“Music is every moment of our lives,” says Helene Faussart, one half of the Afropean hip hop/R&B duo Les Nubians. Helene and her sister/bandmate, Celia, found that this feeling connected them with people in Jamaica, Egypt, Cameroon, Chad, London, their native Paris and other locales around the world as they embarked on the journey that led to their newest album ‘One Step Forward.’

In the time since their 1999 U.S. debut ‘Princesses Nubiennes’ (Higher Octave/Virgin) became the most successful French-language album in more than a decade of Billboard charts, Les Nubians’ singing sisters have traveled the world, soaking up the sounds of reggae, afro-beat, pop and electronica while collaborating with a host of respected musicians. “Everywhere we went, we looked for music that spoke of the local culture,” says Helene. The sisters met and worked with traditional folk musicians, as well as artists at the apex of every genre from Afro-jazz to British breakbeat to Cameroonian hip hop. In addition to working on their own material, Les Nubians appeared on 14 different recordings by an assortment of other artists, spanning the globe and crossing genres – from Towa Tei, Black Eyed Peas and Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek to the acclaimed Red Hot series on “Red, Hot & Riot” and “Red, Hot & Indigo.”

The musical summits gave way to recording sessions in Jamaica, Cameroon, London and at home in Paris, where Helene and Celia were joined by African jazz legend Manu Dibango, pianist Ray Lema, classical musician Benjamin Biolay, dancehall reggae stars Morgan Heritage, UK electronica wizard I.G. Culture, Mounir Belkhir, the poetic producer of the US hit track “Makeda” and more. For Les Nubians, these diverse sessions were a chance to work with some of their biggest influences, while bringing together the music of a wide range of cultures and generations.

Along with learning from these master instrumentalists, Celia and Helene sought to preserve their legacies among younger listeners. “This is so important, especially in Afropean music,” says Helene. “Many of the sounds of the two cultures have been separated for so long, but music can be a bridge that helps people meet.”

Multi-cultural sensibilities come naturally to Les Nubians. Born to a French father and Cameroonian mother, Helene and Celia learned how to sing at a young age. Inspired by a backstage meeting with jazz singer Abbey Lincoln (who encouraged them to “do it-the greatest thing in the world is to be a singer!”), the group pursued their music relentlessly. Their debut “Princesses Nubiennes” was a successful amalgam of the music they’d experienced during their life travels, combining their African roots with jazzy nuances, funky rhythms and a hint of British soul, all delivered in their uniquely elegant French style. A long and varied list of musical influences are attributed to Les Nubians’ distinctive sound, including Miriam Makeba, Ella Fitzgerald, the Fugees, Fela Kuti, and Jazzie B of Soul II Soul.

According to Celia, “Music is a great way to transmit a cultural background. Making this record was, in part, a way for our generation to give tribute to musicians we’ve looked up to and see that their music gets the recognition it deserves.”

Les Nubians were nominated for the 2004 Grammy Awards in the Best urban alternative R&B category, along with Erykah Badu, Outkast, Music Soulchild and Khelis.

Les Nubians are now touring and visiting new countries and territories ready to catch their afropean flavour.

Excerpts ; lepoissonrouge.com

Tony Nobody ‘s brand new album   “Love, peace, respect” has been in stores since July 20th , 2010. It is an 18 tracks album which features artists like X Maleya, Bobby Shamahn, Miles, Babou, Adah, Sidney, Supremede la confrerie, Black la rue, 20 cent, Terry P, Mervey, DJ Sunshine, and DJ Panebo produced under the label Blaxity “La cite de l’art “.

In this album dubbed  “love, peace, respect” , Tony Nobody depicts the themes of love, betrayal, migration, social conflict, and hope.

Bio
Father of three lovely kids (Jeff, Ruben and Anouchka), Tony Nobody shares his life with his beautiful wife,  Jacky.

Paul Tonyé Marcel a.k.a Tony Nobody was born in New Bell, Douala . After high school, he preferred to pursue a career as an artist. Nobody has been imposing on the landscape of hip hop in Cameroon with radio broadcasts  (Bled city on Nostalgie), TV (Mboa on Canal 2), events (Sprite Hip Hop Festival , Mboa Hip Hop Awards . He is the founding member of the group, Bantu Posi, (with his cousin Feros) “Guichi K and Diblai D now Final D joined us ,” he said.

