Nathalie Makoma

Nathalie Makoma, born on February 24, 1982, is a prominent Congolese-Dutch singer-songwriter known for her dynamic vocal abilities and charismatic stage presence. She initially rose to fame as the lead singer of the Makoma group, a family band originating from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The group, known for their unique blend of Christian, pop, R&B, and dance music, gained significant popularity, performing primarily in Lingala, English, and French.

Early Career with Makoma

Nathalie began her musical journey with her family’s band, originally named “Nouveau Testament” before being rebranded as Makoma. The group comprised Nathalie, her three brothers, three sisters, and Patrick Badine, a non-family member. Their performances were widely appreciated, and they quickly gained a following for their energetic and heartfelt music.

The Makoma family relocated from Congo to the Netherlands due to political instability and later settled in Germany before returning to Rotterdam in 1996. The band recorded their music at Westcoast Studios in Rotterdam, a studio owned by Tutala Makoma. Annie Makoma designed the group’s stage outfits, while Martin Makoma served as the choreographer, adding to the group’s professional polish and stage presence.

Musical Success and Departure

The group’s debut album, “Nzambe Na Bomoyi,” was released in 2000, followed by “On Faith” in 2002. That same year, they received the prestigious Best African Group award at the Kora African Music Awards, cementing their status as leading figures in gospel music. Their success led them to tour extensively across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada.

Despite the band’s success, Nathalie sought to explore a solo career. She released her first solo album, “On Faith,” in 2002, followed by a reissue titled “GoGospel Edition” in 2003, which included additional tracks. In 2004, she left the group and moved to England and later Ireland, continuing her solo endeavors with the release of her second album, “I Saw the Light,” in 2005.

Reality TV and Continued Solo Career

In 2007-2008, Nathalie returned to the Netherlands to participate in the fourth season of the Dutch Idols. Her performances were well-received, earning her the title of “new Tina Turner” and “a real dancing queen” from the judges. She finished as the runner-up to Nikki Kerkhof. During the Idols final, Makoma made a guest appearance, performing “Ola Olé” with Nathalie, showcasing their enduring family bond and musical chemistry. Following her success on Idols, Nathalie signed with Sony BMG and embarked on a nationwide tour, performing over 150 shows in a year.

In 2009, Nathalie participated in the Dutch version of Dancing With the Stars, finishing in second place with her dance partner Peter. She also took part in the second season of De Mattheus Masterclass in 2010, performing classical pieces by Bach at the St. Vituskerk in Hilversum.

Solo Career and Recent Work

Nathalie’s post-Idols career included the release of her single “I Won’t Forget,” which was remixed by DJ Paul van Dyk and featured on her solo album “Dance4Life.” She followed this with another single, “I Just Wanna Dance,” blending R&B, pop, and dance influences. Despite leaving Sony BMG in 2010, Nathalie continued to pursue her music independently. In 2014, she founded her record label, NM HOUSE MUSIC, and released the single “One More Try.”

Discography

Albums with Makoma:

1999: “Nzambe na Bomoyi” (Jesus For Life)
2000: “Makoma”
2000: “Baby Come”
2002: “Mokonzi na Bakonzi” (King of Kings)
2005: “Na Nzambe Te, Bomoyi Te” (No Jesus, No Life)

Solo Albums:

2002: “On Faith”
- Tracks include: “Time Is a Healer,” “Rhythm of Your Love,” “On Faith,” “Fools Dust,” “Talk With God,” “Listen to Your Heart,” “You,” “Rolling to the Top,” “Out of the Darkness,” “Time Has Come,” “My Love Is True,” “I Can See the Light”
2003: “On Faith—GoGospel Edition”
- Includes bonus tracks: “Wanna Let You Know,” “Tala Ndenge (The Prayer),” “Talk With God” [live] (Gogospel version), “Talk With God” [live] (Gogospel version reprise)
2005: “I Saw the Light”
- Tracks include: “I’m Glad I’m Alive,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Looking at Myself,” “My Way,” “Lover Be Thy Name,” “There Will Be a Light,” “I Understand,” “Stay,” “Love You in My Life,” “To Be the One,” “I’ll Be There,” “I Will Bless You,” “Amazing Grace”

EPs and Singles:

2005: “I’m Glad I’m Alive” (live)
- Tracks: “I’m Glad I’m Alive,” “I’m Glad I’m Alive” (A Version), “To Be the One”
Notable singles include “I Won’t Forget,” “I Just Wanna Dance,” “Papa G,” “Omukulu,” “Eyi Mabe” (featuring Awilo Longomba), and “Dis Moi Simplement” (featuring Teko Young City)

Nathalie Makoma’s journey from a family band singer to a solo artist highlights her versatility and resilience in the music industry. Her contributions to both Makoma and her solo projects have left a lasting impact on the gospel and pop music scenes.

OVER NATHALIE MAKOMA

Een energieke aanwezigheid met een show vol power, soul en disco. In 2008 was ze de runner up van Idols en sindsdien is ze niet meer weg te denken uit de muziekwereld. Ze sleepte een platencontract binnen bij Sony BMG, gevolgd door een heftige tour waarbij ze in vier maanden tijd 150 shows levert. Nathalie Makoma staat voor entertainment op kwalitatief hoog niveau. Met haar grote haardos en ongekende stemgeluid weet ze keer op keer een krachtige show neer te zetten waarbij het publiek volledig ‘los gaat’. Nathalie is een podiumdier met een verhaal.

Nathalie was daarnaast te zien in TV programma’s. Denk aan SBS Sterren Springen, AVRO’s Dancing With The Stars, RTL4 Jouw Vrouw Mijn Vrouw VIPS en in haar eigen real life soap op RTL5 ‘Congolese Bruiloft op het Platteland’.

Maar Nathalie voelt zich het beste thuis on stage. Met een ijzersterke compacte show waarin hits als Stayin’Alive, Proud Mary, Mesmerized en Waka Waka letterlijk en figuurlijk van het podium knallen!

Wilt u Nathalie Makoma boeken voor een knallend optreden? Neem dan vrijblijvend contact op. Wij informeren u graag over de mogelijkheden. Nathalie is ook te boeken als gastsolist of in combinatie met diverse live bands (waaronder haar eigen begeleidingsband).