Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

AKENDENGUE, Pierre

(b '44, Port Gentil, Nandipo, Gabon) Singer-composer, guitarist, poet. From musical family; songs performed on radio by age 14. To France '64; baccalaur‚ate at Orleans, degree in literature at Caen, studied psychology at Sorbonne, went blind; returned to Gabon, became outspoken critic of government and forced to leave '72. First LP Nandipo '74 established uniquely wide range of modern and trad. instruments and techniques, combining music and poetry, parables and politics. Africa Obota '76 coincided with MIDEM award for best Francophone songs; presidential pardon '77, invited back to represent Gabon at FESTAC in Nigeria. Eserengila '78 won the Maraccas d'Or as best African record of '79; LPs Owende and Mengo confirmed reputation. Awana W'Afrika '81 showed modern, dance-oriented aspects of music; Mando '83 released on CBS; Reveil de L'Afrique '84 on own NYTE label; Nandipo and Obota reissued '85 on Saravah. CDs Maladalite '96, Passe Compose and classic Piroguier all on Melodie/Celluloid France; he was also venturing into film music.