Makoma

Makoma
Nathalie Makoma in 2008
Background information
Also known asNouveau Testament (original name)
OriginDemocratic Republic of Congo
Genres
Years active1993–present
Labels
  • Westcoast Music Production
  • ZYX Music
  • Breeze Dance Division
  • JPS Production
  • Disques Musicanova
  • BC3 Media Limited
  • The Lion Records
MembersAnnie Makoma
Duma Makoma
Martin Makoma
Pengani Makoma
Tutala Makoma
Patrick Badine
Past membersNathalie Makoma (left 2004)

Makoma is a Congolese Christian musical group composed of members of the Makoma family. Originally from Kinshasa, the group was initially formed by six siblings—Nathalie, Annie, Pengani, Tutala, Duma, and Martin Makoma—alongside a non-family member, Patrick Badine, who joined in the late 1990s.[1][2][3] Performing in Lingala, English, French, Dutch, and German,[4][5] the group is regarded as one of the most prominent gospel acts in Africa and among the African diaspora.[6] Their musical style blends elements of Congolese rumba, soukous, ndombolo, pop, soul, contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and reggae, characterized by a spiritually infused and rhythmically dynamic sound.[7][8][4]

Founded in 1993 by Tutala Makoma, the group began performing publicly in 1995 under the name Nouveau Testament ("New Testament").[9][5] Following the family's emigration to Germany in 1985 and subsequent relocation to the Netherlands in 1995, the group adopted the name Makoma, derived from their surname.[8][5] Their debut studio album, Nzambe Na Bomoyi, was released in 1999 through Westcoast Studios in Rotterdam, a label owned by Tutala.[9][5] The album, which sold over one million copies, was propelled by the success of its lead single, "Napesi", and brought the group widespread acclaim across the continent.[8] Makoma's second studio album, Mokonzi Na Bakonzi, was released in 2002 through the Cameroonian label JPS Production and received critical praise, particularly for its title track.[9][5] In 2004, the group underwent a significant transition following the departure of lead vocalist Nathalie, who left to pursue a solo career.[5][10] Nevertheless, she continued to contribute to the group's third studio album, Na Nzambe Te, Bomoyi Te, released in 2006 through Westcoast Music Production and distributed by the French-African label Sonima Music.[11]

The band's fourth and final studio album, Evolution, was released on 28 January 2012 under BC3 Media Limited.[9][5] After an extended hiatus, Makoma initially announced a reunion in 2023; however, internal disagreements, particularly Nathalie's reluctance to participate, delayed the effort.[10] On 1 March 2025, the group officially reunited, including all original members, as confirmed by a cryptic video shared on social media.[4][12][13]

History

1993–2002: Formation, Nzambe Na Bomoyi, and Mokonzi Na Bakonzi

Kinshasa—formerly known as Léopoldville—was the birthplace of the Makoma family.

Makoma was founded in 1993 by Tutala Makoma and began performing publicly as a group in 1995 under the name Nouveau Testament ("New Testament").[14][10][15] The original lineup consisted of six siblings from the Makoma family: Duma, Tutala, Martin, Nathalie, Annie, and Pengani.[10][8] The group traces its musical roots to 1984 when they began singing in church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with encouragement from their parents—Nzuzi Makoma, a former professional boxer, and their mother, Coco Makoma.[8] The family emigrated to Germany in 1985 and later relocated to the Netherlands in 1995. Upon their arrival, they faced imminent deportation; however, this was ultimately forestalled after their mother wrote a letter to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, resulting in the family being granted citizenship.[8] Following their resettlement in Europe, the group adopted the name Makoma, derived from their surname. Their early reputation in the DRC attracted national attention, culminating in an invitation to perform for President Mobutu Sese Seko.[8][16]

