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 often a member of the Salvation Army church choir in his youth where they sung songs in harmony ... both my parent's enjoyed singing and have good voices... 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 and 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 previous album "Africa-pella".
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 2 Honorable Mention Awards, one for the U.S.A Songwriting Competition with another title "Bolingo" and another for 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.
in 2005: He was selected as the winner of the "World" category of the West Coast Songwriters Contest with the title "Unnacceptable" (featured on his new album Nostaslgia 3C1S1V) & also received an Honorable mention prize for another title "Pulling the rug".
Nkossi also placed among the top 500 Songwriter' s entered in the 13th Annual BILLBOARD World song contest and won 2 Honorable mention awards with his tracks "Only for a moment" and "Foot of the hill" which are both featured on his new album Nostalgia 3C1S1V.
In 2006: Nkossi won the 1st prize and an Honorable Mention Prize for session 1 of the 2006 International John Lennon Sonwriting Contest... At the closing of the year hewas selected as the Best Solo Male Artist & Best Songwriter for Germany at the 2006 MusicAid International Awards... The most recent result is the 1st prize at the International UNISONG Songwriting Contest.
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.
During his last visit to NewYork for a "Mini-Tour", Alain received an appointement from Secretary General Dr. Alessandro Manini as Special Envoy for Germany in support of the CISRI-ISP Program Against Malnutrition & the United Nations System.
Production & composition of a featured sports anthem track titled: "Overtime" for the ADIDAS Official Website (www.adidas.com ) which was featured during the WorldCup Soccer Tournament.
Discography
Website
http://www.afrikool.com
Discography
1st Single: title "Bolingo" feat on the BRAZEN Orignal Sountrack released on SONY/ Epic in 1994, Produced by Grammy Winning Producer Gordon WIlliams.
Featured on a track titled KOKO from the album "Saturday" by Deep House Pioneer Kerri Chandler & Jerome Syndenham (Ibadan Records).
Featured + Co-wrote on 2 titles: Afrida & Unclear reasons from the album "Gentle Flower" by artist JASMON a.k.a LEMONGRASS.
Albums:
"Adiyoyoyo Mona Lisa" released in 1998 on Tabilulu Records & Freedomzone.
"Africa-pella" (Limited Edition) released in the month of Mai 2002 on Afrikool Records in collaboration with NetmusicZone distributed by Zomba/ Rough Trade GERMANY. For purchase within Europe contact: info@afrikool.com for the United States: www.CDbaby.com
His new album titled "Nostalgia 3C1S1V" will be released available in stores on August 30th 2007 within the Territories of Europe. The project which was recorded in Germany,New York, Vibesync Studio & Bach recording Studio in Copenhagen/Denmark features guest appearances on bass by Jens Simonsen who Mastered parts of the album & guest vocals by Pennie Christensen... Also appearing on the project is Keyboardist Delmar Brown who has performed with such Superstars as STING, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius...Etc... Guitarist Jim Savitt, Vocalists Nicole Collins & Alice Sondergaard, World class Saxophonist Giuseppe Solera & Thomas Simmerl (Drums). The final project was Mastered by Stefan Gineger at the Legendary MASTERMIXSTUDIO in Germany.
An exclusive BEYERDYNAMIC 6 song EP titled "Breeze Session" is available for FREE from the company by request for promotional purposes in support of Mr. Konda by one of his main sponsors. Get yours at www.beyerdynamic.de
Featured on RAMONES Tribute compilation "All good Cretins go to heaven" (http://www.ramones-tribute.de/) with a cover version of "I want to be your boyfriend". The record which was released in the G.A.S Territiories last March 2005 is distributed by CARGO.
His new 10 album series "Afrobeat Cafe" ( www.afrobeatcafe.com ) which was Co-produced by Nighcast Recording Artist Jim Savitt was released in August 2005 also under Exclusive License to MDM GmbH sold a little over 850 Units during the first month of its release in Germany. Publishing rights for the G.A.S. have been assigned to Edition One Louder/ Global Chrysalis.
Projects/ Work in progress:
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.
Production of Bob Marley Tribute record titled "A Timeless vibrations" 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 ballad... A true representation of the power of Bob's music and global appeal. The project is to be released in late Summer (2006).
Executive producer an concept for:
"The Diaspora for Africa": Vol1 & VOL2 Benefit Compilation album series for the FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL MALNUTRITION which kills 40.000 Children daily. 100% of the funds from the sales of the compilation will be donated to organizations such as "The International Foundation Against Malnutrition" www.ifam-foundation.org and the Munich/ Germany based waterfoundation.
The album features donated tracks by Various artists from the African Diaspora & their Western counterparts such as:
The Legendary Soukous King from the DR. of Congo Kanda Bongo Man, Superstar Lou Bega, Muna Mingole, Abdoulaye Diabate, Nicole Collins, T, Lindu Mona, King Kora, Mr. Reo, Jim Savitt, 24 Indigo, Zifa, Eve Gallagher...Etc... The Official single for the program titled "Fading Spirit" (Composed & Produced by A.N.Konda) is featured on the VOL1 Compilation.
The album is available fromwill be Released by Afrikool Entertainment GmbH: info@afrikool.com
"Valley of Ethnic Dreams" soundtrack: A Spiritual & Exotic soundtrack by K.I.F a.k.a Kool International Firends. A very special collaboration album project featuring special guest musicians with whom Nkossi has collaborated with during th past decade. The project was recorded with the Samplitude program fromMAGIX which was given to Mr. Konda under a sponsorship agreement with the German company.
"21st Century Storytellers": Where contemporary Jazz meets Afro-pop feat. Guitarists/ arrangers Jim Savitt & Alain Nkossi Konda in a very special collaboration.
SPONSORS:
www.Yamaha.com
www.beyerdynamic.de
www.behringer.de
www.Magix.net
www.emu.com
PARTNERS:
www.diaspora-for-africa.net
www.festivaldufilmpanafricain.org
www.Cafesonique.com
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