Werrason
Congolose musician (born 1965)

Werrason
Werrason in 2007
Werrason in 2007
Background information
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
Noel Ngiama Makanda

(1965-12-25) December 25, 1965 (age 60)
Kikwit, Kwilu District, Congo-Leopoldville
(modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • guitarist
  • record producer
  • arranger
  • dancer
  • choreographer
InstrumentsVocals, 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.[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] Often referred to as "Roi de la Forêt" ("King of the Forest"),[9][10] Ngiama is widely recognized as one of the emblematic figures of Wenge Musica, with compositions such as "Mulolo", "Kin É Bougé" (featuring JB Mpiana), and notably "Kala-Yi-Boeing" acclaimed as some of the band's most standout works.[11][12][13]

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 by JB Mpiana.[3][14][15] 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.[16][17][18] 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.[19][20][21] 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).[22][23][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][24][25] Recognized as an "Ambassador For Peace" and "people's singer" by the United Nations Global Compact,[24][26] Ngiama is an advocate for UNESCO's initiatives against AIDS and discrimination.[5]

Early life and career

1965–1998: Early life, Wenge Musica, and Wenge Musica Maison Mère

Werrason was born Noël Ngiama Makanda on 25 December 1965 in Kikwit, Bandundu Province. He grew up in Kinshasa and began singing at the age of 12 in the choir of the Baptist Community of Congo church in Kikwit.[27][28] During his youth, he also excelled in martial arts, earning the nickname "Tarzan" after winning a competition, which later evolved into his stage name, "King of the Forest" (Roi de la Forêt).[27]

In 1979, he co-founded the band Celio Stars with school friends, serving as a vocalist alongside Aimé Buanga and Didier Masela on guitar, Machiro Kifaya and Papy Sanji on vocals, and Kija Brown.[29] In 1981, the band was renamed Wenge Musica.[30] While the original lineup remained, new members soon joined, including vocalists Dede Masolo, Wes Koka, and Anicet Pandu; guitarists Alain "Docteur Zing" Mwanga, Alain Makaba, and Christian Zitu; and drummers Ladins Montana, Maradona, and Evo Nsiona. In late 1982, singer JB Mpiana joined the band and brought vocalist Blaise Bula with him.[31] Wenge Musica quickly rose to prominence, and Werrason stood out as a multi-talented artist, excelling in songwriting, dancing, and live performances. Despite the band's international success, Wenge Musica split in 1997.[27] Werrason, along with Adolphe Dominguez and Didier Masela, formed one faction, while JB Mpiana took the majority of the remaining musicians to establish Wenge BCBG.[32] The split was emotionally challenging for Werrason, and he found it hard to move past initially. However, the strong support from his fandom inspired him to persevere. In 1998, Werrason's faction established Wenge Musica Maison Mère (WMMM),[32] based in Zamba Playa, Kinshasa. With the assistance of musicians such as Sankara de Kunta and Zacharie Babaswe, he conducted a nationwide search to recruit young talent. The band released its first album, Force d'Intervention Rapide, on 28 November 1998.[33][28][27] His track "Chantal Switzerland" became a standout hit, and Bill Clinton Kalonji earned recognition as the best atalaku.[34]

1999–present: Releases and performances

Their second studio album, Solola Bien!, was released on 10 December 1999, under JPS Production, a Cameroonian label based in Paris and founded by Jean Pierre Saah, with distribution handled by Musisoft Distribution.[35][36] Produced and arranged by Maïka Munan, the album achieved widespread success in the African music scene, earning a gold record in France with over 100,000 copies sold in Paris and millions across Africa.[35][37][38] The hit single "Augustine" was later named one of the "Five songs that made the Congo dance" by Jeune Afrique magazine.[39] Solola Bien! solidified Wenge Musica Maison Mère's status as one of Africa's top music groups, leading to concerts in the DRC and across the continent, and shortly afterward, Werrason became the sole leader of the band following the departure of Adolphe Dominguez and Didier Masela.[35][40]