The group recorded their debut album, Nzambe Na Bomoyi, at Westcoast Studios in Rotterdam, a facility owned by Tutala Makoma. During production, Patrick Badine, a non-family member, joined the band as a rapper. The album, co-composed by Duma and Nathalie, featured vocals by Annie, Dr. Bolia, Martin, and Pengani, with production overseen by Tutala and André Strässer, who also contributed synthesizer work.[5][10][15] Released in 1999 under Westcoast Music Production and distributed by Distribution Hekina, the album marked a departure from conventional church music by fusing multiple genres including soukous, Congolese rumba, ndombolo, rap, reggae, soul, and pop.[10][15][7][8] The group's genre-blending style was met with criticism from traditional religious circles, who labeled it "too ungodly". In response, the band defended their approach by citing their musical influences from MTV's hip hop, rock, pop, and reggae programming.[8] Despite the controversy, Nzambe Na Bomoyi received critical acclaim. Ugandan reviewer Joseph Batte of New Vision described the album as "loaded with sultry melodies and dust-stirring grooves".[8] The album went on to sell over one million copies, led by the breakout single "Napesi", which achieved significant popularity across Africa.[8] Following the album's success, Makoma performed to a full house in Belgium and, by July 2002, "Napesi" had reached the number one position on Uganda's Radio Simba chart.[8][17] In December 2000, the group held major concerts in Libreville, Gabon, including performances at the Cité de la Démocratie and Stade Omar Bongo.[7] That same year, they also toured Côte d'Ivoire.[18] In 2001, Nathalie collaborated with fellow Congolese singer Werrason and Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango on the humanitarian single "Croix Rouge".[19]

Nathalie Makoma, the group's lead vocalist, is pictured here.

In early 2002, Makoma released their second studio album, Mokonzi Na Bakonzi ("King of Kings"), through JPS Production, a Cameroonian label founded by Jean Pierre Saah. The six-track album was introduced by its title song, which gained critical acclaim across Africa.[20] To promote the release, the band performed in May 2002 at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, delivering an interactive and improvisational show that was praised for its spiritually uplifting lyrics and audience engagement.[18] Songs such as "Napesi", "Mokonzi Na Bakonzi", and "Natamboli" resonated strongly with audiences, who often sang along during performances.[18] Despite its popularity, the album received limited media coverage, prompting the band to produce music videos to enhance its visibility. These videos were filmed in Montreal and Toronto, as well as in various African cities.[20] In September 2002, Makoma embarked on a gospel outreach initiative targeting African youth, beginning with a performance at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.[21][22] Given the rampant HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa, Nathalie emphasized the importance of respecting their bodies as God's temples and combating the rising HIV/AIDS rates.[21] Afterward, they performed in Kitale en route to Kampala,[21] where they played at the Nile Hotel gardens on 13 September and at Nakivubo Stadium on 15 September.[23][8] Additional performances took place at Rwizi Arch Hotel in Mbarara on 20 September, followed by a show in Mbale at Wash & Wills on the 21st, and wrapped up with a concert at Pastor Robert Kayanja's Lubaga Cathedral on 22 September.[24] Their tour continued with performances in Dar es Salaam,[21] and on 2 November, the group received continental recognition when they were awarded Best African Group at the Kora Awards.[25][26] The following month, during a concert organized by the Rally for Congolese Democracy at the Stade de l'Unité in Goma, chaos erupted when security forces fired shots to facilitate the band's exit. With only one functioning exit, the gunfire caused a stampede, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a 17-year-old girl, and injuries to approximately thirty others.[27]

2003–2008: Performances, internal conflict, and Na Nzambe Te, Bomoyi Te

Makoma participated in the official opening ceremony of the 18th edition of the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), held from 22 February to 1 March at the Stade du 4 Août in Burkina Faso.[28][29][30] They continued their series of international engagements with a concert at the Nile Hotel on 19 April and another at Stade Général Seyni Kountché in Niamey, Niger, on 3 May.[31][32][33] Makoma also took part in the fourth edition of the Pan-African Music Festival (FESPAM), co-hosted by Brazzaville and Kinshasa from 2–8 July, where they received the "Amstrong" award for religious music.[34][35] In June 2003, Makoma performed at the inaugural Ebony Music Festival held at Stade Demba Diop in Dakar, Senegal, from 4–6 June.[36][37]

