Nathalie Makoma facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nathalie Makoma
Background information
Birth name	Nathalie Makoma
Born	(1982-02-24) February 24, 1982 (age 43)
Origin	Kinshasa, Zaire
Genres	Afropop, R&B, Pop, Rumba Congolaise
Occupation(s)	Singer, Songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, Piano, Guitar, Drum
Years active	1993–present
Labels	Sony BMG (2007 - 2011), NM HOUSE MUSIC (2014)
Associated acts	Makoma, Papa Wemba, Werrason

Nathalie Makoma, born on February 24, 1982, is a singer and songwriter. She is from both the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Netherlands. Nathalie was the main singer for the group Makoma. Later, she started her own solo music career.

She became famous after joining the Dutch singing show Idols in 2007-2008. She made it to the final and came in second place. After Idols, she signed a music deal with Sony BMG. Nathalie also competed in Dancing With the Stars in 2009, where she also finished second.

Nathalie's Music Journey

Starting with Family: Makoma

Nathalie Makoma began singing with her family group in 1993. At first, they were called "Nouveau Testament." Later, the group changed its name to Makoma. There were seven members in the band. They sang in Lingala, English, and French.

When Nathalie was 14, her family moved back to the Netherlands. She started studying performance at the Rockacademie. But the Makoma band became very successful. They traveled all over the world to perform. Because of this, Nathalie had to stop her studies.

In 2002, the group won an award for Best African Music Group. This was at the Kora South African Music Awards. They became very well-known for their gospel music around the world.

First Solo Steps

Nathalie was the main singer for Makoma. She also wanted to try a solo music career. In 2002, she released her first solo album, On Faith. The album was re-released in 2003 as GoGospel Edition. It included some new songs.

In 2004, she left Makoma. She moved to England and then to Ireland. In 2005, she released her second solo album, I Saw the Light.

TV Appearances

Performance during Idol, from left to right Nathalie Makoma, Charlene Meulenberg and Nikki Kerkhof

Idols Competition

In 2007-2008, Nathalie returned to the Netherlands. She joined the fourth season of Dutch Idols. She was the runner-up, finishing second to Nikki Kerkhof. The judges were very impressed. They called her the "new Tina Turner" and a "real dancing queen."

During the Idols final, her family group Makoma performed with her. They sang "Ola Olé" together. After Idols, Nathalie signed a music contract with Sony BMG. She then toured the Netherlands. She performed in over 150 shows in just one year.

Dancing With the Stars

In 2009, Nathalie joined the Dutch version of Dancing With the Stars. Her dance partner was Peter. They made it to the final. They finished second to Jamai Loman, who had won Idols before.

De Mattheus Masterclass

In 2010, Nathalie took part in a TV show called De Mattheus Masterclass. This show featured artists who usually don't sing classical music. They learned to perform music by Bach. Nathalie performed at the St. Vituskerk church in Hilversum.

Solo Music Career

In December 2008, Nathalie appeared on a TV show called Alles is kerst. On the show, she sang "All I Want for Christmas Is You" with singer Brace.

After Idols, Nathalie's main single was "I Won't Forget." This song was also remixed by DJ Paul van Dyk. The song was part of Nathalie's solo album, Dance4Life. She then released a second single, "I Just Wanna Dance." This song was a mix of R&B, pop, and dance music.

In 2010, she left Sony BMG. She became an independent singer. She hoped to make music for a worldwide audience. In 2014, she started her own record label, NM HOUSE MUSIC. She released her new single "One More Try" in August 2014.

Discography

Albums with Makoma

• 1999: Nzambe na Bomoyi (Jesus For Life)
• 2000: Makoma
• 2000: Baby Come
• 2002: Mokonzi na Bakonzi (King of Kings)
• 2005: Na Nzambe Te, Bomoyi Te (No Jesus, No Life)

Nathalie Makoma Solo Albums

• 2002: On Faith
• 2003: On Faith—GoGospel Edition
• 2005: I Saw the Light

Albums as Makoma featuring Nathalie Makoma

• My Sweet Lord (2000)

EPs

• 2005: I'm Glad I'm Alive (live)

Singles

• ¹: "I Won't Forget" reached number 2 on the Dutch Tipparade.
• ²: "I Just Wanna Dance" reached number 17 on the Dutch Tipparade.

Featured in

See also

• Makoma