Versatilely gifted

Alain Nkossi Konda is a very gifted singer/songwriter originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. At a tender age he went to the US with his diplomat father who was then working for the United Nations Development Program. Says Nkossi: „My father was a member of the Salvation Army church choir where they sung songs in harmony ... I have been singing for as long as I can remember“.

During the more than 29 years he spent in the urban jungle of New York, Nkossi earned himself a reputation as a hard working musician/producer within the NYC Afro Pop community. He is a respected innovator who effortlessly combines his African musical heritage with his new American homeland creating what he calls „Tri-cultural pop“ which is a combination of Funk, Soukous + Reggae with Pop hooks sung in French, English and Lingala.

His first album, „Adiyoyo Mona Lisa“ was released in 1998.

In 1999, Nkossi became the first artist to be signed by Harry Belafonte for his new label Niger Records/Palm Pictures in collaboration with Island Records founder Chris Blackwell.During the spring of 2001, Nkossi and his associate Jim Savitt set up their own production company Afrikool. Their objective was to provide the necessary tools that could facilitate the cultural exchange between African artists and their American counterparts. Under that banner, he wrote 18 songs and co-produced with Promoter Rick Garson (Michael Jackson "Thriller" Tour, George Michael "Faith" Tour, Rolling Stones "Steel Wheels" Tour...) „World Voice 2002“, a spoken word album featuring artists such as Britney Spears, N’Sync, Aerosmith and more... Reading prayers from Pope John Paul II's private journals.

Awards in "World" category:
In 2001, Nkossi was selected as a Finalist in the U.S.A. Songwriting Contest.
In 2002, he won both the first and second prize of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. A new re-recording of The prize winning songs, „Unconditional love“ and „Story Tellers“ can both be heard on his new album „Nostalgia“ due for release this coming Summer (2005).
In 2003, he was selected as a Semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition with his song “Foot of the hill” .The same year Nkossi was a Winner in the Nashville Christmas Song competition with his original track “Bells Ringing”…
In 2004: He was selected as a Finalist of the U.K. Songwriting Competition with a new composition titled “Your anything”... Won an Honorable Mention Award at the U.S.A Songwriting Competition with another title "Bolingo".
And most recently Nkossi won an Honorable mention Award after being selected as a Finalist at the 2004 International Songwriting Competition with a new title “Moment of truth” which he composed for consideration as the official song for the 2005 World Nordic Championships” which were held in Obersdorf/ Germany on Feb. 16th.

Nkossi is well aware of the power of music and his desire to communicate through it transcends borders. He belongs to this goup of artists who understood that music is the most wonderful way to convey ideas, feelings and passions. Music overwhelms him, devours him to the point where he manages to dominate it, shape it and extrapolate it in such a way that we can perceive it as a universal language.

This is a language that he likes to share and which he transcends during his live performances. He is one of these artists we call „amazing performer“. During his stage acts we immerse into his musical world and can’t help to let ourselves be carried away by the crazy swirl of his innovative style. The least that can be said is it lifts and stirs you up while keeping a great musical quality all through.

Current Projects:

• Pre-production and arranging of the official 2005 World Nordic Championship Song titled "Live Your Dream" at SAMPLES & MORE Studios in Rottach/ Germany with Engineer Stefan Buckenhofer. The final version was to be featured on the opening day ceremonies in Obersdorf.
• Production of Bob Marley Tribute record titled "A timeless vibration" feat. various artists performing Mr. Marley's classic hits in many different genres ranging from: Roots Reggae, Pop, Swing, Zouk, R&B/ Hip Hop, Folk ... a true representation of the power of Bob's music and global appeal. The project is to be released in 2006.
• "African Rose Vol.1": Compilation feat. various artists from the African Diaspora incl. the legendary Soukus king from the DR. of Congo Kand Bongo Man in a collaboration produced by A.N. Konda.
• "Valley of Ethnic Dreams": A spiritual & exotic soundtrack by K.I.F. a.k.a. Koll international friends. A very special collaboration album project feat. special guest "Wordly" musicians from our globe.
• "21st Century Storytellers": Where contemporary Jazz meets Afro-Pop feat. guitarists/ arrangers Jim Savitt and A.N. Konda in a very special collaboroation.
• "My Storm": A.N. Konda album to be released in 2006 followed by "New Dream" in 2007.
• "Reggae/ Ragga Dreams" compilation feat. various african artists (work in progress for release in 2007)

Discographie

• 1998 Adiyoyoyo Mona Lisa
• 2002 Africa-pella (Limited Edition)

Upcoming Releases

• August 2005 Afrobeat Cafe (Series of 10 Dance Albums)
• Dezember 2005 Nostalgia

Further information: www.afrikool.com

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