Arbogaste Mbella Ntone[1] (6 October 1941 – 2 October 2024), known as Arbo, was a Cameroonian singer of gospel and Gregorian chants.[2]
Arbogaste Mbella Ntone | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 October 1941 |
| Died | 2 October 2024 (aged 82) Paris, France |
| Nationality | Cameroonian |
| Occupation | Singer |
Biography
editBorn in Douala on 6 October 1941,[3] Mbella grew up with a passion for music and football, initially playing as a midfielder for Léopard Douala. However, he abandoned football to follow a musical career.[3] He grew up playing a variety of instruments, namely the organ, piano, and guitar, and he became close with the pastor Adolph Lotin Same, the father of Eboa Lotin.[4] He then performed gospel songs alongside great Cameroonian musicians such as Francis Bebey and Manu Dibango.[5]
Mbella achieved success with song titled such as "Edube Na Loba" and "Dipita".[3] In 1974, he moved to France to follow professional pursuits,[5] where he directed several choirs, such as La clef des Champs de Béthune and La Rudelière de Saint-Quentin.[6] He defined his career with gospel performances,[7] particularly at jazz festivals and religious environments.[1] He was the first African to win the Prix d'Interprétation of SACEM. In 2000, he was awarded the Prix Bayard d'Or.[2] His most notable collaborations included the Golden Gate Quartet, Manu Dibango, and Rhoda Scott.
Mbella Ntone died in Paris on 2 October 2024, at the age of 82.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b Owona, Roger (January 1992). "Arbo Mbella vendredi dernier au Hilton - C'était beau". Cameroon Tribune (in French).
- ^ a b c "Nécrologie : décès de l'instrumentiste camerounais Arbogaste Mbella Ntone". Actu Cameroun (in French). 2 October 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
- ^ a b c Ketchiemen, Arol (2021). Les icônes de la musique camerounaise (in French). Les éditions du Muntu. ISBN 978-2-492170-09-6.
- ^ Nyobia, Alliance (21 January 2010). "Cameroun: Langues - Le duala en chantant". allAfrica (in French). Retrieved 2 October 2024.
- ^ a b Etoundi Mballa, Patrice (27 December 1991). "Arbo chante au Hilton". Cameroon Tribune (in French).
- ^ "Biographie". arbogaste.com (in French).
- ^ "GOSPEL: Jean Lacroix Kamga chante Arbogaste Ntone Mbella". JMTV (in French). 18 March 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
External links
edit- Arbogaste Mbella Ntone discography at Discogs