Current facts
Togo is paying these days a posthumous tribute to its most popular artist, Bella Bellow, who died fifty years ago, but whose artistic career still impacts contemporary society. His musical compositions, without this being explicit, carry human and evangelical values.
On January 26, a book entitled Bella Bellow, an African legend written by the Togolese Komla Ahadji will be dedicated in Lomé, the Togolese capital. This dedication is one of the important moments of the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Bella Bellow, the most popular Togolese singing artist.
As part of this tribute, several religious services were celebrated. A thanksgiving mass took place on Sunday, December 10 at the Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue church in Hanoukopé, followed on December 15 by a Muslim prayer at the central mosque and on December 17 by a service. Protestant in Apégamé still in the Togolese capital.
Bella Bellow’s musical imprint
« Bella Bellow’s voice and songs will continue to mark the musical history of Africa and the world for a very long time. », confides Louise Nayo after a concert on December 16 in Lomé, in the presence, among others, of members of the government and Nadia Agbodjan-Jamier, the only daughter of the deceased artist. “ It’s heartwarming to see my mother’s legacy celebrated in such a meaningful way, declares Nadia for whom “ these festivities not only pay tribute to his exceptional, albeit short, career, but also perpetuate his impact on the national cultural scene. ».
Born in Tsévié on January 1, 1945, Georgette Nafiatou Adjoavi Bellow is better known by her stage name Bella Bellow. After her primary and secondary studies in her country, in Sokodé and Lomé, she undertook secretarial studies in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where she also trained in music at the arts institute. Already in great demand for musical performances during school events and popular festivals, the first World Festival of Negro Arts in which she participated at the age of 21 in April 1966, in Dakar, Senegal, opened the way to international recognition. Three years later, Bella Bellow records her first musical album Rockya (1969) at age 24, followed by several successful musical compositions in the blues genre.
A musical heritage between African wisdom and Christian faith
« Many titles that are an integral part of his discography are variously covered by numerous artists of both sexes and of several generations. », confirms the Togolese journalist Ekoué Satchivi who cites in particular the Togolese Dee Kwarel, Afia Mala, Vicky Bila, Vanessa Worou, Feliaho (Aholou Octave), Julie Akofa Akoussah (1950-2007), The singer Angélique Kidjo from Benin also took up and adapted Bella Bellow songs during public performances.
Cited among the pioneers of Togolese music, Bella Bellow sings values and virtues drawn from African wisdom and her Christian faith, in which she was immersed since childhood. Among these most popular and performed local Ewe language songs by artists from yesterday to today are: Destroy (my destiny), Slow (gently, patience), My Heart (My love), Denygba (but homelands).
Bella Bellow also sang thanksgiving – a theme dear to Christianity – in Well well (thank you, thank you), but also Jesus Christ in Sango Yesus Christ (1973) with the Cameroonian musician Manu Dibango, pianist and arranger. In the song Slowthe Togolese star proclaims in Ewe that “ we are in the hands of God who alone gives us the words of life ”, calls for “ watch and pray » because it is only thus that “ we will reach home (at rkingdom, of God Editor’s note) ».
Charles Ayetan (in Lomé)
2023-12-26 10:57:40
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