On 16 September 2000, Werrason and Wenge Musica Maison Mère sold-out the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris (now Accor Arena), becoming only the second African acts to achieve this milestone after Koffi Olomide's performance earlier that same year in February. That day, Aimelia Lias, a vocalist from the rival band Wenge BCBG, joined Wenge Musica Maison Mère on stage to sing.[41][42][43] Soon after, Werrason began working on his debut solo double album, Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération Dragon), a project he had started during the production of Solola Bien!.[44][35] During the production phase, they toured multiple European cities including Paris, Brussels, Rome, and Geneva. By May 2001, the French-language Congolese newspaper Le Phare reported that the album was nearing completion.[45] Having finished recording in France, the band was preparing to return to Kinshasa after nearly nine months abroad.[45][44] Their itinerary initially included a stop in Nairobi, but this was reportedly delayed due to growing internal friction within the band. Around this time, key members, Serge Mabiala, Japonais Okito, Jus d'Été, and Flamme Kapaya, were allegedly dissatisfied and considering leaving.[45] The source of the tension stemmed from Werrason's decision to handle the musicians' financial shares ("quote-parts") in Kinshasa rather than overseas, which displeased some of them. This sparked a rebellion within the band, and several disgruntled members were seen heading to Roissy Airport in Paris, apparently intending to pursue other opportunities.[45] Although Werrason managed to ease the dispute temporarily, discontent persisted. Reports indicated that Jus d'Été and Serge Mabiala planned to stay only until Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération Dragon) was released, believing that leaving earlier might damage their popularity and lessen their share of the album's success.[45] Meanwhile, Werrason, Héritier Watanabe, and other loyalists intensified rehearsals to prepare for potential exits and maintain the band's stability.[45]

A major homecoming concert at Stade des Martyrs, initially slated for 26 May, was postponed to 9 June.[46][47] Werrason notably donated three buses to the leading Kinshasa football clubs: Daring Club Motema Pembe, AS Vita Club, and Amicale Sportive Dragons, during the concert, which also included a tribute moment for the late President Laurent-Désiré Kabila.[47][48]

Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération Dragon) was officially released on 21 June in Paris through JPS Production.[49][50][51] The record, divided into two volumes with 17 tracks, blended ndombolo and Congolese rumba with stylistic influences from makossa, charanga, and salsa.[50][52] Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération Dragon) features guest appearances from Manu Dibango, Nathalie Makoma, and Al Nzimbi. Among its standout songs was "Croix Rouge", a collaboration with Manu Dibango and Nathalie Makoma that delivered a message of peace and non-violence. Other notable tracks included "Destin Ya Moto", dedicated to businessman Didi Kinuani; "Obiang", reportedly written in honor of Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the son of Equatorial Guinea's president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who is a close friend of Werrason.[50] It was also supported by "Opération Dragon", "13 Ans", "Ntima Mbote", "Un Prince au Congo", "Fleur d'Amour", "Waka Waka", "Kibuisa Mpimpa", "Blandine", "Tave", "Le Grand Monsieur", "Le vent du soir", "Annie", "Nakoyamba yo", and "Evidemment".[50] Songs from the album quickly became popular across the continent, helping to popularize the Koyimbiko shout by the band's atalaku, Celeo Scram, and a dance move where the arm follows the movement of the hips, reminiscent of driving a car.[53][54] To promote Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération Dragon), Werrason and Wenge Musica Maison Mère performed on 15 July at a fair in Lemba's Salongo garden, organized by the foundation of the late Bernardin Mungul Diaka.[55] They subsequently appeared at the third edition of the Pan-African Music Festival (Festival panafricain de musique; FESPAM) on 6 August at the Palais du Parlement in Brazzaville,[56] before touring to Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru for concerts that had been postponed twice in July and continuing their tour with a performance in Bangui.[57][58][59][60] In November, Radio France Internationale named the music video for "Opération Dragon" the Best African Video,[53] and on 3 November in Sun City, South Africa, Werrason won two Kora Awards: Best Male Artist of Africa and Best Male Artist of Central Africa, becoming the first artist to achieve two awards in a single ceremony before,[61][62][63][64] and also received a nomination for Best Arrangement of Africa.[65] He presented these awards to President Joseph Kabila on 22 November at the Palais de la Nation.[66]

