Photo: Bernard Delhalle / CC BY-SA 4.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)

Wes

ウエス・マディコ　/　うえす・までぃこ

Singer from Cameroon

January 15, 1964 – June 25, 2021　・　Mouataba, Littoral, Cameroon

Littoral
singer
musician

My Take

Wes Madiko is one of those artists whose music transcends the need for translation. His 1997 hit 'Alane' swept across the world on melody and feeling alone, and that, to me, is the rarest kind of pop magic. Born in Cameroon's Littoral region, he became a genuine bridge between African roots and Western production, whether collaborating with Deep Forest or covering 'Upendi' from The Lion King II. His passing in 2021 at just 57 felt like a real loss. I admire artists who dissolve borders and languages, and Wes left behind songs that still deserve to be heard and passed on.

Overview

Wes Madiko (15 January 1964 – 25 June 2021), better known mononymously as Wes, was a Cameroonian musician. He is probably best known among Western audiences for his cover of "Upendi", from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, as well as work with Deep Forest and his own 1997 hit "Alane" produced by Michel Sanchez.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

1. Profile

Name (English): Wes
Name (Japanese): ウエス・マディコ
Reading: うえす・までぃこ
Born: January 15, 1964 – June 25, 2021
Zodiac / Chinese zodiac: Capricorn / Dragon
Origin: Mouataba, Littoral, Cameroon
Blood type: Private
Height: Private
Agency: Private
Occupation: singer / musician

2. Background

Elementary school: Private
Junior high: Private
High school: Private
University: Private

3. Relationships

Spouse: Private
Children: Private
Parents: Private
Siblings: Private

4. Personality

Motto

Private

6. Links

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Wes