It is not uncommon to hear some Cameroonian musicians lace their singing with French if they sing primarily in English or English if they sing mainly in French. This has made some budding artists to think singing in two or more languages is an asset. Permit me think it is  not. While every artist is free to sing as he/she pleases, it is hoped that the reason for this is not to reach a wider audience.  If this is the reason then there are at least two problems with this way of seeing things.Firstly, such a view is implicitly based on the view that linguistic diversity is  an obstacle to the exportation of music. This is certainly not the case when we know that Cameroonian artists like Richard Bona are popular although they sing in their native languages. Secondly, if  artists believe that singing in more than one language will get them acclaim in more than a community then they are underlooking the power of their talent to enable them connect with people with whom do not share the same language. Let’s remember that music can still exist even without words being uttered. Furthermore,when an artist has a limited view  of his/her talent then it will be difficult to convince a producer. This is because as business people, producers would  like to invest in somebody whose music can echo loud even in communities speaking a different language. Budding musicians should avoid having such a defeatist attitude because it might cage their talent. They should endeavour to borrow many leaves from artists  like Henry Dikongue and a host of others who all sing in their native languages but are heard worldwide. This issue equally concerns other artists who sing in their native tongue but often inject French and English into their songs. If you sing only in your mother tongue and are talented, you will still connect with people. Language should  not be seen as an obstacle to how high an artist can soar because talent and only talent is the  propeller of every carrier.

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In Cameroon, the expression “diaspora-based artist” is exceedingly common. It  is so common that it echoes during some award ceremonies where special award categories have been created to celebrate diaspora-based Cameroonian artists. But the more one thinks of it the hollower it becomes. Forget Richard Bona, Charlotte Dipanda and others. Forget all these big guns whose music marches across frontiers and gets standing ovations. Let’s focus on those who are into urban music; the kind of music which should be broadcast on MTV, Trace and co. I  increasingly get the impression this expression is a misnomer. By diaspora-based artist, we expect  the artist to not only  reside in a foreign country but also do their music there. In fact, he/she should be  musically relevant there. But it is common knowledge that most of these diaspora-based artists only become artists when they want to come back home especially at Christmas and New year. These artists are musically unknown in the countries where they reside and are artists only by name. Most of these so-called diaspora-based artists only perform and become musically relevant when they come home. In the diaspora, they are more famous for every thing but their music. So, such we not rethink this label and be more selective of who is a diaspora-based artist? If diaspora-based artist means living and exercising your art first and foremost in the diaspora, then some Cameroonian artists who are so labelled  should not be nominated in this category during award ceremonies because their music,for which they are nominated, is only known and broadcast at home. Do we agree?

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Just Wôan is one of Cameroon’s finest uprising stars whose vocal dynamics , dexterity and charisma  are absolutely enthusing and dazzling . Yea ! I watched him sing live today on  ”Canal Martin” and wowed .  His debut album ”Des Reines”  will certainly captivate attention across Cameroon and the world.  The Afro-soul and R&B  sensation shall offer a free  album launch concert today 8 pm, at American Graffiti, Akwa, Douala. Just Woan  shall be accompanied by percussionist Roddy Ekwa of Macase , bassist Herve Mboma and traditional guitarist , Ali Kaka. Just Woan has been booked to perform at the Francofolies in Montreal, Canada in June and later in Paris.

More info about Just Woan : 

www.justwoan.com

info@justwoan.com

FACEBOOK

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The recently-created hiphop cabaret that started in Yaounde seems to be well on track. Hardly have the curtains fallen on the opening  edition that a second date has already been set. On May 5, the second night of the hiphop cabaret will take place at montée Zoe near Acropole in Yaounde. A litany of artists have already been lined up to strut their stuff on that day. Amongst them we have guys like Habib du Bled and Xzafrane. Hiphop lovers are called upon to attend.