Later that year, Werrason delivered consecutive performances at Zénith Paris. He toured Europe including London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Rome, and Stockholm. During his world tour, performed with other African artists including Manu Dibango at the Paris Olympia, Passi, Doc Gynéco, Benji and Akil. In January 2005, the Gombe-based Cabinet EXPERTS released a Kinshasa-wide survey identifying leading public personalities of 2004 across ten categories; Werrason topped the music category with 28% of respondents citing him, well ahead of JB Mpiana, L'Or Mbongo, Koffi Olomidé, Félix Wazekwa, José Nzita, and Papa Wemba.[67] Werrason also collaborated with Shaggy.[68][69] In the same year, Werrason performed a concert at Stade des Martyrs, which was attended by over 100,000 people.[70] In March 2010, he returned to Zénith Paris with Wenge Musica Maison Mère.[71]

On 15 February 2025, Werrason made a triumphant return to the European stage after a 14-year hiatus with a sold-out concert at Arena Grand Paris.[72][73][74] The event attracted a vast audience and featured Wenge Musica Maison Mère and their dancers, with performances of iconic hits such as "Solola Bien" and "Techno Malewa".[75] Former bandmates, including Bill Clinton Kalonji and Héritier Watanabe, joined him on stage,[75] and a live album featuring 12 selected songs from the night was later released on 16 April.[76] On 27 February, he took part in a peaceful march in Paris, denouncing the M23 campaign in eastern DRC alongside members of the Congolese diaspora.[77] He later performed at Brussels' Couleur Café festival on 28 June.[78][79] On July 18, he was part of the closing event of the first World Music and Tourism Festival (Festival Mondial de la Musique et du Tourisme) at the Palais du Peuple in Kinshasa, organized by the Congolese government with assistance from UN Tourism.[80]

On 18 October, Werrason and Wenge Musica Maison Mère sold-out the Adidas Arena in Paris.[81][82][83] As reported by the Agence congolaise de presse (ACP), the concert brought a wave of nostalgia, accentuated by high-energy renditions of their biggest hits. Special guests included former bandmates Manda Chante, Deplick Pomba, and Brigade Sarbaty.[84]

Feuds

JB Mpiana and Wenge BCBG

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

Origins and early violent clashes between factions

The feud between Werrason and JB Mpiana began after the disbandment of Wenge Musica in December 1997. Werrason went on to establish Wenge Musica Maison Mère, while JB Mpiana formed Wenge BCBG. According to Claude Kamanga Mutond, a correspondent for the Congolese newspaper Le Phare, Werrason's success with his new band transformed him into a national icon.[85] His popularity stirred heated debates among fans in the streets and in the press, often sparking confrontations with supporters of JB Mpiana and Wenge BCBG. Kamanga noted that the once-brotherly musicians had become enemies, and their fandoms mirrored this enmity.[85] On 6 June 2001, tensions between their respective atalaku, Gentamycine from Wenge BCBG and Sankara de Kunta from Wenge Musica Maison Mère, nearly turned violent during an encounter at the Interconnect agency while they were handling customs matters.[86] Witnesses saw the pair trade insults, and the situation almost escalated into a fight before bystanders managed to intervene. A few days earlier, during a concert by Adolphe Dominguez's Wenge Tonya Tonya at Collège Saint Georges in Kintambo, Papy Kakole and Thierry "Synthé" of Wenge Musica Maison Mère allegedly tried to disrupt the show by performing provocatively atop their cars near the venue.[86] In response, Didier Lacoste of Wenge Tonya Tonya retaliated by organizing performances in the neighborhoods of the two agitators. The discord extended beyond the musicians themselves; on 29 May, the family home of Richard Mukena, a Wenge BCBG singer, was pelted with stones by enraged supporters of Wenge Musica Maison Mère.[86] They believed Mukena had caused the arrest of the Wenge Musica Maison Mère's popular atalaku Bill Clinton. However, investigations later revealed that the arrested individual was Joli Molanda, a Wenge Maison Mère fan, who had been detained following a complaint filed by Mukena for misconduct. To ease tensions, the police released Molanda.[86]

