Philippe "Saladin" Ferreira

Born Phillipe Ferreira in 1958 in Bangui the capital of Central Africa Republic, grew up in the Mbaiki surbubs of the city where he started schooling. He comes from a musical family, his big brother George Ferreira was one of the founding member of the great Makembe groupe. one of the most dominant musical groups in that country. His following the music path was obvious as nature! His music journey begun when he joined a group called L'ochestre Zakela 1970-71, before joining his big brother in Makembe...he composed his first song 'Josee Pretee' in 1974, this song was used and released by Soki Vangu with Orchestre Bella Bella. 1988.. Philippe with a new name Saladin left to study in Paris. beside studies he joined a group called Bizzgo Stars as their lead guitarists releasing one album. In the year 1992 he joined the star packed Soukous Stars..with two resident guitarists Dally and Nene who were overwhelmed by session work by other groups.. Saladin's first role was the album MATII by Lokassa Ya Mbongo in the epic track 'Julie'. But his reputation as one of Soukous best solo guitarists was sealed in 1993 when he played the whole album SOUKOUS HOLLYWOOD( Morenita) an album thats sales rivaled their first album LAGOS/NAIROBI NIGHT 1989! 'Aba Guimo' was his sole composition on the album interprated by Yondo Sister. CAREER AS A SESSION ARRANGER, GUITARIST and PRODUCER. Saladin's works can be found in many soukous projects.to name a few. -In Aurlus Mabele's albums TOUR DE CONTROLE 1998 and DOSSIER X - In most of his ex-wife Yondo Sisters's solo albums post Soukous Stars. - In Alain Kounkou's album SUCCESS PLANETAIRE. - In part of Koffi's album ATTETANT 1999. - In Petit Pay's projects. - The group Bisso na Bisso albums RECINE 1999. - Hipnoize album ELOMBE 2003. Saladin lives and works in Paris as a producer and Music arranger.