Ballou Canta

Ballou Canta, born in 1955 in Pointe-Noire, Congo-Brazzaville, is a renowned Congolese singer, composer, and producer. He is often referred to as "El Maestro" and is celebrated for his contributions to modern Congolese music, which blends elements of jazz and Caribbean and Latin sounds. Ballou Canta founded the orchestra Télé-Music de Brazzaville and was a key member of the Soukous Stars, helping to popularize the soukous genre in the 1990s. He has collaborated with notable artists such as Papa Wemba, Manu Dibango, and Ray Lema. In addition to his work with Soukous Stars, Ballou Canta has released solo material and has been involved in various musical projects, including the album "Boboto," which he released in 2015.

Ballou Canta's career has been marked by his versatile collaborations and innovative musical style. He has been based in France since the early 1980s and has participated in numerous musical groups, including Black Bazar. His music often reflects themes of unity and peace, as seen in his work on projects like "Mbot' Sambwâli," the anthem of the Loango kingdom. Ballou Canta is married and has five children, maintaining a strong connection to his roots while continuing to influence world music with his unique sound.