Vangarde

Daniel Bangalter (French pronunciation: [danjɛl bɑ̃ɡaltɛʁ], born 1947), known in his musical career as Daniel Vangarde, is a French former producer, lyricist and songwriter who co-wrote and produced several hit records in the 1970s and 1980s, including "Aie a Mwana" with Jean Kluger, "D.I.S.C.O." by Ottawan, and "Cuba" by the Gibson Brothers. The father of Thomas Bangalter, best known as a member of the electronic music duo Daft Punk, he is credited with aiding the duo in their early musical career. In 1971, Vangarde and Kluger created the dance song "Yamasuki" under the name the Yamasuki Singers, which led to the production of the album Le Monde Fabuleux Des Yamasuki. The album featured the song "Aieaoa", later popularized as "Aie a Mwana" by Black Blood and Bananarama. In 1975, Vangarde founded the record label Zagora, and following the Disco Demolition Night in 1979, he co-wrote the hit "D.I.S.C.O." for the group Ottawan. Over the years, Vangarde produced numerous tracks and albums, often under various aliases. In the 1990s, Vangarde became involved in disputes over the restitution of royalties to Jewish composers affected during the Nazi occupation of France. After retiring from music, he moved to Brazil, where he engaged in local business ventures. In 2022, Vangarde released a compilation album of his work titled The Vaults of Zagora Records Mastermind (1971-1984) through Because Music.