CEF Tanzy

CEF Tanzy, sometimes known simply as CEF, is an Angolan singer/songwriter who became popular in the mid-2010s by mixing American-influenced R&B with regional Afropop, Latin, and Zouk music. Along with albums like 2017's Cartel D'amor, he found success as a collaborator with artists like Lil Saint and Landrick. Born Carlos Fernando Tange, CEF grew up in the capital of Luanda singing in his church's choir and learning about American artists like R. Kelly, Boyz II Men, and Stevie Wonder from Jack Kanga and his brother Tony Laf. He also took influence from Angolan stars like Paulo Flores and Eduardo Paim. Teaching himself to play guitar, CEF eventually began to write his own songs, applying his smooth voice to romantic R&B-infused balladry and Angolan rhythmic touches. His first solo album, Botão de Rosa, was released in 2013 and he also appeared on tracks with other artists like Lil Saint and Johnny Ramos and was heavily featured on the 2016 compilation album O Legado da Lenda. Expanding his name to CEF Tanzy, he released 2017's Cartel D'amor which yielded popular songs like "A Mulher Tem Força" and "Ta me Treinar." Tanzy's output shifted back to singles over the next three years and included 2019's "Michael Jackson" and the 2020 Landrick collaboration "Teu Panco." ~ Timothy Monger