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.

EVANGELIST Stella Epey is a Cameroonian Gospel Artist . She is currently shooting her videos and preparing to release her soul-searching gospel album. NexDim caught up with her at  M1 Studios for an interview.

Hello Evangelist Stella, nice to have you here

The pleasure is mine.

Briefly introduce yourself to us.

I’m Evangelist Stella Epey. Born in Malende, Muyuka of Ma Joana Nchong and Pa Tobias Agbor. I’m married to Pastor Epey and blessed with two kids , Shallom and Andreas-Micah. I’ll like to add this as a testimony that I was married for 7 years without conceiving a child. and people taught I was barren. My husband stood by me through this ordeal.  He always told me ”When I came to marry you, I didn’t see children but I saw love”. By God’s power and grace, I was later blessed with two kids. I want to tell the world that, the God who did it for me can do it for thousands.

That was amazing. The God that answers by fire can change situations  when you look up to Him.

Can you tell us about your educational background.

I attended primary school at CBC, Centenary, Limbe.Graduated in 1984/85. Did 4 years of secondary at PYC, Limbe and later CETIC,Buea. I traveled to the US where I continued with studies and graduated with a certificate in Nursing and a Higher Diploma in Midwifery.

Tell us about your journey to become a gospel singer.

I can say, I’m a born and talented artist. I didn’t study music, it’s a God-given talent. I started as a kid,my mum tells me she always saw me singing. Sometimes I sing and forget doing my house chores. I had a strong passion for music. In primary school, I won a trophy for my school in 1980 and I knew I had God’s calling to do it.

How do you get inspired to sing

I have never copied because God inspires me enormously and enriches me with the voice to sing for His glory. I sleep and sometimes find myself in a big crusade singing a new song. I get inspired when I’m in the spirit driving, when worshiping , in fact anywhere,anyhow,anytime.

How did you find yourself in a  recording studio?

I was ambitious in seeing my dreams fulfilled as a gospel singer. One day, I sang at a funeral ceremony. I was just merely singing and someone opted to sponsor my debut album.That was how I found myself at M1 Studios.

Tell a us little about your debut album.We did n’t hear  much about it.What happened?

My debut album was released on June,23rd 2006 and was produced at M1 Studios.The album was not well marketed and also did not get a lot of media attention because I had the opportunity of travelling out of the country for ministry. The songs were however pirated here in Cameroon.

What message do you cut across in the album?

My theme is basically about destiny.You’ll be what says You’ll be, serve the Lord without getting weary, stay steadfast to Him. God lifts you up when you are at the verge of giving up. In ‘ Story of my life’ I sing about the grace of God in my life. I moved from grass to grace, from nothing to something. Another song says you shall not die a poor man. Even people look down on you, God says you won’t be.

How do you expect people to react to your album when it is released?

They should be blessed from the message and stay close to God.

Tell us about your ministry.

Me, being an evangelist is God’s calling. I have a passion for souls to come to the Lord. I have the mission of deliverance, restoration of souls and encouraging women in this new era. My husband really helps me in this direction. He is a senior Pastor in Full Gospel Mission and we have been in ministry for 17 years. He is the vision bearer and I’m his vice.I am a woman with a dream for God and I would like to be partners with people who have a common dream.

There are a lot of churches sprouting. Do you intend to start yours?

I won’t answer that question. [she laughs]

What are your last words to the entire world?

Never give up until you die. Don’t say it is finish. If you are in a desperate and deserted situation, one day, God can turn things around. To my fans, I love and cherish them .They make me what I am.

Thanks for your time.

I’m delighted coming in contact with you.

NexDim caught up with this flawless beauty for an up-close and personal interview. What actually swept me off my feet was her eloquence and aura. She was talking in real ”pimped” language. She is called Joyce Thellma Mbassa, Miss Littoral 2010 and more to her credit.

Hello, Joyce.

Hello

How are you?

Am doing good.Thank you.

Can you briefly introduce yourself .

Yeah, My names are Mbassa Joyce Thellma Amah.  I’m 23, a student at the university of Buea in my final year studying Sociology and Anthropology with a minor in Management. My hobbies-swimming, dancing and Modelling of course!

Like Jamaicans say ; What part a Cameroon yuh come from?

Well, I have a kind of mixed culture. My dad is from the Littoral region and my mum from North-west region but since it’s custom to take daddy’s side, I’ll say am from the Littoral region of Cameroon… Perfectly Bilingual from Birth!!

Can you describe your journey to become a model?

My journey to become a model…Well,when I was a kid, I used to be very calm and quiet but I loved attention, I always made sure people look at me at significant moments. I always used to cry not all the time like most kids do but just when I was hungry or willing to ease my self or sick…growing up, I was always very careful when I walked through the house to make sure nothing drops or stains my dress… a teenager, I used to be the smallest of the group but the one with the loudest voice…after teen, I am the listening ear, the shoulder to lean on and the helping hand to all my friends. Of course I got my own limitations like being authoritative, a lil shy, quick tempered and others…Back in primary and secondary school, on the 11th February  and 20th May match passes, I was always given either the flag or the school board to hold…I always did playbacks, commonly called “staging” on cultural weeks either alone or as a group of which I was always the lead dancer n singer…academically, I was very competitive and always strove for one of the best positions in class…You realize I was a MODEL at each stage. Now as becoming a model like runway and Billboard adverts, it all began with Miss competitions.