In 2004, the group experienced a major shift when lead vocalist Nathalie departed to pursue a solo career.[10][15] In a 2011 interview with the Congolese newspaper L'Avenir, she revealed that internal family tensions and financial disagreements influenced her decision, stating that despite writing the songs, she had no financial autonomy and faced rejection from her siblings upon her departure.[38] She expressed her desire to focus on her personal career and future, including aspirations for marriage and family life.[38]

Nathalie in 2012

Despite her exit, Nathalie contributed vocals to the group's third studio album, Na Nzambe Te, Bomoyi Te, which was in the conclusive phases of production by 2005 and included guest appearances from Dorcas Kaja, Dr. Eboko, and René Lokua.[10][15] In March 2006, they were embroiled in a dispute after a police raid on Tropicana TV, a Kinshasa-based private television station, which was allegedly conducted by armed officers due to the station broadcasting music videos from Makoma's unreleased album without authorization.[11][39][40] Two Makoma members were said to have accompanied the police, leading observers to describe the event as a form of punitive expedition involving the band. Tropicana TV denied wrongdoing, stating that the videos had been submitted by one of Makoma's producers without restriction.[11][41] Henriette Kanjinga, the music journalist who received the videos, and news editor Diego Mfisia were later detained.[11][42][43] Due to widespread piracy concerns, Na Nzambe Te, Bomoyi Te was ultimately released later in 2006 by Westcoast Music Production and distributed by Sonima Music, a French-African label founded by Mohd Nadim.[15]

2009–present: Nouakchott Olympic Stadium appearance, Evolution, and reunion

On 4 April 2009, Makoma performed at the final of the Challenge Sidi Mohamed Abbas, an interschool sports competition held at Nouakchott Olympic Stadium in Mauritania.[44] The event, which honored the legacy of Sidi Mohamed Abbas—recognized as Africa's best banker in 1994—featured appearances from former football stars Joseph-Antoine Bell (Cameroon), Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria), and Cyril Domoraud (Côte d'Ivoire), as well as French rapper Disiz La Peste.[44]

The group released its fourth and final studio album Evolution on 28 January 2012 through BC3 Media Limited, featuring ten tracks.[9][5][45] After a long hiatus, Makoma announced plans to return in 2023 with a new album commemorating their jubilee.[10] However, internal disagreements resurfaced, with Pengani and other members promoting the reunion, while Nathalie publicly stated that she would not participate.[10] On 1 March 2025, Makoma signaled their official comeback through a cryptic social media video captioned "to be continued".[4] Unlike the 2023 announcement, the 2025 reunion marked the full return of all original members, including Nathalie.[4][12][13] The group subsequently announced a concert scheduled for 24 October at the Dôme de Paris and hinted at the possibility of releasing new material. Their reformation was reportedly facilitated by a contract for an international tour with French label The Lion Records.[12][13][46]

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref.
2002 Kora Awards Best Group of Africa Themselves Won [25][26]
2005 South Pacific Award Best Group Themselves Won

Discography

Albums

  • 1999: Nzambe Na Bomoyi (Jesus For Life)
  • 2002: Mokonzi Na Bakonzi (King of Kings)
  • 2006: Na Nzambe Te, Bomoyi Te (also known as No Jesus, No Life)
  • 2012: Evolution

