Tony Ndiema, whose real name was Anton Okoth Ochieng, was a Kenyan Ohangla musician, vocalist and bandleader best known as the founder and leader of the Batoto Ba Rhumba (BBR) Band. He built a strong following by blending traditional Luo Ohangla rhythms with Rhumba influences and became one of the recognizable voices in Kenya’s contemporary … Read more
Rajab Abdul Kahali, popularly known by his stage name Harmonize and nickname Konde Boy, was born in the Mtwara Region of Tanzania. Most current biographical sources give his date of birth as March 15, 1991, although some older publications have reported different years and dates. He grew up in a modest family and later became … Read more
Waithaka Wa Jane, whose real name is John Waithaka Mwangi, is a Kenyan Mugithi musician known for his distinctive guitar playing, energetic performances and ability to perform Kikuyu-language music. He was born and raised in Mathioya, Murang’a County, Kenya, and later moved to Nairobi as he pursued opportunities in music. His background in Murang’a played … Read more
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains. She was the fourth of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Caroline Owens Parton. Her family lived in a small one-room cabin and had very little money, with her father working as … Read more
Rose Muhando, also known as Rose Mhando, was born on 29 July 1976 in Kilosa, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. She grew up in the Dumila area of Kilosa in a deeply religious Muslim household. Her upbringing was strongly influenced by her father, who she has described as the chief Sheikh of Kilosa at the time. She … Read more
Fally Ipupa, whose full name is Fally Ipupa Nsimba, is a Congolese singer, songwriter, dancer, guitarist and record producer who has become one of the most influential African musicians of his generation. Born on December 14, 1977, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, he rose from church and neighbourhood music groups to international stardom … Read more
Boxcar Willie was born Lecil Travis Martin on September 1, 1931, in Sterrett, Texas, to Birdie Brown Martin and Edna Jones Martin. He was the eldest son in the family and grew up during the Great Depression in a household closely connected to the railroad. His father worked as a railroad section hand and also … Read more
Jimmy Buffett was born James William Buffett on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States. He grew up primarily in Mobile, Alabama, in a family strongly connected to the sea. His father, James Delaney “J.D.” Buffett Jr., worked around Mobile’s shipyards and had traveled internationally with the Army Corps of Engineers, while his grandfather, … Read more
Parmish Verma was born on July 3, 1990, in Patiala, Punjab, India. He grew up in a Punjabi family with strong connections to literature, theatre and education. His father, Dr. Satish Verma, is known as a writer, theatre personality and academic, while his mother is Paramjit Verma. Growing up around creative and academic influences helped … Read more
Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh, was born on November 19, 1985, in New Delhi, India. He grew up in a family with a strong emphasis on education and developed an interest in music and creative expression from a young age. Although he would eventually become one of India’s most recognized rappers, music … Read more