What was your drive , what actually inspired you?

My drive and inspiration, I cant really tell. All I know is, I have always loved watching modeling programs over TV, had many fashion magazines and I always dreamt of becoming like one of those bling girls. But, Eva Longoria Parker inspires me big time! She’s just so ”oofff”  in all she does!

Is this something you want to do for life ?

Yes! Absolutely… I will like to do this for life but alongside pursuing my studies and working in a good biz firm coz you know Modeling is not really encouraged in our Cameroon society. You cant depend solely on it here to make a living unless u travel out and me, i’ll like to live in my country so it may just remain alongside…but life reserves alot of surprises,if i happen to “fallbush”, the story might change.

What have you achieved so far as a model?

Hey… I’m still growing in the modeling world. hmm!  So far, Miss BINAM 2008, 1st runner up Miss Dynasty 2009, A Western Union Advert Bill Board contract for a year in 2009, Miss Littoral Lux 2010, Miss Beach 2010, and some pending contracts like Forever Living Products and Seme Beach Hotel Adverts…But my greatest achievement in all, is the acquisition of self confidence, respect of self and of others, alot of social maturity.

Tell us about Fredash Modeling Agency of which we know you are part.

Yep! Freddash Modeling Agency. It’s a young agency,with a bright future made up of great models both boys and girls! I have the honour to be among the 1st models in this great agency.We carry on our activities in a friendly and respectful environment.The CEO (Mr.Nemfor Alfred) and his team give us the necessary guides and advice on the field, photo-shoot  sessions are organized when necessary to keep us awake! The agency presents its models every month to varrying industries for advert propositions…I’ts good in there! Together,we all stand and we win!

What is your definition of beauty?

My definition  of Beauty…”Its the manifestation of the inner qualities of a person presented in a pleasing and attractive physical body”. Haha. Hope it’s clear!

Models are always known as ”people who give what they have to earn what they desire” . Are you a victim?

Oh! Yeah! Absolutely! “Models give what they have to earn what they desire”…They give a chance to the public to be aware of designers dresses and accessories,they guide people in their choice of shopping,they help promote business and present employment opportunities by advertising companies,they offer entertainment when they are on the runway…They desire to see people happy in the choices they make while they earn their living in a respectful way…So, am I Victim? NO! I am a Model.

That was a witty effort to escape the connotation of my question. Lol.

What do you think about the modeling industry in Cameroon.

It’s so low, the modeling industry in Cameroon. I’m just praying that one day, modeling will take a higher dimension in Cameroon because it pains me when I see foreigners on Billboards advertising Cameroon based Products when we are out here!!! Well,with agencies like Freddash Modeling Agency and others,it is promising!

Tell us about your first audition.Were you nervous?

Oh yeah… I am always nervous in all my auditions you know… It’s a feeling I cant take away but I try as much to hide it, I keep calm, drink some water and I keep on murmuring to myself “Joyce, all will be fine”…and it works!

Like magic I guess. Lol.

I learned you are a student , how do you cope with your modeling career and academics?

The Bible says “There is time for everything” I just try as much to give modeling its time and school its own…When there is a clash, I decide which is more important and urgent at that time and I carry on. One good thing is modeling sessions are nearly always on weekends and holidays! so it’s good for me!

Do you often watch America’s Next Top model? What’s your appraisal?

Oh yeah! America’s Next Top Model…I like it! It’s fun,it’s full of suspense, it reveals the girls’ real characters and their urge to win. It’s interesting and inspiring!!! It defines a model…though sometimes, my favorite is not theirs!

What african dish is your secret passion?

Miam miam…I like food! U are asking me to reveal my secret passion…It wount be secret anymore…Ok, I got 3…Ekwang,Ndole with miondo and water fufu with eru… Please don’t ask me to choose!

You may definitely like  Koki Corn or  Kwankalang. Lol. You surely have all Cameroonian dishes as your best.

What is your favourite genre of music?

I like music… all types but my favorite is particularly Old French Blues…It’s so relaxing.

What is your advice to Cameroonians who are passionate about modeling?

Bros’ and sis’ of Camer…If you are passionate about modeling, it’s good.We have some few agencies around now so get yourself into one and carry on your dream…It’s not easy though,just make sure you work hard and keep your dignity intact.It’s important.

Thanks for your time and Nexdim wishes you the best in your career.

Thank you Nexdim…It was my pleasure.I had a great time.

Do you have any last word to nexdimempire.com users?

One last word to nexdimempire.com users ? ” If you fail to check this website in any week, you must have missed some good things for that week…so you know what to do…Stay Blessed.

Joyce Thellma.

NexDim interviewed Fredash , a beauty photographer and CEO of Fredash Modeling Agency.

Hello. How are you.

I’m fine. Thank you.

”Fredash” . What are your real names

I’m called Nemfor Alfred.

When did you start professional photography?

”I started professional photography in 2003. I had always admired the art of photography and creativity.”