Media, musical competition, and ethnic/fanbase divisions

On 8 July 2001, three members each from Wenge Musica Maison Mère and Wenge BCBG engaged in a heated exchange of insults on the television program Boulevard des Stars on Raga TV, which escalated into a showdown between Werrason and JB Mpiana.[87] This rivalry frequently manifests through verbal assaults, metaphorically known as mabanga (stones), sharp, cutting words flung by the musicians themselves.[87] Musically, Werrason marked a significant achievement with his sold-out concert at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy on 16 September 2000 and subsequently released the album Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération Dragon).[87] Meanwhile, JB Mpiana launched his album TH (Toujours Humble) and was working on a new project titled Internet.[87] While TH (Toujours Humble)'s debut "caused massive traffic jams", Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération Dragon)'s release was met with a more moderate reception.[51] The competition between these albums and the artists' ongoing feud fuel the verbal attacks and personal barbs that affect their fans and sometimes lead to physical altercations off-screen.[87] The rivalry also mirrors ethnic and regional loyalties, with fans from Kongo Central and Bandundu generally supporting Werrason, whereas JB Mpiana drew most of his followers from the Kasaï provinces.[85] JB Mpiana's supporters largely occupied the affluent western communes of Kinshasa, while Werrason's base was among the working-class areas, especially Masina, where JB Mpiana once narrowly avoided an assault. The local press capitalized on the animosity, used it to drive sales and audience numbers. Numerous short-lived but profitable music magazines and television programs sprang up, thriving on the controversy.[85]

2002 public reconciliation attempt

On 26 January 2002, during a state dinner at the Grand Hôtel de Kinshasa marking President Joseph Kabila's first year in office, the two musicians shook hands in front of the public, an act many media outlets hailed as a landmark reconciliation. Yet the positive gesture was undermined by Werrason's fandom, who began circulating unfounded claims.[88] Shortly afterward, JB Mpiana slipped and fell on the stairs at the Atmosphère nightclub. Rumors spread that Werrason had caused the fall through "mystical" means, an allegation used to question the sincerity of the reconciliation. Others compared the situation to political peace efforts that fail to deliver absolute unity, implying the handshake lacked meaning.[88][89] JB Mpiana later addressed the matter on television, confirming that he had fallen and expressing gratitude to those who helped him. He emphasized that he sees Werrason as a brother, with their only rivalry being professional and amicable. He condemned attempts to inflame tensions and said he forgave anyone who had wished him harm.[88]

Philanthropy

In 2000, Werrason founded the Werrason Foundation, which provides provides support to orphans and at-risk children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, running a farm that accommodates over 400 young people.[27][25] The foundation also offers assistance to street children, schools, prisons, and hospitals.[27][25] Recognized as an "Ambassador For Peace" and "people's singer" by the United Nations Global Compact,[24][26] Werrason was received by Pope John Paul II in 2001. He also champions UNESCO's campaigns against HIV/AIDS and discrimination.[27][5]

Controversies

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.[90]

Discography

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" (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 [91]
2001 Kora Awards Best Male Artist of Central Africa Himself Won [91]
2001 Kora Awards Best Arrangement of Africa Himself Nominated [65]
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Artist Himself Won [92]
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Album Kibuisa Mpimpa (Opération dragon) Won [92]
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Song "Blandine" Won [93]
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Composer Himself Won [93]
2001 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Best Orchestra Wenge Musica Maison Mère Won [92]
2002 Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo Event of the Year 2002 Zénith Paris concert Won [94]
2003 Kora Awards Best Male Artist of Central Africa Himself Nominated [95]
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 [96]
2024 Mundi Music Awards Best Phenomenal Artist Himself Nominated [96]