He left Bantu Posi in 1998 . He quit the group after a concert with Kassav due to some misunderstanding with the band’s manager then , Theo Mbouma Bissai. Same year, he joined DJ Rene Cool’s  label, So Sound Records.

The official crowning of Miss Africa Texas pageant takes place on October 16th 2010 and Cameroon is fully represented. NexDim caught up with one of the final contestants, Verlene Forbia often called Lady V for an exclusive interview about her life and experiences during this pageant journey. She is an ideal personality and has a peculiar approach to life. Let’s meet her!

Hello Lady V

Hello

What part of Cameroon do you come from?

I’m from the Northwest province, from Ngo-ketunja Division ( Ndop).

Briefly describe yourself to us.

I’m a person full of smiles and love to put smile on people’s faces, due to my humble nature and jovial personality. I am quick to learn and accept constructive criticism.I don’t fantasize a lot but i have big dreams ( goals ). Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i shall fear no evil.This is the bible verse that strengthens me.The best thing that ever happened to my live, was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour.

We learned you are a Miss Africa Texas contestant.What inspired you to file in your candidature for Miss Africa Texas?

Yes, I am a contestant finalist. My loved ones around me, family, friends, teachers and even strangers have been of great inspiration to me.They always ask me if I was a model because they thought I looked like one. Special thanks goes to Nelson who encouraged me a lot to participate in the pageant.

Were you nervous before the auditions?

Nervous is an understatement Lol

What is remarkable about the contest?

The remarkable part of the pageant is amazing. You see how young beautiful women with brains come out of their nut-shell and display publicly, representing the beautiful countries of Africa.

The crowning of the Miss is approaching definitely on 16th October.Are you the next African queen?

Yes. I was crowned Queen ever since I gave my life to Christ.

What’s your definition of beauty?

Beauty is sanity. I will not describe beauty from the physical because I believe that everyone has that aspect ” We are beautiful and wonderfully made” by God. But this outer beauty is not complete without the inner personality, which comprises respect, humility, gentleness,kindness and above all love for one another.With this package, beauty becomes beautiful!

How do you cope with school and your modeling career?

It is not an easy task, trying to tackle both things at a time; school and modeling. Sometimes I find myself so exhausted that I just want to give up on one and concentrate on the other. Being an optimist, I still hang on to both.

Would you like to take this bold step the whole of your life?

Well, come to figure it out, models in fashion and hot in the market have an age limit.The older you grow, the less competent you become in some areas in physical modeling, especially if you intend to make a family of our own. Well I know one thing for a fact, I will always be a role model for my family, friends and to the nation in every aspect of my life through God that strengthens me.About Education, it is an everyday process because knowledge is wisdom, and wisdom is power.Even the oldest man with grey hair on his dying bed still has something new to learn, which is ; Learning to cope with or adapt to the fact that he will die. And even when he dies, education still continues, so will I continue to learn from the people around me.

Tell us about the negative aspects you’ve discovered as a model?

The negative aspect in modeling is that there is always a mis-judgement of identity. You might even end up losing important personalities in your life when you become a fashion show model because some people have a negative connotation about modeling. They forget that modeling is a career and not a personality. Being on stage and being around people is completely two different displays. Modeling is different from pageants. Modeling is more of advertizement, while pageant is about “beauty with a purpose”.

What’s your relationship with other Cameroonian contestants. Cordial?

Very cordial relationship not only with my fellow Cameroonian contestants but also with all the other contestants.

If you become amazingly rich, what will you do with your money?

God blesses his children according to his riches in glory. If i become amazingly rich however in the future, it is definitely for a purpose.That means i have a huge assignment to take care of. Nothing is as great as education on earth, and i will do anything to support those who are willing but not able to get the sound quality education they need.Working hand in hand with the ministry of education to help lower school fees and prices of text books, will be good. Better still, helping more orphans and the helpless to get free education is best.

Are you married?

No

What’s the worst thing you won’t like your partner to do?

Lies telling

What genre of music do you often listen to?

Gospel jams and any kind of music that appeals to me emotionally.

