 16 September 2000, Werrason became the second African artist to fill the legendary hall of Paris-Bercy in France]. Babunga.alobi.cd (in French). Retrieved May 24, 2024.
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.
19. "Werrason déplore l'annulation de son concert au Zénith de Paris" [Werrason deplores the cancellation of his concert at the Zénith in Paris]. Latempete.info (in French). September 21, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
20. "Press kit for Noël Werrason Ngiama Makanda" (PDF). Idamawatu.tripod.com. p. 6. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
21. Kanka, Joseph (July 27, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa : Wenge Musica maison Mère réclame un peu partout à travers la capitale : Werrason à Naïrobi le week-end prochain" [Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica maison Mère is calling all over the capital: Werrason in Nairobi next weekend]. Lephareonline.net/ (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
22. Ayorinde, Michael (February 2011). "Werrason: un seigneur à Paris" [Werrason: a lord in Paris]. Afrique magazine (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
23. Tijani, Achraf (April 12, 2022). "DRC: Congolese music fans rejoice as Werrason and JB Mpiana finally reconcile". The Africa Report. Paris, France. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
24. "3.0". Digitalcongo.net. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
25. Mbiriyamveka, Jonathan (July 31, 2009). "Zimbabwe: Rhumba Lovers in for Treat". The Herald. Harare, Zimbabwe. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
26. "Lyrics translation of Chantal Switzerland by Congolese artist Werra Son". Congolese Music. December 5, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
27. "La rumba congolaise". RFI Musique. July 11, 2001. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
28. "Why did volume 2 of the Kibuisa-Mpimpa clips never came ? - Congolese Music - Congo Vibes". congovibes.com. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
29. "Winners". Koraawards.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
30. "Werrason – Artiesten 2011". The Hague African Festival. Archived from the original on August 11, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
31. "Shaggy A Kinshasa !". Echodynamic.oldiblog.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
32. "Werrason". Retrieved July 8, 2023.
33. "RDC: le chanteur Werrason en colère après l'annulation d'un concert en France". www.jeuneafrique.com. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
34. Kanka, Joseph (November 9, 2001). "Afrique: Koras 2001 a Sun City: Werrason n°1 d'Afrique" [Africa: Koras 2001 at Sun City: Werrason n°1 in Africa]. Lephareonline.net/ (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
35. "Congo-Kinshasa: Referendum musical 2001 : Werrason et JB Mpiana" [Congo-Kinshasa: Musical Referendum 2001: Werrason and JB Mpiana]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. March 18, 2002. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
36. Kanka, Joseph (July 15, 2003). "Congo-Kinshasa: Référendum 2002 : Koffi Olomide a fait carton plein" [Congo-Kinshasa: Referendum 2002: Koffi Olomide wins]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved July 26, 2024.

External links

• Official Website