References

  1. ^ Kangu, Sarah (11 March 2025). "Le surprenant come-back du groupe Makoma" [The surprising comeback of the group Makoma]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  2. ^ Tsambu, Leon. "Section 4.- 1990-2010: guerre du clan Wenge et essor des variétés religieuses" [Section 4.- 1990-2010: Wenge clan war and rise of religious varieties]. Bokundoli (in French). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  3. ^ Job, Arnaud Karl (17 October 2013). "Qu'est devenu Makoma?" [What happened to Makoma?]. On en parle (in French). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Les Makoma, le célèbre groupe groupe chrétien des années 2000 bientôt de retour?" [Makoma, the famous Christian group from the 2000s, is coming back soon?]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, democratic Republic of the Congo. 1 March 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Once upon a time, Makoma tantalised Kampala". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. 19 October 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  6. ^ "Makoma: le grand retour du mythique groupe gospel se précise" [Makoma: the great return of the legendary gospel group is taking shape]. Trends.cd (in French). 2 March 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  7. ^ a b c "Gabon: Le groupe Makoma à Libreville pour deux concerts" [Gabon: Makoma group in Libreville for two concerts]. PanAfrican News Agency (in French). Dakar, Senegal. 29 December 2000. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Batte, Joseph (13 September 2002). "Uganda: Makoma's True Colours". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  9. ^ a b c d e "Comeback of Makoma: A famous congolese musician group". ModernGhana. 22 January 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Gospel: 9 ans après les Makoma reviennent sur scène sans leur cadette Nathalie" [Gospel: 9 years later, Makoma return to the stage without their youngest sister Nathalie]. Agence Congolaise de Presse (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 5 January 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d Mfisia, Diego (31 March 2006). "Congo-Kinshasa: JED demande au gouvernement de s'expliquer après l'attaque de la police contre les locaux de Tropicana TV" [Congo-Kinshasa: JED asks government to explain after police attack on Tropicana TV offices]. Journaliste en danger (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  12. ^ a b c Ahougnon, Servan (6 March 2025). "Makoma: le grand retour! le groupe congolais de gospel renaît après 19 ans" [Makoma: The big comeback! The Congolese gospel group is reborn after 19 years]. Agence Ecofin (in French). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  13. ^ a b c Habboul, Lilia (14 March 2025). "Makoma: Le groupe congolais de gospel refait surface après 19 ans d'absence" [Makoma: Congolese gospel group resurfaces after 19 years of absence]. Pouvoirs d'Afrique (in French). Casablanca, Morocco. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  14. ^ Afrika Nieuws: Nathalie uit Idols was al een ster in Afrika (in Dutch)
  15. ^ a b c d e f Mansangu, Raphael (6 January 2023). "Gospel: Les "Makoma" annoncent un dernier album pour leur jubilé!" [Gospel: "Makoma" announce a final album for their jubilee!]. Scoop RDC (in French). Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  16. ^ Tembe, Issa Issantu (2001). "La dimension esthétique de la voix du chanteur de charme dans la musique congolaise electro-acoustique moderne" [The aesthetic dimension of the voice of the charm singer in modern Congolese electro-acoustic music] (in French). Lemba, Kinshasa: University of Kinshasa. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  17. ^ Batte, Joseph (2 August 2002). "Uganda: Gospel Stars Storm Local Music Scene". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  18. ^ a b c Boguy, Marcellin (14 May 2002). "Cote d'Ivoire: Makoma au Palais de la Culture" [Ivory Coast: Makoma at the Palace of Culture]. Notre Voie (in French). Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  19. ^ Nkutu, Jean-Pierre (6 July 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: "Kibwisa Mpimpa" : tout va bien, sauf le son..." [Congo-Kinshasa: "Kibwisa Mpimpa": Everything is fine, except the sound...]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  20. ^ a b "Congo-Kinshasa: Nathalie Makoma peu pressée pour le mariage" [Congo-Kinshasa: Nathalie Makoma in no hurry for marriage]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 13 September 2002. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  21. ^ a b c d "Kenya: Holland Gospel Group Thrills Fans". The Standard. Nairobi, Kenya. 9 September 2002. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  22. ^ Mulli, Wayua (14 September 2002). "Kenya: Whatever Happened to Makoma?". Daily Nation. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  23. ^ Serugo, Moses (12 September 2002). "Uganda: Makoma Band Storm Kampala". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
