Locko

Charles Arthur Locko Samba (born 8 May 1992), known professionally as Locko, is a Cameroonian singer, songwriter, and producer. He rose to prominence in 2015 with the hit single "Margo" and has since become one of the most prominent figures in French-speaking African contemporary music.

Early life and education Locko was born in Douala and raised in a musical family. He learned to play the piano and guitar at a young age. He attended the National Polytechnic Institute of Douala, where he studied management before fully committing to a music career.

Career 2014–2017: Origins and Big Dreams Locko first gained attention by posting covers of popular songs on YouTube. In 2014, he signed with the independent label Big Dreams Entertainment. In 2015, he released his debut EP, Skyzo, which featured the hit singles "Margo" and "Ndutu". In 2016, his single "Sawa Romance" became a viral success across Francophone Africa.

2018–present: Universal Music and Global Reach In 2018, Locko became the first Cameroonian urban artist to sign a major distribution deal with Universal Music Africa. Under this label, he released his debut studio album, The Bridge, which featured collaborations with international artists like Singuila.

In 2023, Locko won the Best Male Central Africa award at the AFRIMMA awards. His 2025/26 projects have seen him explore a more "Afro-fusion" sound, collaborating with younger artists such as Loic Sumfor.

Discography Studio albums The Bridge (2018) Cloud Nine (2019) Era (2021)

EPs Skyzo (2015) Locked Up (2022)

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result 2017 AFRIMMA Best Newcomer 2018 BET Awards Best International Act: Africa 2023 AFRIMMA Best Male Central Africa