Biography – Artist of Sapiyossi A very influential personality in music
I. Personal Information
Artistic Name: Sapiyossi
Full name: Jonatão Katchitetele Eliseu
Date of Birth: November 11, 1987
Place of Birth: Viana, Luanda, Angola, Africa
Height: 170cm
Marital Status: Single
Father of 3 Children: Two boys and a girl
Current Residence: Brussels, Belgium
Who is Sapiyossi?
Sapiyossi, born Jonatáo Katchitetele Eliseu, is a multifaceted artist from Angola, currently residing in Brussels, Belgium. Beyond being a singer and composer, he is a dancer, choreographer, and the legal representative of Kuduro in Europe. Sapiyossi serves as an ambassador for the ONG LINÁLIA and possesses digital music
distribution skills, including website design and graphic design.
II. Educational Background
Sapiyossi attended the VUB Vrije University of Brussels in Languages and Literatures (2019-2020), showcasing proficiency in six languages: Portuguese, Umbundu, French, English, Spanish (basic) and Dutch (basic).
III. Childhood and Family
Born during a turbulent period of civil war on a military base called RM 93 in Angola, Sapiyossi is the son of Excellency Mr. Eliseu Fadário Kapitango and Dr. Benita Jonatáo. He is a proud father of three children: Benita Gaetano Jonatáo, Alberto Gaetano Jonatáo, and Etóssi Barbier Jonatáo.
III. Musical Career
Sapiyossi’s passion for music awakened at the age of 10 (1997). His initial recordings, using improvised instruments on cassette tapes from 1997 to 2000, paved the way for his professional debut in DJ Nelinho’s studios on February 12, 2007. The premiere on national stages at Cine Kilumba followed on December 29, 2007.
IV. Post-War
Using music as a tool for spreading messages of peace and hope after the civil war (post-2002).
V. Distinctive Artistic Style
Adopting military uniforms in performances to honor his parents’ military history.
VII. Highlight of the 2015 International Tour
Represented Angola at the VII CPLP Young Creators Biennial in Mozambique, gaining national and international recognition with extensive press coverage.
VIII. Democratic Republic of Congo Tour 2015
Completed a tour in Kamako, Tshikapa, and Kinshasa, featuring local artists and coverage by the Congolese press.
IX. Challenges and Malicious Exploitation (2015-2016)
Faced challenges with malicious artists upon returning to Angola.
X. Celebration of Contracts and National Concerts
Signed a contract with the musical group Caso Micha (December 20, 2015), later reorienting towards a solo career after a setback with Caso Micha (September 17, 2016).
XI. Migration and International Tour in Europe 2018
Migrated to Brussels, Belgium, in 2018, completing a musical tour
through five European countries in 2018: Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
XII. Exile, Art and Solidarity in Belgium
Search for exile in 2018, with experience denied due to artistic influence in Angola
Voluntary abandonment of the “Fedasil Center”, welcomed by a Belgian family and found solidarity in the artistic community of Belgium. Demonstrated strength and determination to face new horizons.
XIII. Artistic Renaissance
Career reconstruction in Europe after challenges and betrayals
Demonstration of strength and determination to face new horizons
XIV. Achievements and Awards
Protagonist of the orchestra tour in 2019 carried out by Globe Aroma, in Belgium, Brussels, Maline, ending in Paris, France.
Migration to Europe in 2018 and national tours in Angola (2015-2017)
Diploma of Merit at the Fishermen’s Fair Festival in honor of José Eduardo dos Santos’ 73rd birthday (2015) Porto Amboim Kwanza Sul
Successful tour in the Democratic Republic of Congo (2015)
International representation at the VII CPLP Young Creators Biennial (2015) in Mozambique
Voted Best Singer in Angola in the TV Choice Top Marçal competition (2009) in Luanda
Regional recognition as best singer and dancer (2005) in Huambo
XV. Interview and Media Coverage
Provided interviews to various outlets, including TPA 1, TPA2, TV Zimbo, Revista Musical, Tchilar, Always Rising, Flash, EuroNews, Rtp, Rtl, and others.
XVI. Recent Titles
Challenge of the new title “I Don’t Have Money” in the style of “Zukuma” (2024)
XVII. Music Genre and Label
Versatile singer and creator of the Zukuma musical style (July 1, 2022), characterized by melodies and innovative African rhythms.
Zukuma Definition: Zouk, Kuduro, Kizomba, Kwassa, Kompa and Mapiano
Zukuma Label, an independent record label created by Sapiyossi in Brussels on December 23, 2023, aims to promote his work and offer a platform for future talents.
XVIII. Musical production
The new masterpiece was produced by Dada Studios, with a meticulously produced music video by CF Production, involving more than 60 professionals.
XIX. Sapiyossi Companies
Founded TLB (Radio Television Online) in Luanda, Angola (January 9, 2017), and JS-Fashion, a clothing brand launched in Brussels, Belgium (November 8, 2021). Zukuma Label, an independent record label created in Brussels (December 23, 2023).
XX. Philanthropic Projects
Involved in social and philanthropic projects in Angola and Belgium since 2009.
XXI. Social media
Follow Sapiyossi on social media for the latest updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
XXII. Recent articles and interviews:
Featured in Rager Music, NyBreaking, Newsbreak, Hold On Angola, and AngoPortal. Follow this link for recent updates.
XXIII. Final message:
Sapiyossi expresses deep gratitude for the recognition, thanking fans, friends, family, digital media, TV, newspapers, radio, blogs, and the general public for their support.
