Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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MUANA, Tshala

(b '50s, Lubumbashi, Zaire) Singer, composer, dancer. Born into a family of singers and dancers, active from an early age in cultural troupes, first made her mark adapting trad. dance Mutuashi to the modern scene. Turned to singing, performing with several bands in Kinshasha, after a few years of apprenticeship making her first singles. She left Zaire for the Ivory Coast in late '70s, determined to pursue an international career; had hits endearing her to the notoriously difficult Ivorian public. Toured Africa extensively '81--4; she was voted second best African female singer '82 and '83, but first LP Tshala Muana '84 on Safari Ambience label, made in Paris, brought her no. 1 vote '84. Visited USA '85; made second album M'Pokolo with Alhaji Toure and Prosper N'Kouri and Amina on USA African Record Center label. With Mbilia Bel and M'Pongo Love among the most popular Zairian female artists, queen of the matuashi style. Albums Biduaya on Celluloid and Soukous Siren on Shanachie were to be followed by Latino collaborations recorded in NYC by Stern's.