What is that you like or hate about Facebook?

Facebook keeps me and formal school maids and family in contact. It helps us follow each other daily activities. I have never been a Facebook fan till 4 months ago when I joined it. The negative part of it is that you might get addicted to

Say your last inspirational words to the world.

Hold on to your dreams and goals, never give up on them, no matter what it takes. Nothing good comes easy, take heart and be  strong.

It was nice having you on nexdimempire.com

Thank you NexDim and you have a great one. God bless.

EXCEL is a Camerborn artist. He is currently  a student in Marketing. The Bamenda-based Afro-beat sensation released his debut studio album “Someday e go better” in 2008 and  won the Northwest Most Promising Artist of the year award . He also featured in  ”Christmas Time in Africa” alongside Baam, Bright Phase, Achalle and others .This video is massively broadcast on Africa Magic during X-mas period.

EXCEL just released his second album “Unpredictable” . We discovered this amazing talent on the Cameroonian Social Network ;  Camerborn.com (http://www.camerborn.com/music)

Check it out!!!!

You can grab copies of his album by contacting his management @ f2zoh@yahoo.co.uk . Tel: 237-75426089 , PO Box: 124 Bamenda or visit our NexDim contact page.

EXCEL is currently working on a huge project with the Nigerian Hip Hop top star, Josef Jones for an MTV Project.

OMG Download audio file (01-OMG.mp3)

Today na the partyDownload audio file (02-2day-na-de-Party.mp3)

Everyday Download audio file (03-Everyday.mp3)

”E Don Blow” crooner,  Denzyl Am Be under the management of Barthson Global Communications (BGC) is currently in South Africa pursuing his music career. Here is the official SA Mix of   ”So Long” done at D-Tronix Studios, Johannesburg .It’s simply stunning. His next video project shall be coming up pretty soon and shall be exclusive on NexDim. Some might be judgmental about this remix  and the premiere version ”Stole my love away” . Slight alterations are evident.

Enjoy!

C’ Minaire is a Douala-based rap group. This video ”Reveiller Vous” was directed and produced by NS Pictures. Enjoy this !

Often presented as a  mysterious character , ZE MARIEN CLAUDE a.k.a BOBBY SHAHMAHN developed passion for drawing and rap as a teenager.

His penchant for rap  developed within several labels: DARKCELL RECORDS created and managed by his brother and longtime friend DJ STR’SS. He left the label and  a year after joined the stable of DJ Bilik ‘s ZOMLOA RECORDS thus forming LA ZOMLOA FAMILIA. It was under this charismatic label that  the public discovered  ZE Marien Claude aka BOBBY SHAHMAHN. In  pursuit of knowledge and aware of his lack of qualifications, he indulged into professional training. His courses and professional training and primarily a lot of personal research gradually gave Shahmahn a basic knowledge. He got integrated with EBENE CAMEROUN, which is a structure of architecture and interior design where he  worked as an intern and from 2001 to 2002 at PRO VIDEO. He excelled in virtual animation techniques, special effects and editing digital video.He worked with  MINN SOCIETY where he was in charge of  the digital studio.

He left that post a year later to join the team of Macacos. After 3 years of loyal and good service, he worked for CREATION PLUS, a structure engaged in printing and production of commercials. His experience and talent started  attracting the attention of several companies  and finally in June 2006 he rejoined the team MW MARKETING agency with clients such as MTN GROUP CAMEROON, CBC, BRASSERIES DU CAMEROUN, Chococam, BICEC and many other large corporations. He serves as creative director.

He left the company  in July 2008 to devote himself entirely to the management structure “RED ZONE MULTIMEDIA»

During this illustrious career,  Bobby Shahmahn did not forget his first  love:  RAP. He  has decided to make his contribution to the construction of this structure and during all these years. At his side we find people like OSHIMIHN SULTAN, CHARLIE Ngango, DJ PANEBO (a few years later) and many others. As early as 2004 SHAHMAHN decided to make every effort to show the world the talent of a friend and brother whom he renames   SULTAN OSHIMIHN, and starts a project with him in a small home studio in New Bell,  Douala.

