Gabriel Tchiema

Artist Biography - Gabriel Tchiema
Gabriel Tchiema is an Angolan singer, songwriter and guitarist, born in 1966 in the municipality of Dala, Lunda Sul province. Recognized as an ambassador of the Tchianda rhythm, his music is a celebration of the cultural traditions of the Lunda-Cokwe region. With a career that began in the 1990s, he has released albums such as ‘Yena Nhi Yami’, ‘Azwlula’ and ‘Mungole’, which blend traditional rhythms with contemporary influences. A national and international award-winner, Tchiema is a reference in the preservation and innovation of Angolan music.
Origins and First Steps
Born into a traditional family, Gabriel Tchiema experienced the cultural expressions of the Lunda region from an early age. Refugee to Zambia with his family as a child, he began singing and making musical instruments at the age of six. He completed his studies in Huambo and was later called up for military service in Cabinda. After demobilization in 1990, he began his musical career in the group N'Sex Love, alongside artists such as Walter Ananás.
Musical Career and Discography
Tchiema released his first solo album, 'Yena Nhi Yami', in 1998. In 2008, he made a name for himself with the album ‘Azwlula’, where he asserted his identity as a Tchianda ambassador. In 2013, he released ‘Mungole’, deepening his proposal for a fusion between the traditional and the contemporary. In 2024, he presented a new remixed version of ‘Azwlula’.
Recognition and Contributions
He received the Diploma of Merit from Radio Luanda (2014), was honored at Fashion Luanda (2015) and represented Angola at Expo Milan. He won the Angola Music Awards (2014) in the category of Best Popular Music in the Eastern Region, with the song ‘Mulekeleke’.
Musical Style and Influences
His music mixes traditional rhythms such as Tchianda and Massemba with Afro-soul and Afro-funk. With lyrics in Cokwe, he deals with cultural, social and spiritual themes, maintaining the use of traditional instruments in dialogue with modern arrangements.
Notable collaborations
Tchiema has collaborated with artists such as Filho do Zua, on the song 'Arrependimento', and Button Rose on 'Meu Amigo', showing versatility and stylistic breadth.
Selected discography
- Yena Nhi Yami (1998)
- Azwlula (2008)
- Mungole (2013)
- Currently working on a new album, which will be released soon.