References

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  39. ^ Malu-Malu, Muriel Devey (July 6, 2010). "Cinq chansons qui ont fait danser le Congo" [Five songs that made the Congo dance]. Jeune Afrique (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
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  41. ^ 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.
  42. ^ 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.
  43. ^ "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.
  44. ^ a b Kanka, Joseph (May 23, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason et Wenge Musica Maison Mère à Kinshasa!" [Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason and Wenge Musica Mother House in Kinshasa!]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  45. ^ a b c d e f Nkutu, Jean-Pierre (May 18, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason in Kinshasa next Monday" [Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason in Kinshasa next Monday]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  46. ^ Nkutu, Jean-Pierre (May 25, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason: le scénario Tshisekedi a de nouveau fonctionné" [Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason: the Tshisekedi scenario has worked again]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  47. ^ a b Nkutu, Jean-Pierre (June 11, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Triomphe de Werrason au stade où V. Club, Daring et Dragons ont reçu leurs bus" [Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason triumphs at the stadium where V. Club, Daring and Dragons received their buses]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  48. ^ Nkutu, Jean-Pierre (June 15, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Les fans de Wenge Maison Mère jugent le concert du stade des Martyrs trop court" [Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Maison Mère fans consider the Martyrs Stadium concert too short]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  49. ^ Kanka, Joseph (June 22, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Maison Mère: Ngiama Wereason rêve de deux disques d'or avec "Solola Bien" et "Kibwisa Mpimpa"" [Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Maison Mère: Ngiama Wereason dreams of two gold records with "Solola Bien" and "Kibwisa Mpimpa"]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  50. ^ a b c d Nkutu, Jean-Pierre (July 6, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: "Kibwisa Mpimpa": tout va bien, sauf le son..." [Congo-Kinshasa: "Kibwisa Mpimpa": everything is fine, except the sound...]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 23, 2001.
  51. ^ a b Kambidi, P.S (July 31, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: En séjour à Tshikapa : Le PDG MVB promet "un véritable disque d'or" à la RDC avec "Kibwisa Mpimpa"" [Congo-Kinshasa: During a stay in Tshikapa: MVB CEO promises "a real gold record" for the DRC with "Kibwisa Mpimpa"]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  52. ^ Diasso, Alain (July 7, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Music fans Judge the Album 'Kibuisa Mpimpa'". L'Avenir (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  53. ^ a b Kanka, Joseph (November 2, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Attendus ce samedi à Johannesburg: Werrason, Bozi et Wazekwa en course pour Koras 2001" [Congo-Kinshasa: Expected this Saturday in Johannesburg: Werrason, Bozi and Wazekwa in the race for Koras 2001]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  54. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (November 12, 2020). "Mignon Abraham: "Je suis le créateur de la danse Koyimbiko"" [Mignon Abraham: "I am the creator of the Koyimbiko dance"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  55. ^ Kanka, Joseph (July 20, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Depuis la sortie de "Kibwisa Mpimpa" : Werrason très sollicité" [Congo-Kinshasa: Since the release of "Kibwisa Mpimpa": Werrason in high demand]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  56. ^ Kabeya, Eddy (August 9, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Spectacle très réussi dans la salle du Palais du Parlement : Werrason et son Wenge emballent le public" [Congo-Kinshasa: Very successful show in the Parliament Palace hall: Werrason and his Wenge thrill the audience]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  57. ^ 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 everywhere in the capital: Werrason in Nairobi next weekend]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  58. ^ Kanka, Joseph (August 10, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica Maison Mère: Werrason ce week-end à Naïrobi et Mombassa" [Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica Mother House: Werrason this weekend in Nairobi and Mombasa]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2001.
