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Oliver N'Goma (1959-2010)
(Gabon)
Biography
Oliver N'Goma is probably the best known Gabonese singer, as his afro-zouk
hits have been (and still are) extremely popular in large parts of Africa. Especially his early hit
« Bané » is a well-known song on the dance floors, although people
probably not always know that the singer comes from Gabon, a country that has not been able to export
its music to other African countries nor outside the continent.
In 1971, he entered the Orchestre Capo-Sound, together with singer François N'Gwa, during this period he started playing guitar and composing his first songs. After a brief period where he was part of a group called Kounabeli he was recruited by the national television as cameraman.
Although he had a regular job now, he didn't abandon music and eventually he recorded a first album with the help of Ray Lema as producer who he had met in Paris.
After « Bané » he made a second album « Adia », also produced by Ray Lema, with the same easy-going afro-zouk he had become famous for. His 2001 album « Seva » offers a different perspective with more variation in styles.
Olivier N'Goma, as his real name was, died in 2010 after kidney failure.
In 1971, he entered the Orchestre Capo-Sound, together with singer François N'Gwa, during this period he started playing guitar and composing his first songs. After a brief period where he was part of a group called Kounabeli he was recruited by the national television as cameraman.
Although he had a regular job now, he didn't abandon music and eventually he recorded a first album with the help of Ray Lema as producer who he had met in Paris.
After « Bané » he made a second album « Adia », also produced by Ray Lema, with the same easy-going afro-zouk he had become famous for. His 2001 album « Seva » offers a different perspective with more variation in styles.
Olivier N'Goma, as his real name was, died in 2010 after kidney failure.
Oliver N'Goma
Born: 23 March 1959, in Mayumba (Nyanga Province, South Gabon); died 7 June 2010 in Libreville
Style: afro-zouk
Discography
| Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
| Best of Oliver N'Goma | 2024 | Lusafrica | (Lusafrica 35th Anniversary Edition) |
| Saga | 2006 | Lusafrica 46261-2 | |
| Best of Oliver N'Goma | 2003 | Lusafrica 36297-2 | |
| Seva | 2001 | Lusafrica 36246-2 | |
| Adia | 1995 | Lusafrica 26289-2 | Also under reference 08759-2 |
| Bane | 1990 | Sonodisc CD 53171 | Noli Productions, CD re-release 1994 |
Sources
Page added March 2004