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  25. ^ a b Joseph, Kanka (5 November 2002). "Afrique: Kora 2002 en Afrique du Sud: Koffi Olomide et les Makoma font honneur à la Rdc" [Africa: Kora 2002 in South Africa: Koffi Olomide and the Makoma do honor to the DRC]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  26. ^ a b "Award ceremonies at the 2002 Kora African Music Awards". Youtube.com. 17 June 2012. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
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  28. ^ Ouédraogo, Evariste (12 February 2003). "Burkina Faso: FESPACO 2003: les comédiens seront à l'honneur" [Burkina Faso: FESPACO 2003: Actors will be in the spotlight]. L'Observateur Paalga (in French). Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  29. ^ Ouédraogo, D. Evariste (20 February 2003). "Burkina Faso: Fespaco 2003: la succession de Nabil Ayouch s'ouvre demain" [Burkina Faso: Fespaco 2003: Nabil Ayouch's succession begins tomorrow]. L'Observateur Paalga (in French). Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  30. ^ Gandema, Abdoulaye (24 February 2003). "Afrique: Fespaco 2003: Cérémonie d'ouverture du XVIIIe FESPACO" [Africa: Fespaco 2003: Opening ceremony of the 18th FESPACO]. Sidwaya Quotidien (in French). Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  31. ^ "Uganda: Makoma to Welcome Easter". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. 18 April 2003. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  32. ^ Serugo, Moses (21 April 2003). "Uganda: Makoma Make It Up to Fans". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  33. ^ Adédé, Schadé (19 June 2003). "Cote d'Ivoire: Matt cool Jay (animateur ivoirien) prophète au Niger" [Ivory Coast: Matt Cool Jay (Ivorian presenter) prophet in Niger]. Notre Voie (in French). Abidjan, Ivory Cost. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  34. ^ Kanka, Joseph (15 August 2003). "Congo-Kinshasa: Bébé Tshanda, Les Makoma et Koffi Olomide obtiennent des prix Fespam 2003" [Congo-Kinshasa: Bébé Tshanda, Les Makoma and Koffi Olomide win Fespam 2003 awards]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  35. ^ Ngaira, Amos (6 September 2003). "Kenya: Owiyo's Day With Lingala Stars". Daily Nation. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  36. ^ Sangaré, Y. (28 April 2004). "Afrique: Festival Ebony à Dakar : une Palette de stars pour célébrer l'Afrique" [Africa: Ebony Festival in Dakar: A Palette of Stars to Celebrate Africa]. Patriote (in French). Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  37. ^ Moroni, Xavier (5 June 2004). "Sénégal: Ebony festival: un week-end très musical au stade Demba Diop" [Senegal: Ebony Festival: A very musical weekend at the Demba Diop stadium].
  38. ^ a b Ipam, B. (19 March 2011). "Congo-Kinshasa: Départ de Nathalie Makoma du groupe chrétien !" [Congo-Kinshasa: Nathalie Makoma leaves the Christian group!]. Le Potentiel (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  39. ^ "Congo-Kinshasa: L'OMEC proteste contre la barbarie policière à Tropicana TV" [Congo-Kinshasa: OMEC protests against police brutality at Tropicana TV]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 3 April 2006. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  40. ^ Mayala, Jacques Kimpozo (4 April 2025). "Congo-Kinshasa: L'ACMCO doit sanctionner les "MAKOMA"" [Congo-Kinshasa: ACMCO must sanction the "MAKOMA"]. Le Phare (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  41. ^ "Kinshasa: vers un règlement à l'amiable du différend entre les Makoma et Tropicana TV" [Kinshasa: Towards an amicable settlement of the dispute between "Makoma" and Tropicana TV]. Radio Okapi (in French). 1 April 2006. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  42. ^ "Congo-Kinshasa: La SODEMA condamne l'incarcération du rédacteur en chef et d'une animatrice de la Télévision Tropicana" [Congo-Kinshasa: SODEMA condemns the imprisonment of the editor-in-chief and a presenter of Tropicana Television]. Gabonews (in French). Libreville, Gabon. 6 April 2006. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  43. ^ "Cameroun: Plaidoyer pour la liberté d'expression" [Cameroon: Plea for freedom of expression]. Le Messager (in French). Douala, Cameroon. 11 April 2006. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  44. ^ a b "Mauritanie: La finale du challenge Sidi Mohamed Abbas a lieu le 04 avril prochain au stade olympique de Nouakchott" [Mauritania: The final of the Sidi Mohamed Abbas challenge will take place on April 4 at the Olympic stadium in Nouakchott.]. Gabonews (in French). Libreville, Gabon. 3 April 2009. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  45. ^ "Makoma - Clips "Evolution"? (Official Video)". Talents2kin.com (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 30 January 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  46. ^ "Le groupe Makoma signe avec le label français The Lion Records pour une tournée" [Makoma signs with French label The Lion Records for a tour]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
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