Santrinos Raphaël: The Beating Heart of Togolese Afro-R&B
Santrinos Raphaël, whose real name is Atassé El Pidio Hounou, is more than just a singer; he embodies a Togolese generation reinventing Afro-R&B. Born in Lomé on March 4, 1996, to a Beninese father and a Togolese mother, Santrinos Raphaël has successfully blended his African roots with modern sounds, creating a unique and captivating musical universe. With a degree in marketing and communications, he proves that creativity can flourish alongside academic rigor.
His passion for music began at St. Joseph College. In 2012, he began composing his own songs, revealing a raw talent and extraordinary artistic sensibility. In 2014, his first single, “Ton Numéro,” announced a distinctive style, blending R&B with authentic Togolese influences.
Santrinos Raphaël doesn’t just sing; he vibrates with his music. He honed his craft, releasing tracks like “Toute la Nuit” (2017) and “Fiançailles” (2017), the latter propelling his career into national prominence. His talent attracted the attention of industry professionals, notably Mansa Groupe, and opened the doors to prestigious events such as Moov Summer Time to Dance, the Ateba Festival, and the pre-launch dinner for Djimon Hounsou’s film.
2018 marked a turning point. His single “Crois en Moi” broke download records in Togo in record time. Nominations at the All Music Awards and the Heroes 228 Awards confirmed his status as a rising star. His debut album, “Crois en Moi,” a collection of 18 songs, was a commercial triumph, culminating in a sold-out concert at the Palais des Congrès, providing irrefutable proof of his growing popularity.
In 2021, Santrinos Raphaël hit even harder with “Coup de Cœur,” a rich 21-track album that solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile artist, capable of touching the hearts of his audiences with catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
The highlight of his meteoric rise was his participation as guest of honor at the 15th edition of the Anoumabo Urban Music Festival (FEMUA) in April 2023. Proudly representing Togo, Santrinos Raphaël has won over an international audience, confirming his status as an ambassador of Togolese music and a key figure in Afro-R&B. Santrinos Raphaël is a promise, a raw talent that never stops being polished, a heart that beats to the rhythm of Africa and that resonates well beyond its borders.