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KING MENSAH

Known as "The Golden Voice of Togo," King Mensah is one of the most popular musical acts from Togo, West Africa. Though based in Lomé, he regularly records and promotes his albums in Paris, and has embarked on several world tours since 2005. Singing in Ewe and French, King Mensah's sound fuses elements of traditional Ewe music (Agbadza and Akpessé), and Kabye dance-drum music, with funk, reggae, and West African Afropop. King Mensah's lyrical themes are steeped in religion and hopeful encouragement for the orphaned, oppressed, and downtrodden.

Born Ayaovi Papavi Mensah (August 12, 1971) to a father from Togo & mother from Benin. Mensah began performing with a 'ballet' of traditional Togolese folkloric music at age 9. In his formative years, he was a member of the band 'Les Dauphins de la Capitale'. He acted with Ki-Yi M’Bock Theatre in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (early 1990’s), then travelled Europe, Japan, French Guiana, France, and Bénin as an actor & singer.

In 2005 Mensah founded a philanthropic organization called “Foundation King Mensah” in Togo dedicated to the protection and education of orphans, including an orphanage in Agbodrafo (25 km East of Lomé).

Discography: (5 Albums)
1. Madjo (1996) ["I am Going"]
2. Edidodo (1998) ["Courage"]
3. Mensah Mensah (2000)
4. Elom (2002) ["He Loves Me"]
5. Yetonam (2008) ["He Answered My Call"]

Awards:
1. Togo Best artist ACCP with UNESCO of Paris in 1997
2. Best Traditional African Artist
3. Kora Award 2000 in South Africa
4. Best Artist - Togo Music Awards in 2000
5. Best Album (“Mensah, Mensah”)- Togo Music Awards in 2000
6. Price of excellence - Togo Music Awards in 2000
7. Best Traditional African Artist - Kora 2004 in South Africa
8. FIATI Trophy in Lome in 2005
9. Best African Social Artist in 2005
10. Gold TAMANI in 2005 in Mali
11. Trophy of Independence in 2006 - Leader of the Togolese Music
12. “Officer of the First Order” by the Togolese Head of State 2008

References
- "Rough Guide to West Africa 5" by Richard Trillo
- "Rough Guide to World Music : Volume 1" by Rough Guides
- "King Mensah's official website": http://www.kingmensah.org/
- "A 2008 article" http://www.netnewspublisher.com/togolese-singer-king-mensah-to-tour-canada-next-august.


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