  59. ^ Kanka, Joseph (August 17, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Fête anniversaire de Werrason le 25 décembre : Manu Dibango et Natalie Makoma invités au "Spectacle Kibibwisa Mpimpa"" [Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason's birthday party on December 25: Manu Dibango and Natalie Makoma invited to the "Kibibwisa Mpimpa Show"]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  60. ^ Kanka, Joseph (August 24, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason et son groupe toujours bloqués à Nairobi : Les productions de Kisantu et de la FIKIN reportées" [Congo-Kinshasa: Werrason and his group still stuck in Nairobi: Kisantu and FIKIN productions postponed]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  61. ^ "Congo-Kinshasa: Grace à l'album "Kibwisa Mpimpa" : Werrason proclamé meilleur artiste africain au Koras 2001" [Congo-Kinshasa: Thanks to the album "Kibwisa Mpimpa": Werrason proclaimed best African artist at the Koras 2001]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. November 5, 2001. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  62. ^ Kanka, Joseph (November 9, 2001). "Afrique: Koras 2001 a Sun City: Werrason n°1 d'Afrique" [Africa: Koras 2001 in Sun City: Werrason No. 1 in Africa]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  63. ^ Nkoy, Alain (November 7, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Werra en concours de francais ou de musique?" [Congo-Kinshasa: Werra in French or music competition?]. L'Avenir (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  64. ^ "Winners". Koraawards.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  65. ^ a b Kaseba, Sam (November 6, 2001). "Africa: Kora Awards 2001: Some Faces And Facts". Times of Zambia. Ndola, Copperbelt, Zambia. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  66. ^ Kazadi, Désiré (November 23, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica Maison Mère : Werrason présente les Trophées Koras à Kabila" [Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica Mother House: Werrason presents the Koras Trophies to Kabila]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  67. ^ Kamandji, Guy-Marin (February 1, 2005). "Congo-Kinshasa: Personnalités politiques marquantes de l'année 2004 : Etienne Tshisekedi en tête de sondage devant Joseph Kabila et Georges Bush" [Congo-Kinshasa: Prominent political figures of 2004: Etienne Tshisekedi leads in the polls ahead of Joseph Kabila and George Bush]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
  68. ^ "Werrason – Artiesten 2011". The Hague African Festival. Archived from the original on August 11, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  69. ^ "Shaggy A Kinshasa !". Echodynamic.oldiblog.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  70. ^ "Werrason". Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  71. ^ Enyimo, Martin (January 8, 2011). "Congo-Kinshasa: Retro Culture 2010 - L'art congolais à l'étranger mais négligé au pays" [Congo-Kinshasa: Retro Culture 2010 - Congolese art abroad but neglected at home]. Le Potentiel (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  72. ^ Muhima, Georges Ben (April 24, 2025). "Paris: Werrason annonce un concert exceptionnel à l'Adidas Arena" [Paris: Werrason announces an exceptional concert at the Adidas Arena]. Kivu Morning Post (in French). Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  73. ^ Mande, Ordi (February 17, 2025). "Paris s'incline devant le Roi de la Forêt" [Paris bows to the King of the Forest]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  74. ^ "Werrason, un concert à La Défense Arena dans un avenir proche?". Strong2kin Moov (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. February 17, 2025. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  75. ^ a b "Triomphe de Werrason à Paris: le concert a-t-il confirmé le statut d'artiste incontournable du chanteur?" [Werrason's triumph in Paris: did the concert confirm the singer's status as a must-see artist?]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. February 16, 2025. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  76. ^ Mande, Ordi (April 16, 2025). "Werrason à l'Arena grand Paris: Le concert événement maintenant disponible en streaming" [Werrason at the Arena Grand Paris: The event concert now available for streaming]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  77. ^ Mande, Ordi (February 27, 2025). "Werrason participe à une marche pacifique à Paris pour dénoncer l'injustice contre la RDC" [Werrason participates in a peaceful march in Paris to denounce injustice against the DRC]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  78. ^ Mande, Ordi (June 24, 2025). "Werrason débarque en Belgique pour sa prestation très attendue au Festival Couleur Café" [Werrason arrives in Belgium for his highly anticipated performance at the Couleur Café Festival]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  79. ^ Flack, Louise (July 16, 2025). "Werrason, légende de la musique congolaise: 'Le Congo c'est le berceau de la musique africaine'" [Werrason, legend of Congolese music: "Congo is the cradle of African music"]. RTBF (in French). Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  80. ^ Mande, Ordi (July 18, 2025). "Innoss'B et Werrason se sont produits à l'Esplanade du Palais du Peuple lors du 2ème jour du Festival de la Musique et du Tourisme" [Innoss'B and Werrason performed at the Esplanade du Palais du Peuple on the second day of the Music and Tourism Festival]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  81. ^ "Werrason - Deuxième mi-temps à l'Adidas Arena" [Werrason - Second half at the Adidas Arena]. Le Parisien (in French). Paris, France. October 18, 2025. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  82. ^ Mande, Ordi (October 20, 2025). "Werrason à propos de son entrée spectaculaire à l'Adidas Arena: "Ce n'est que la deuxième phase, il y aura une troisième et quatrième phase"" [Werrason on his spectacular entrance at the Adidas Arena: "This is only the second phase; there will be a third and fourth phase"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  83. ^ "Werrason nargue ses détracteurs après son show triomphal à Paris" [Werrason taunts his critics after his triumphant show in Paris]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. October 19, 2025. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  84. ^ "Le concert de Werrason à Paris: une fierté congolaise saluée à l'international" [Werrason's Concert in Paris: A Congolese pride celebrated internationally]. Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP) (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. October 19, 2025. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  85. ^ a b c d Mutond, Claude Kamanga (August 16, 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: République Démocratique du Congo - Tribalisme quand la musique s'en mêle" [Congo-Kinshasa: Democratic Republic of Congo - Tribalism when music gets involved]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  86. ^ a b c d "Congo-Kinshasa: Gué-guerre entre les "Wenge" : Kinshasa sous haute tension" [Congo-Kinshasa: War between the "Wenge": Kinshasa under high tension]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. June 8, 2001. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  87. ^ a b c d e "Congo-Kinshasa: "Boulevard des Stars" : lieu par excellence de la polémique" [Congo-Kinshasa: "Boulevard des Stars" — the prime place for controversy]. L'Avenir (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. July 9, 2001. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  88. ^ a b c Kamandji, Guy-Marin (February 7, 2002). "Congo-Kinshasa: JB Mpiana reconfirme la haute portée de sa poignée de main avec Werrason" [Congo-Kinshasa: JB Mpiana reaffirms the profound significance of his handshake with Werrason]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  89. ^ Kanka, Joseph (February 8, 2002). "Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge BCBG : Bin Adam en repos médical jusqu'au 20 février 2002" [Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge BCBG: Bin Adam on medical leave until 20 February 2002]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  90. ^ "RDC: le chanteur Werrason en colère après l'annulation d'un concert en France". www.jeuneafrique.com. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  91. ^ a b 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.
  92. ^ a b c "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.
  93. ^ a b "Congo-Kinshasa: Referendum musical 2001 : Werrason et JB Mpiana font match nul" [Congo-Kinshasa: Musical Referendum 2001: Werrason and JB Mpiana draw]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. March 22, 2002. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  94. ^ 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.
  95. ^ Nomba, Danielle (November 11, 2003). "Cameroun: Kora 2003 - Duel Cameroun-Congo à Sun City: belle bataille en perspective en Afrique centrale" [Cameroon: Kora 2003 - Cameroon-Congo duel in Sun City: a great battle in prospect in Central Africa]. Le Messager (in French). Douala, Cameroon. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  96. ^ a b "Mundi Music Awards: WINNERS". Mundi Music Awards. 2024. Archived from the original on January 16, 2025. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
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