Richard Bona
Biography: Richard Bona (born 28 October 1967 in Minta, Cameroon) is a virtuoso Cameroonian Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist. Bona Pinder Yayumayalolo was born in Minta, Cameroon, into a family of musicians, which enabled him to start learning music from a young age. His grandfather was a griot – a West African singer of praise and storyteller – and percussionist, as his mother was a singer. When he was four years old, Bona started to play the balafon. At the age of five, he began performing at his village church. Not being wealthy, Bona made many of his own instruments: including flutes and guitars (with cords strung over an old motorcycle tank). His talent was quickly noticed, and he was often invited to perform at festivals and ceremonies. Bona began learning to play the guitar at the age of 11, and in 1980, aged just 13, he assembled his first ensemble for a French jazz club in Douala. The owner befriended him and helped him discover jazz music, in particular that of Jaco Pastorius, which inspired Bona to switch his focus to the electric bass.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: October 28, 1967
Deathday: N/A
Popularity:
Known For
Manu Katché - Quartet Live Montreux Jazz Club 2014
Beneath the Bassline - Lost Backstage
2021-01-01
Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal
2005-09-12
Steps Ahead: Live at Vitoria Jazz Festival
2005-02-19
Richard Bona - Jazz Festival Timisoara
2013-07-05
Quincy Jones: A Musical Celebration in Paris
2019-10-02
Pat Metheny Group - Speaking Of Now Live
2003-11-18