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While some consume it blindly, others are offended that Cameroonian films increasingly look like Nollywood films. They are uncomfortable with hearing expressions like “toufia” , “amen oh amen”  and a whole string of  other things that have a Nollywood colouration. Their position is understandable because it seems like our own culture has been forsaken and we have been “invaded” and “overpowered” on the cultural front. It is however worth noting that there are reasons for this which have nothing to do with our being “invaded” or overpowered. If our films are supposed to be a reflection of our Cameroonian society then it is only logical that our films should look like Nollywood productions. Given the popularity of these films in our country, some of these Naija mannerisms and expressions have creeped into our way of life. We are witnessing more and more Cameroonians using words like “toufia”. If these things then feature in our films then it is only normal because we Cameroonians have adopted them. We have thus not been “invaded”. Furthermore, if these Nollywood films, characters  and their classical lines have become our common cultural references and are easily identifiable to us Cameroonians such that we find the echo in our films then it is a natural consequence of watching them. This is no instance of being invaded. Unfortunately,this situation is compounded by our “acclaimed directors” who have chosen Nollywood as their muse. At a time when people want to identify wholly with the things on T.V, it is necessary for our film industry stakeholders to be aware of this and try to sculpt a truly Cameroonian and unique image for our cinema else we will forever stand in our neighbour’s big shadow. Let’s remember that even when this is done, this trend will continue because Nollywood has the pionneer’s advantage. Since they were the first to popularise filmmaking in Africa, our story lines will always trigger comparisons with those of some Nollywood films Cameroonians had watched earlier. This will perpetuate the feeling that Cameroonian films look like their Nigerian counterparts.This shouldn’t however be a deterrent to forging a separate identity for our films. What do you think?

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The rise and rise of hiphop in Cameroon is now visible through another prism. A cabaret has been created for artists of hiphop expression. Upcoming and established hiphop artists as well as mere lovers of the culture now have a place to meet in Yaounde and commune every Saturday. The cabaret is found at Montée Zoe near Acropole. 12 artists were  invited for the opening of the hiphop hub that took place on April 28,2012. Amongst these artists one could find Habib du Bled and Ivee. With this latest addition, the town of Yaoundé is only going to consolidate its unique  status as a cultural hotspot  with its string of  standup comedy,Bikutsi and now hiphop cabarets. The hiphop movement will only move from strength to strengths.

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Now that the girls have returned home, the effects of the bozz have ebbed away and the frenzy has died down, let’s talk a little. This is no attempt at casting aspersions on such a laudable initiative. I salute the clairvoyant and visionary spirit of the organisers. They had a brilliant idea. I am talking to everybody even you. Was the Fix IT Show just an opportunity for you to  trophy-likely flaunt your latest pair of shoes, cloths or companion? One thing I think this get together achieved was reminding us about the power of numbers: the things we can achieve when we are  together. Another important thing  should be networking. If you’re an “industry” player and you didn’t make contacts during that evening then you went there for the wrong reasons. You are surely going to call me a party spoiler or “jaloux” . If that is the case, just try to think about the issues I point to when you’re done calling me names. To my humble mine, the Fix IT Show was above all a call to excellence. It was a subtle way of telling all those in the industry that we should constantly strive to make our music,films and etc. to be as splendid as we were on that day. It was a foretaste of what happens when an entertainment industry is organised and produces quality. It was a veiled appeal to all stakeholders in our burgeoning entertainment industry to sit up and strive to be the best so that they can be celebrated by their peers during ceremonies like these. It would be sad for such a brilliant idea to have been the premise for the consistent celebration of the pervasive  mediocrity that reigns. Those who had ears surely heard Mumak Record’s C.E.O. I have nothing against glam. I just think it is a crown that  should not be on the head of mediocrity and egocentrism. Feel free to feel otherwise.

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Born on June 19th 2011 in Kumba, AaBLASHD AGENCY has skyrocated the blitz and glitz of fashion as they introduce fabulous models with style, design and beauty, exposing the inside of every woman, with the first bikini show in the South West Region. With audience going gaga, fashion in the South West Region is experiencing a wind of change. In every tongue the trendy activities of AaBLASHD is a thing of great confession. In an exclusive interview with Susan Beyombe, one of its finest models, NEXDIM enjoyed the ride into the agency’s mystery.

NEXDIM: Hello Susan, we are glad to have you on NEXDIM

SUSAN: It’s my pleasure

NEXDIM: Tell us, what is AaBLASHD?

SUSAN: AaBLASHD is a modeling agency aimed at encouraging, promoting and training young girls and boys with great aspiration of becoming models. It transforms them from nothing to something. And I am an example.

NEXDIM: As a model, is without doubts that your looks are extremely glaring, like right now. Please tell us your secret.

