Michel Kingue 1933 - 2007

Born on 18 November 1933 in Bonakouamouang, Douala, Cameroon, Michel is passionate about music from his youth; He developed the foundations of his art with an assiduous practice of solfeggio, especially during the period during which he became a seminarian. His musical fibre is expressed and then confirmed in his favourite instrument, the clarinet.

When he met his wife in the mid-fifties, he founded his band "Les Cuban's boys" and is already a musician very popular with the public. After a stay for two years in Libreville (Gabon), Michel Kingue decides to try his luck in Europe, and in 1966 he crossed the Atlantic to settle in France. Clarinetist and saxophonist, his music appeals to the milieu, as evidenced by this interview carried out by the ORTF on his arrival in France, which presents him as a very promising artist; one of the first to evoke the "Makossa" among the Western populations. In 1973 Michel Kingue recorded "Ndok'a Munasu", a title very inspired by everyday life. Then it is the turn of "Loin la Penya" to heat the hearts, the waves and the dance-floors. Installed in Europe, Michel Kingue revolves mainly with the Orchestra of Pierre Saada, which allows him to harmoniously reconcile his private life with his life as an artist.

♫ Audio: 1973 Ndok'a Mun'asu 

♫ Audio: 1973 Longue La Penya

His discography presents a very extensive musical universe, ranging from Makossa, to salsa, through the chalouped rhythms of Rumba, and other rates of Tcha-Tcha. In the language of Douala, in French, in Pidgin, Michel Kingue sings and speaks directly to our senses, and sometimes challenges our conscience, as evidenced by the title "Ebangando". Michel Kingue has collaborated with renowned artists such as: Eitel Tobbo, Michel Eko, Manu Dibango, and many more. Michel Kingue died in Paris on 1 June 2007.

(concise) DISCOGRAPHY