Kueno Aionda Biography: Songs, Wife, Addiction, Age, Parents, Awards, Net Worth, Death

Kueno Aionda was an Angolan singer, songwriter, and radio presenter whose smooth kizomba ballads made him one of the most recognizable romantic voices of his generation.

Born Kueno Merquides Vieira Aionda in Luanda, he first gained attention through local music contests, but it was his song “Tu Vives Em Mim” that catapulted him to national prominence. After winning the Festival da Canção de Luanda in 2010, the song dominated Angolan radio in 2012.

Profile

• Full name: Kueno Merquides Vieira Aionda
• Date of birth: 29 May 1986
• Age: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Luanda, Angola
• Nationality: Angolan
• Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Radio Presenter
• Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
• Weight: 72 kg (approx.)
• Eye color: Dark brown
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: Domingos Aionda and Maria Luísa Vieira
• Siblings: Pedro Vieira, Bruno Vieira, and Márcio Vieira
• Spouse: None
• Children: Kiame (also written Kiami) Aionda
• Relationship status: Single at the time of his death
• Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic background)
• Ethnicity: Mbundu (Kimbundu-speaking Angolan ethnic group)
• Net worth: $320,000 at the time of his death

Early Life and Education

Kueno Aionda was born on 29 May 1986 in Luanda, Angola, to Domingos Aionda and Maria Luísa Vieira. He grew up in a close-knit family with his brothers Pedro, Bruno, and Márcio, in one of Luanda’s urban neighborhoods known for its vibrant street music scene.

His early exposure to radio, church choirs, and kizomba rhythms shaped his musical taste. He started performing in local competitions as a teenager, showing an exceptional ear for melody and vocal expression.

He participated in multiple contests, including Canta Canta on Rádio Luanda (2002) and Estrelas ao Palco on TPA (2003–2004). Though he didn’t win at first, these appearances gave him valuable experience and confidence.

From 2003 to 2006, Kueno studied Biological Sciences, balancing academics with his artistic passion.

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Kueno Aionda lived a private personal life. He was not married but had one son, Kiame Aionda, whom he adored deeply. Family and friends often noted that his son was his “anchor” and source of motivation during his later struggles with addiction.

Career

Kueno’s career officially began in 2002, with his first public exposure on Rádio Luanda’s Canta Canta competition. Two years later, his televised performances on TPA’s Estrelas ao Palco marked the beginning of a promising career.

In 2005 and 2006, he participated in the Festival da Canção de Luanda, gaining recognition for his songwriting even though he did not win. His persistence paid off in 2010, when he returned and triumphed with “Tu Vives Em Mim,” a deeply emotional kizomba that resonated across Angola.

By 2012, the song was a national anthem, earning Kizomba of the Year at Top Rádio Luanda. In 2013, he released his debut album Tu Vives Em Mim, featuring hits like “Isabel”, “Porta Aberta”, “Érica”, “Me Aceita”, and “Comigo Não Dá.”

The album’s success was meteoric — it placed him among the Top 10 artists in Top dos Mais Queridos and won him Revelation Artist honors in 2013. His 2014 hit “Porta Aberta” went on to win Ballad of the Year, solidifying his standing as one of the most beloved voices in kizomba.

Kueno also collaborated with other musicians such as Kim Cadeth (Nasci Para Te Amar), Seteca (Laura), and contributed to Revelação (2015). His smooth baritone and poetic writing made him a staple of Angolan romantic music throughout the 2010s.

Awards

• Kizomba of the Year – Top Rádio Luanda (2012, for Tu Vives Em Mim)
• Revelation Artist of the Year – Top dos Mais Queridos, Rádio Nacional de Angola (2013)
• Ballad of the Year – Top Rádio Luanda (2014, for Porta Aberta)
• Multiple nominations at Top Rádio Luanda for Pop/Kizomba Performance (2013–2014)

Net Worth

By the end of 2019, Kueno Aionda’s net worth was estimated at approximately $320,000 USD. His income sources included: Music sales and royalties (notably from Tu Vives Em Mim), Concert and festival performances across Angola among others.

Death

Kueno Aionda passed away on 19 February 2020 at Américo Boa Vida Hospital in Luanda, at age 33, following complications from illness linked to long-term substance use. His death came after a difficult period of rehabilitation and intermittent recovery.

The news of his passing shocked the Angolan public. Hundreds of fans, artists, and family members gathered for his funeral in Luanda, singing his songs in tribute.

Posthumously, his music experienced renewed popularity, with Tu Vives Em Mim and Porta Aberta being widely replayed across radio stations and social media.

Controversy

Kueno Aionda’s main public controversy was tied to his battle with drug addiction, which he candidly discussed in interviews. In 2018, he revealed his dependency on cocaine, admitting to consuming between 7 and 10 grams per day, with expenses exceeding 100,000 kwanzas daily.

Videos showing his deteriorated health circulated on social media, prompting national concern. His father, Domingos Aionda, publicly appealed for compassion and support, calling his son a “victim of bad influences.”

Kueno entered rehabilitation and later gave interviews on Zap News and Rádio Luanda, describing his struggles and recovery process. His story inspired national discussions about substance abuse, mental health, and the pressures of fame.

After his death, Angolan authorities linked his case to a broader investigation into drug trafficking networks in Luanda, underscoring his tragic role as both a talented artist and a casualty of systemic issues in the entertainment industry.

Social Media

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Discography

• Vai Mwangolé
• N’goriondo
• Tu Vives Em Mim
• Porta Aberta
• Isabel
• Érica
• Réplica
• Me Aceita
• Melita
• Agora Queres?
• Gia
• Comigo Não Dá
• Anjo do Amor
• Love Love