Early Life and Family Background
Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki, known mononymously as Tresor, was born on April 24, 1987, in Goma, located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He is one of eight siblings in a family that experienced significant hardship. At the age of 17, Tresor was orphaned, a pivotal moment that led him to leave his hometown in 2007 after completing high school. Determined to pursue a music career, he relocated to Durban, South Africa, where he initially worked as a car guard during the day and a security guard at night to support himself. During this period, he immersed himself in Durban’s vibrant music scene, performing as a session musician and collaborating with various artists.
Career Trajectory and Achievements
Breakthrough and Debut Album: VII (2015)
In 2015, Tresor released his debut studio album, VII, which he had spent seven years crafting. The album features collaborations with prominent South African artists such as Beatenberg, Khuli Chana, AKA, and The Soil. The lead single, “Mount Everest,” gained international acclaim, reaching number one on the Global Shazam trending list and receiving over one million views online. VII won the Best Pop Album award at the 2016 South African Music Awards (SAMA) and was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Newcomer.
Sophomore Album: The Beautiful Madness (2017)
Tresor’s second album, The Beautiful Madness, released in 2017, delves into African 80s dance music, reflecting his experiences while traveling across Africa and Europe. The album features collaborations with artists like Da Capo, The Kiffness, Shotgun Fakes, Hugh Masekela, and Mahotella Queens. It received critical acclaim and won Best Pop Album at the 24th SAMAs, with nominations for Album of the Year and Best Male Artist.
Third Album: Nostalgia (2019)
Released in 2019, Nostalgia is a 13-track album that showcases Tresor’s growth as an artist. It features collaborations with AKA, Kwesta, Lokua Kanza, Beatenberg, Mafikizolo, The Soil, Sauti Sol, and Msaki. The album won Best Afro Pop Album at the 25th SAMAs and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) in 2020.
Fourth Album: Motion (2021)
Tresor’s fourth studio album, Motion, released in 2021, explores genres like Afro pop, disco, funk, and amapiano. The album features guest appearances from Ami Faku, Msaki, Da Capo, Sun-El Musician, and Scorpion Kings (Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa). The lead single, “Lighthouse,” received positive reception, and the album won Best Pop Album at the 28th SAMAs .
Major Influences and Sound
Tresor’s music is a fusion of Afro pop, Afrobeats, pop, dance, and disco, with lyrics predominantly in Swahili, Zulu, French, and English. He draws inspiration from legendary African artists such as Fela Kuti, Papa Wemba, Hugh Masekela, Youssou Ndour, and Miriam Makeba. His sound reflects a blend of traditional African rhythms with contemporary global music trends, creating a unique and resonant musical identity.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond his musical career, Tresor is a committed philanthropist and advocate for social causes. He serves as an ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the United Nations Refugee Agency, focusing on refugee rights. Additionally, he has collaborated with Ford to produce and design the soundtrack for their campaign “A Journey Extraordinary”.
Discography
Studio Albums:
- VII (2015)
- The Beautiful Madness (2017)
- Nostalgia (2019)
- Motion (2021)
Notable Singles:
- “Mount Everest”
- “Never Let Me Go”
- “Lighthouse”
- “Makosa”
Awards and Recognition
- Best Pop Album at the 2016 South African Music Awards (for VII)
- Best Pop Album at the 2017 South African Music Awards (for The Beautiful Madness)
- Best Afro Pop Album at the 2019 South African Music Awards (for Nostalgia)
- Best Pop Album at the 2021 South African Music Awards (for Motion)
- Inducted into the Recording Academy’s 2022 class as a voting member for the Grammy Awards.
Conclusion
Tresor’s journey from a young orphan in the DRC to an internationally recognized artist
