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Artist
Afia Mala
12+ albums
togosalsaafricanfemale vocalistsafrica
about
It all started with two royal families from Togo and Benin. A princess was born on the banks of the river Mono, her name was Afiwavi Mawaulana Missohou, who later became to be known as Afia Mala. When she was small she often accompanied her mother to the traditional singing lessons of the Habobo women. Following this early influence she soon started singing at village functions where the young Afia stunned elders with her fantastic voice. This was during the time of the great Bella Bellow, the Togolese Lady of the blues, who sadly died at the height of her fame. Bella Bellow was an inspiration to an entire generation of African singers, including the young Afia Mala. In 1974 Afia Mala’s music career was launched thanks to her winning the Best Togolese singer of the year. However, this promising career was nearly cut short following a near fatal traffic accident. After spending over six months in hospital, her Father decided that music was not to be young Afia’s future… but destiny decided otherwise! In 1984 ‘Ten Homte’ (Black Earth) was selected by Radio France International listeners as their favourite song during their talent competition ‘Discovery’. Much success and some eight albums later, the Princess from Vogan has a repertoire that places her firmly amongst the great African Diva’s. When you first meet Afia, you have the impression that she is a bit delicate, infact almost fragile… don’t be fooled! Behind this beautiful, smiling alluring face hides a dedicated profe
