Werrason facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Werrason
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Werrason in 2007
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Noel Ngiama Makanda |
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| Born | December 25, 1965 Kikwit, Kwilu District, Congo-Leopoldville (modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
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| Instruments | Vocals, multiple instruments, percussion |
| Years active | 1981–present |
Noël Ngiama Makanda (born 25 December 1965), known as Werrason, is a famous singer, songwriter, and producer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is also the leader of his own band, Wenge Musica Maison Mère.
Werrason was one of the people who started Wenge Musica. This music group was very important in creating the ndombolo dance music style in the 1990s. His songs like "Mulolo" and "Kala-Yi-Boeing" are some of Wenge Musica's most well-known hits.
In 1997, Wenge Musica split up. Werrason then started Wenge Musica Maison Mère. His band released the album Solola Bien! in 1999. This album was a huge success in Africa and in France. It even earned a gold record!
In 2000, Werrason's band made history. They were the second African group to perform and sell out the famous Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris, France. Werrason has been making music for almost 40 years. He has released many successful albums, both with Wenge Musica and Wenge Musica Maison Mère, and as a solo artist. Some of his popular solo albums include Kibuisa Mpimpa (2001) and Témoignage (2005).
Besides music, Werrason also does a lot of good work for people. In 2000, he started the Werrason Foundation. This group helps orphans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United Nations Global Compact has called him an "Ambassador For Peace" and a "people's singer." He also supports UNESCO's efforts to fight AIDS and discrimination.
Contents
Werrason's Music Journey
Starting Wenge Musica Maison Mère
After Werrason's first band, Wenge Musica, broke up in December 1997, he decided to start a new group. He teamed up with Masela and Dominguez to create Wenge Musica Maison Mère. This new band was based in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Werrason traveled around the country to find talented young musicians for his new band. Their first album, Force d'Intervention Rapide, came out on November 28, 1998. One of the songs, "Chantal Switzerland," became very popular that year.
Big Success with Solola Bien
The band's second album, Solola Bien, was released in 1999. It became a huge hit in the African music world. This album was so successful that it earned a Gold Record in France. This means it sold a lot of copies!
Solo Albums and Awards
In June 2001, Werrason released his first solo album called Kibuisa Mpimpa. This was a double album with 17 songs. It took him five years to prepare and four months to record! This album helped him win two Kora Awards in South Africa. He won "Best Artist" in Africa and "Best Album" in Central Africa.
Later in 2001, Werrason performed two concerts at Zénith Paris, a very large concert hall in France. He also toured many cities in Europe, including London, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
Werrason's Work for Peace
The United Nations gave Werrason the title of "Universal Ambassador of Peace." In 2001, he even met Pope John Paul II. Since then, Werrason has used his voice to support important causes. He has worked with UNESCO on campaigns against AIDS and discrimination. He also speaks out against early marriages and promotes education for girls.
During his world tours, Werrason has performed with other famous African artists like Manu Dibango. He has also worked with international artists such as Shaggy. In the same year, Werrason performed a massive concert at Stade des Martyrs. Over 100,000 people came to watch him! He also performed for 17,000 fans at Bercy in 2000.
Werrason's Music Albums
Studio Albums
- 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" (featuring Mohombi)
- 2014: "Block Cadenas"
- 2017: "Diemba (Balançoire Générique)"
- 2019: "Formidable"
- 2020: "Yeke Yeke" (featuring Bikorine & But Na Filet)
- Featured In
- 2021: "RDV" (Picolcrist bil featuring Werrason)
Awards and Recognitions
Werrason has won many awards for his music and his work. Here are some of them:
| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result |
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| 2001 | Kora Awards | Best Male Artist of Africa | Himself | Won |
| 2001 | Kora Awards | Best Male Artist of Central Africa | Himself | Won |
| 2001 | Kora Awards | Best Arrangement of Africa | Himself | Nominated |
| 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 |
| 2024 | Mundi Music Awards | Best Legendary Artist of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2024 | Mundi Music Awards | Best Phenomenal Artist | Himself | Nominated |