SUSAN: Sincerely speaking, AaBLASHD has played over 75% role as regard my looks. That is from make up training, gym sessions and beauty tips. Without which I guess I wouldn’t be this glaring. So with this look, I say thank you to AaBLASHD.

NEXDIM: It caught our attention that AaBLASHD Models hit the runway in BIKINIS, tell us your very first experience.

SUSAN: Modeling is fashion and fashion is sacrifice. To me, it was fun and from the crowd’s respond with hailing and applauses we were certain we have hit the jackpot. I believe as a model Bikini is one of the most casual out fit, and no matter how long I run from it the ‘D’ day might just be my last. I was so shy and lucky cos I wasn’t the first online to hit the runway. As the hailing continued so was my courage and when it was my turn, I just realize, I was in and out without a panic. It was a beautiful experience.

NEXDIM: How often have you paraded in bikini since then?

SUSAN: When ever we have a show Bikini is among the outfits and we have had three shows so far.

NEXDIM: What do you have to say about the crisis and challenges AaBLASHD has been facing.

SUSAN: To me there is no success without a trail. I believe in challenges and that’s what makes man. We are just a year old and have created a lot of impact on the society and that is something to boast of. There is no fear or tension in the agency and no matter how much people talk, they have nothing to do but to remain Zen

NEXDIM: Any advice to youths in respect to your career?

SUSAN: Oh yes, ¾ of Cameroon’s population call us prostitutes but the truth is ,we only sell what we wear and not our bodies. So if you ever dream of becoming a model do not let this prostitute thing hold you back for I say it is a responsible, creative and lucrative career. What ever you become at the end , is your choice. It is as clean as football but the players make it dirty. And for those already in it, learn to follow your shadow and take baby steps all the way to success. If not, your fall will be that of a laugh.

NEXDIM: Thank you SUSAN

It is without doubt that the zest in this agency cannot be quantified. With a gleeful appearance, AaBLASHD has shown a blithe disregard for danger despite all glitches surrounding it. We all hope that AaBLASHD with more of its shows add zing to Fashion, Entertainment and to the South West Region of Cameroon.

Interview courtesy of AaBlashd

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Décidément, l‘artiste gospel Kardi n’en finit plus de faire parlé son talent et sa foi. Aprés la sortie de son premier album “Mes mémoires” l’année dernière, il a offert plusieurs hits d’enfer au mélomanes. Au rang de ceux-ci figure le titre« Pichichi »dont nous vous avons présenté le vidéogramme ici. A peine ce titre sorti, l’artiste revient à la charge avec un autre sons intitulé «La solution» qui dispose de tous les atouts d’un titre à succès; un beat entraÎnant et un refrain facile à chanter. Fort des titres pareils, ce jeune artiste est entrain de se faire non seulement une place mais aussi une réputation comme l’un des précurseurs du réveil du gospel hiphop à l’instar des grands comme Kirk Franklin. Ce savant mélange  le rend unique dans ce monde de la musique hiphop et gospel camerounaises où faute d’orientation, les artistes se perdent dans la masse. Face à un artiste qui ne menage aucun effort pour nous offrir la nouveautè,un seul mot suffi: courage. Ce morceau est à consommer sans modération.

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Henri Dikongué  is a Cameroonian singer and guitarist. He was born in 1967 in Douala to a family of musicians. He spent his early years in Yaounde where he started learning how to play the guitar from his uncle. Henri attended music school in Paris where he made futile moves to release a debut album. He later joined a music/theatre troupe and worked with actor Martin Yog and musicians Alfred M’Bongo and Manuel Wandji, as well as South African Chorus , Maranatha. He made a decision to settle in Paris in 1989 ,where he fine-tuned his skills in classical guitar , collaborating with seasoned international musicians, Papa Wemba and Manu Dibango. His debut album was finally released in 1995 titled ‘‘WA”. His second LP ‘C’est a vie” was released in 1997 and created a buzz for him .This album introduced Charlotte Dipanda to the music scene.  He toured USA and Germany in 1997 and 1998. ”N’oublie jamais” and ”Biso Nawa” were subsequently released in 2000 and 2005 respectively. NexDim transcends you into nostalgia by bringing two beautiful songs off the album , ”C’est la vie”.

Enjoy!

C’est la vie

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We nde mba

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