Afric Simone, born Henrique Joaquim Simone on October 10, 1939, in Inhambane, Mozambique, was the son of a Brazilian father and a Mozambican mother. Following his father’s death when Simone was nine, he and his mother returned to Mozambique, settling in the capital city, Maputo (formerly Lourenço Marques).
Due to financial constraints, Simone left school early to support his family. He took on various jobs, including babysitting for a local doctor’s family, where he often sang to the children.
At 15, Simone and a friend moved to Maputo to study masonry. To earn extra income, they performed music on the streets, building Simone’s burgeoning talent as a singer and guitarist.
Their street performances caught the attention of a hotel manager, leading to regular gigs at the hotel’s restaurant. Balancing multiple jobs, Simone worked as a mason during the day, performed at the hotel on weekends, and continued street performances in the evenings.
His popularity grew locally, and he adopted the stage name “Kid-kid,” under which he became a well-known figure in Mozambique’s music scene.
Rise to International Stardom
Between 1965 and 1971, Simone released several singles under the pseudonym “Monsieur Afrique,” including “Black Dynamite” and “El Matador.” In 1972, he released “Barracuda” under the name “Simón el Africano,” which topped the charts in several South American countries. This success prompted Simone to focus more on performances in South America, particularly Brazil.
In 1973, Simone’s manager suggested a move to Europe to expand his career. They began in London, gaining experience and making industry connections. In 1974, “Barracuda” was re-released in Europe under the name “Afric Simone,” but it wasn’t until 1975 that he achieved significant success with the release of “Ramaya.”
The song became a summer hit, reaching top positions in various European countries, including number one in Italy.
Later that year, Simone released “Hafanana,” co-written with Czech musician Stanislav Regal, which further solidified his popularity across Europe.
He toured extensively in the USSR, Poland, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia, becoming a beloved figure in the Eastern Bloc.
Musical Style and Discography
Afric Simone’s music is a fusion of African rhythms, pop, and disco, often featuring lyrics in a mix of Swahili and other languages. His vibrant stage presence and ability to connect with diverse audiences contributed to his widespread appeal.
His discography includes several notable albums:
Mr. Barracuda (1974)
Ramaya (1975)
Aloha Playa Blanca (1976)
Boogie Baby (1978)
Everybody Calls Me Crazy (1981)
Simone’s songs like “Ramaya,” “Hafanana,” and “Playa Blanca” remain iconic too.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Afric Simone’s influence extends beyond his chart-topping hits. His performances introduced elements that prefigured breakdancing and beatboxing.
In the 2000s, Simone experienced a resurgence in popularity, performing at various retro music festivals across Europe. Notably, he participated in the “Legends of Retro FM” festival in Moscow in 2012 and celebrated his 75th birthday during a “Retro FM” cruise in 2014. He continued to perform at events in Belarus, Moldova, Germany, Romania, Hungary, and Georgia, demonstrating his enduring appeal.
In 2020, Simone received a badge of honor from the German Author’s Rights Society (GEMA), recognizing his 50-year membership and contributions to the music industry.
Personal Life and Multilingual Abilities
Afric Simone is multilingual, fluent in Portuguese, French, German, English, Spanish, and various African languages. His linguistic skills have enabled him to connect with audiences worldwide.
He is related to the legendary Mozambican-born Portuguese footballer Eusébio. Simone has been married three times and has a son named Fabio from his second marriage. In 1978, he settled in Berlin, Germany, where he met his third wife, Ludmila, a Russian national, in 2003.
Beyond music, Simone has engaged in public health initiatives. In 2021, he participated in a vaccination promotion campaign organized by the Slovak Ministry of Interior, reflecting his commitment to social causes.
What’s Next for Afric Simone?
As of 2025, Afric Simone continues to perform, captivating audiences with his timeless music and dynamic stage presence. His recent performances include appearances at festivals in Romania, Hungary, and Georgia, demonstrating his ongoing relevance in the music scene.
Simone remains active on social media, engaging with fans and sharing updates about his performances. His official website and Facebook page provide information on upcoming events and releases.
With a career spanning over six decades, Afric Simone’s legacy as a global entertainer endures, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Afric Simone’s real name?
Henrique Joaquim Simone.
2. When and where was Afric Simone born?
October 10, 1939, in Inhambane, Mozambique.
3. What are Afric Simone’s most famous songs?
“Ramaya,” “Hafanana,” and “Playa Blanca.”
4. What languages does Afric Simone speak?
Portuguese, French, German, English, Spanish, and various African languages.
5. Where does Afric Simone currently reside?
Berlin, Germany.
6. Is Afric Simone still performing?
Yes, he continues to perform at various events and festivals.
7. What genres of music does Afric Simone perform?
A fusion of African rhythms, pop, and disco.
8. Has Afric Simone received any awards?
Yes, including a badge of honor from GEMA in 2020.
9. Did Afric Simone contribute to any social causes?
Yes, he participated in a vaccination promotion campaign in Slovakia in 2021.
10. What is Afric Simone’s official website?
11. Who are some of Afric Simone’s musical influences?
His music is influenced by African rhythms and pop music.
12. Has Afric Simone acted in any films?
Yes, he appeared in films such as “The Margin” (1976).
13. What instruments does Afric Simone play?
He is a multi-instrumentalist, known for playing guitar and percussion.
14. Is Afric Simone related to any famous personalities?
Yes, he is related to footballer Eusébio.
15. How did Afric Simone become famous internationally?
Afric Simone became an international star after the release of his hit song “Ramaya” in 1975, which topped charts across Europe.
16. Which countries were key to Afric Simone’s success?
Simone found major success in Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Scandinavian countries. Interestingly, he also became very popular in Eastern Europe, including the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia.
17. What was distinctive about Afric Simone’s performances?
He combined singing, dancing, beatboxing, and acrobatics in his performances, often jumping around the stage and interacting playfully with his audience.
18. Did Afric Simone collaborate with other artists?
Though he mostly worked solo, Simone collaborated with Czech musician Stanislav Regal for his hit “Hafanana.”
19. How did Simone’s multicultural background influence his music?
With a Brazilian father and a Mozambican mother, Simone grew up exposed to a variety of musical traditions.
20. Did Afric Simone have a long-lasting impact on the music industry?
Yes, his work helped popularize African musical elements in mainstream European pop music during the 1970s.
21. Was Afric Simone active during the digital music era?
While his peak years were in the 1970s and early 1980s, Simone continued performing into the 2000s and 2010s.
22. What was his role in the Soviet music scene?
In the USSR, Simone became one of the few Western artists to gain significant popularity. His music was broadcast widely, and he performed in major Soviet cities.
23. What is Simone’s connection to France and Germany?
He performed at prestigious venues such as L’Olympia in Paris and eventually settled in Berlin, Germany, in 1978.
24. Has Simone’s music been sampled or remixed by contemporary artists?
His songs have been covered and sampled in various international dance compilations, especially in Europe and Latin America.
25. Where can fans follow Afric Simone’s current activities?
Fans can follow him through his official website afric-simone.com and his verified Facebook page.
