Koffi Olomidé

Inspired by the music of Tabu Ley Rochereau, Congolese soukous singer Koffi Olomide began playing guitar and composing songs while still in his teens. ∙ After earning a degree in math from the University of Paris, he returned to the Congo in the late ’70s and joined Papa Wemba’s band Viva La Musica as a songwriter and vocalist. ∙ In 1986, he founded the band Quartier Latin, whose ranks included such rising stars as Fally Ipupa, Bouro Mpela, and Roi Soleil Wanga during its three-decade run. ∙ Olomide rose to fame in the late ’80s for his slower, “Tcha Tcho” brand of soukous, which was credited with breathing new life into the Congo music scene. ∙ Effrakata : Mopao Mokonzi, his popular 2001 solo album, won a record four KORA All Africa Music Awards, an achievement reflected by his nickname, Quadra Kora Man. ∙ In 2003, Quartier Latin won the KORA All Africa Music Award for Best African Group for their album Affaire d’état (Quadra Kora Man). ∙ He contributed guest vocals to “Ambiance Congo,” a 2018 track by Togo dance duo Toofan.