Niasony Okomo (born Alexandrine Severine Niasony Okomo; 1973) is a Congolese singer, model, and dancer born in Republic of the Congo. Known for her smooth voice and message-based music, she currently lives and works in Germany.[1]
Niasony | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alexandrine Severine Niasony Okomo |
| Born | 1973 (age 50–51) Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo |
| Genres | Soukous, Afro, Reggae, Afrobeat |
| Instrument(s) | singing |
| Website | niasony |
She was born in Brazzaville in 1973 to Michael Okomo and Charlotte Nkounkolo and moved to Heiligenhaus, Germany, near Düsseldorf, in 1987.[2] She has spoken of the culture shock she experienced with this move, finding a contrast between the bustle of Brazzaville and the small-town, often empty, streets of Heiligenhaus.[3] As a teenager Niasony worked as a model, dancer and performance artist for various projects.[1]
In 2013, Niasony was honored by the African Youth Foundation with an ADLER award for being an ambassador for African culture.[4]
Niasony lives in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Music edit
Niasony performs a style of world music in the genres of Soukous, Afro, Reggae and Afrobeat. Thematically, Niasony combines the sounds of dance music with serious topics of her homeland, including poverty and gender-based violence. She calls this style "Afroplastique" and has explained, "AFRO represents my roots and PLASTIQUE the poverty I'll never forget — my first pair of sandals was plastic."[5] About her music, she has said, "Dancing in the rain is better than waiting for the sun."[1]
Some of Niasony's music is in response to the 2007 deportation of her brother by German authorities back to the war-torn Republic of the Congo. Her 2014 debut album Afroplastique features club music sung in her native language of Lingala. Niasony has stated that she views her album and her stage performances as "therapy."[3]
Discography edit
- Ponanini – Kongo Girl (single, 2011)
- Nasina – I know you (single, 2013)
- Afroplastique (2014)
References edit
- ^ a b c "Niasony – Pulsating groove from the Congo". Niasony.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 25 Nov 2016.
- ^ Ossinondé, Clément (4 Aug 2013). "Niasony Okomo, la nouvelle diva de la chanson congolaise en Allemagne". Starducongo.com (in French). Star du Congo. Archived from the original on 26 November 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- ^ a b Lauer, Von Luigi (16 June 2014). "Niasony Okomos interessanter Stilmix" (in German). Deutschlandfunk. Retrieved 25 Nov 2016.
- ^ Sikiti da Silva, Issa (22 December 2013). "Niasony excels in 'Nasina', scoops prestigious award". SIFA news. Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- ^ "Niasony Okomo (Entertainers, 2013)". African Youth Foundation. 2013. Retrieved 25 Nov 2016.
"AFRO represents my roots and PLASTIQUE the poverty I'll never forget - my first pair of sandals was plastic." Niasony says, who came from Congo to Germany at the age of 13. With an under the skin getting voice the new Congolese Diva sings about her soul, which is torn between Africa and Europe. Her music represents a melange of urban Afrobeats, traditional Soukous and driving Reggae.