Toko Blaze (Marseilles)
Born in Niger from a Cameroun mother and Ivory Coast father, Toko Blaze grew up in a Marseille neighbourhood. At the end of the 80¹s, he becomes passionate of rap music, discovers ragga muffin and founds the group Black Lions. By 1991, he's opening up for IAM, NTM, Tonton David, and for the next ten years will be touring with Massilia Sound System. In the tradition of "Marseille Ragga tchatche" (toasting), his lyrics reflect in a humorous way life in the neighbourhood and its immigrant residents. During a long period, Toko Blaze is collaborating and recording as "guest star" - name of his first album - with a various choice of musicians: Akhenaton, Jamasound, Dupain, Oais Stars. Programmed in festivals like Francofolies de la Rochelle, Transmusicales de Rennes, he's also presenting his own radio show on several radios stations. He realised his third album, Ruff Tuff, produced by the label Africa Fete, out in September 2006. Star of Marseille ragga tchatche, Toko Blaze is touring since 15 years on the international scene. He represents a specific voice of southern France. http://toko13blaze.free.fr http://www.myspace.com/tokoblaze