In December 2004, after a good performance by  SULTAN OSHIMIHN on a show , DIS L’HEURE 2 RAGGA in Douala, SHAMAHN, Ngango  and SULTAN OSHIMIHN jointly decided to create a structure that will allow them to be masters of their course . The outcome was  RED ZONE.
RED ZONE  is a brand of revolutionaries , creativity, and success. Far from being a single label, RED ZONE is simply a business engaged in the areas of: web, advertising, publishing, newspapers, visual identities, events, radio spots and video and of course music production.

RED ZONE has to its credit: MAMBO advertising campaign, TV SPOT for COCA COLA (as a provider for MC CANN), IOM TV SPOT (as a provider for MW) TV SPOT for MTN and AUDIO (as a provider for MW).

AWARDS:
•  PRIZE FOR BEST VIDEO CLIP ,CANAL D’OR with “BLOW” by Sultan
• PRIZE FOR THE BEST VIDEO CLIP , MBOA HIP HOP AWARDS 2008
• PRIZE FOR THE BEST MUSIC PROGRAMMING , MBOA HIP HOP AWARDS
• AWARD FOR BEST ALBUM 2008 , MBOA  HIP HOP AWARDS

BOBBY SHAHMAHN is today an undisputed guru in the Hip Hop industry .

General manager
Telephone: 96 77 74 25
Email : shamahn@redzonimal.com

At first they were just three: three friends, three brothers, united in life and ideologies: BOBBY SHAMHAN, SULTAN OSHIMIHN and Sharlee Ngango. They conceived a project ; that of creating a label . After multiple frustrations , the idea takes shape, the dream becomes reality. The structure was then born, a label was naturally named RED ZONE.

A strong name that reflects the mindset of this young team but also the author of this name: SULTAN OSHIMIHN. Gradually , they expanded because the concept involved more than one person. Sultan Oshimihn’s  debut single ”BLOW” changed the entire perception of Hip Hop videos in Cameroon. The inspiration was off the hook !

The young team has something to offer, and believe in what they do. According to them, ”it is important to believe in yourself before you lead others to believe in you. Like a popular saying goes  “you can not stop the sun from shining.”

The Red Zone team works extremely and incessantly hard  in order to establish themselves  in the minds, morals and hearts of Cameroonians, Africans and the world.
They are determined to achieve audio albums, videos, websites, other media.

”After four years of existence, we begin the fifth, we have developed and diversified our actions today far from being a simple label, we have positioned ourselves as a provider in the world of advertising, and above all. RED ZONE ARMY tries whenever possible to harness the young talents  to make values and enable them to meet their needs.”

Red Zone now has artists like Sissongho MCs, Digital, Palesto, Kreezry,Venom, Sangoa Mboa,Yann La Fumee, and DJ T-Bo in their books. RAID TAPE Mixtape was released in 2009 and still in stores.

CONTACTS
Tél.: +23796 77 74 25
Tél.: +23776 19 76 31
Tél:+237 74 90 74 74
Fax. +237 33 13 14 73
Email: redzonelabel@gmail.com
Email: info@redzonimal.com

Mel Nova is a Cameroonian Hip Hop, Dance-hall  sensation. He has been in the Cameroon Hip Hop scene for close to a decade now and his music has been incredibly impressive. ”Speak out” is a revolutionary song which criticizes the embezzlement of  state funds by some unscrupulous government officials and injustices inherent in our country. He  stirs up the youths in his songs to fight for their rights.

Enjoy his videos!

Apart from conveying these messages of truth and change, Mel Nova makes you jump on the dance floor. ”Jump song” is a real club-banger.

Runners-up of  Mutzig Star 2009 and renown pianist, Jerry Cleo just dropped his debut album ”Simple Question’‘. He conveys strong messages in his songs. This is a remix of  ”Simple Question” featuring B.O.B.I.S. I’m particularly interested in his flawless blend of pidgin English, local dialect and French in this song. The original version of the song has a slower tempo and beat frequency. The video was produced by B.O.B productions.

You might be interested in grabbing the album . Just contact:

Email: info@jerrycleo.com

onemansho@jerrycleo.com or follow his interview on NexDim.

”When you be na mbambe o, when you be na patron o, anything you get, take am so, na God e plan”