Werrason

Noël Ngiama Makanda (born 25 December 1965), known professionally as Werrason, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, composer, producer, philanthropist, and the bandleader of Wenge Musica Maison Mère. He was a co-founding member of Wenge Musica, a musical group that played a pivotal role in the development of the ndombolo dance music genre during the 1990s. Often referred to as "Roi de la Forêt" ("King of the Forest"), Ngiama is widely recognized as one of the emblematic figures of Wenge Musica, with hits such as "Mulolo", "Kin É Bougé" (featuring JB Mpiana), and "Kala-Yi-Boeing". Following Wenge Musica's disbandment in 1997 due to internal disputes between him and JB Mpiana, the band split into Wenge Musica Maison Mère, led by him, and Wenge BCBG by JB Mpiana. In December 1999, Wenge Musica Maison Mère released the ndombolo-infused album Solola Bien!, which went gold and experienced immediate success across Africa and its diaspora in France. In September 2000, Wenge Musica Maison Mère became the second African act to perform and sell out the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy following Koffi Olomidé earlier that year. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Werrason has produced several successful studio albums, including seven with Wenge Musica, nine with Wenge Musica Maison Mère, and four solo studio albums. His solo releases include Kibuisa Mpimpa (2001), Témoignage (2005), Sans Poteau (2015), and 7 jours de la semaine (2017). Aside from music, Ngiama is known for his humanitarian work. He founded the Werrason Foundation in 2000, a non-profit organization that aids orphans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recognized as an "Ambassador For Peace" and "people's singer" by the United Nations Global Compact, Ngiama is an advocate for UNESCO's initiatives against AIDS and discrimination.