Nene Tchakou was born in Banana (Bas Congo) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He started his music career by playing guitar for the choir formed by military parents for a group of their children in Kinshasa.
He made his debut in 1973 with a band called Bella Negrita (Zane Kitambo). There after, Nene Tchakou embarked on a major career venture highlighted below: He produced an album by the name “Alila” and the dance then was “Careton A L’aisement”; this album was a major success. In 1981, Nene joined the popular group “Langa Langa Sta” where he got his stage name “Tchakou” which means “Parot” in Lingala.
In 1983, Nene joined “Grand Zaiko” under the leadership of “pepe Manwaku and produced “Bbongo” another success.
He went solo in 1987 and produced the single, “Niger.” Shortly thereafter, Nene moved to Paris in 1988 where he made historical contributions to great African musicians like “Kofi Olomide (From Congo kinshasa); where he played on the “Papa Bonheur” album. Soukous Stars where he arranged and produced “Lagos Knight” album and Lala Nomotoki (From Togo) Shi Loving (From Nigeria).
He joined Papa Wemba (From Congo Kinshasa); and together produced the “For Idole” album. With Arlus Mabele (from Congo Brazzavile); they produced the “Dossirr X” album which Nene arranged. Madame (Bongo)Patience Dabani (From Gabon) Niawu (From Congo Kinshasa) Nene arranged the first album. Nai’moro (From Antilles, France) who played keyboard for the group Kassav; Nene recorded first Nai’moro CD with them.
In the year 2002, Nene moved to Stockton, California in the USA with Soukous Stars where they recorded and produced one album which was released in 2001.
In 2002, Nene and Shimita formed the group Affro Muzika.
In 2003 Nene Tchakou joined “Rowa Records” as a resident artist and producer where also writes and arranges for other “cultural” musicians.
Discography:
Soto (Sonodisc, 1996)
Cesser le Feu (Rowa, 2007)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