Tell us about your baby , Fredash modeling agency.

”Freddashmodels is a modeling agency founded in 2009 with just 5 models in its books. We are a still growing agency which from every indication will grow up to become the largest and most successful modeling agency in Cameroon, Africa and one of the top and most valued in the world.

Describe your journey to becoming  the  proprietor of a modeling agency.

” I indulged into modeling in 2007, I was a model my self, I went in for competitions all over the nation. I also worked with other groups of people who  trained models. I came to realize that we have lots of talents and beauty here in Cameroon and we have very few modeling agencies. So I decided start up  a professional modeling agency

What categories of models do you deal with?

”Freddashmodels operates  3 divisions namely the Female models, Male Models and teen models. Our models are trained to do adverts, parades, prints, and other commercials.”

What makes your agency special?

”We have a flawless and responsible attitude towards our models. Our company is determined to nurture and develop their long-term careers whilst ensuring that they do not run before they can walk. We treat all models as individuals and put their care, safety and happiness above everything. A model’s well-being is our unconditional interest.”

How many models do you have in your agency so far?

For now we have over 18 fully registered models.

How can you measure your success so far?

We sent in 6 of our models for Miss Cameroon regional finals and 3 made it to the national finals in Yaounde last April. We also went in for Miss BEACH competition that took place at SEME BEACH HOTEL and won the 1st and 2nd prize.

We had echoes of the Fredash VIP Show at Chariot hotel. How did it go?

”Yea. We had a V I P fashion show at Chariot Hotel on May 29th, it was very successful with 3 designers, about 5 artists and many more. We also had representatives from Marken Erickson from Douala and from many other companies.”

Have you been in contact or have you been collaborating with other modeling agencies in Cameroon?

”Yes. We have been in contact with other modeling agencies home and abroad and we intend to work in close collaboration with these agencies.”

It’s sometimes difficult dealing with females. How do you deal with your female models.

[laughs] Yea definitely. Sometimes it’s very hard to work with females. It’s just a matter of understanding  them and let them understand you. With that all will be fine.

Do their parents approve ?

I have talked to some of their parents and they are quite aware of it. Some of the parents came for our last show.

What are your future prospects?

”Our aim is to capture the advertising market in Cameroon and West Africa, be on Billboards, TV Commercial and many more.”

Thanks for your time.

I appreciate this opportunity.

http://fredashmodels.com/

Mario Epanya

Mario Robert Epanya is  a talented beauty photographer and founder of AFRICA VOGUE . He was born on 29th July 1975 in Douala, Cameroon. He  grew up with an architect and aesthete father and a good looking mother (model looking) who loves fashion and magazines, ”my parents like fashion and art”.

He arrived Paris in 2000.His penchance for figurative painting gets him into the fashion industry. In 2005 he started collaborating with a French brand Jacques Dessange and Camille Albane as trainer,studio hair and make-up artist. He became a photographer in 2008. Mario is now based in Paris.

Interviewed by dredecarlo, he describes his journey to becoming a renown photographer and some of his exploits in the industry.

” it’s long, it was not easy for me when I arrived in 2000 in Paris, I didn’t know anyone and had to fight to survive, but I’m tough, thank god, and I never stopped working and improving, constantly, even now. I never took anything for granted and always asking myself if my work reflects my personality …  How I made it, I personally think it’s all about WORK, 20 hours per day, seven days per week, there’s no secret you know.”

For those oblivious as to who you are or how great your work is, drop some names and some of the majors achievements in your career.
Honestly don’t like to drop names, because personally, I’ve worked with very unknown creative people, and learned a lot from them, and I don’t think that you have to be famous to be creative or talented. But as a make-up artist, I worked with Denzel Washington, I like this man,very smart and spiritual, I really admire him after spending some days with him.
Majors achievements….honey, I’m 34 years old, there’s a lot to do(laughs) …trust me, I never look back ..what I did yesterday belong to the past and I just try to make it better tomorrow.

Africa is known for its striking beauties (e.g. Iman, Kiara Kabukuru, Liya Kebede, Katoucha Niane, Alek Wek etc. etc.), yet it’s hard to make it as a black model, no matter where you’re from. How would you say African VOGUE has impacted on the fashion world?

Gosh, well to make this clear, Africa Vogue is a project for now and I’m doing my best to make this happen (try to convince Condé Nast for a license and investors ..very tough…) but I think it’s an everyday fight, we must fight to have our own space, I’m just trying to contribute to that, it will be a huge success if this African edition sees the light in the future.. 

How did you feel when you were called upon for this project? (African VOGUE) [this question is to help people understand the misconstrued comments about Epanya's role in African VOGUE]
I WAS NOT CALLED IN THIS PROJECT…… IT’S MY PROJECT, VOGUE AFRICA IS MY BABY…I grew up looking at my mother’s magazines with all these blonde blue eyed beauties, I used to cut my mother’s photos and glue them on the models faces, because I thought she was stunning and dazzling enough to be in those magazines, so I said that when I grow up, I’ll  have a magazine with a lot of women of colour, that’s it.
What does African VOGUE mean to you, on a personal level?
FREEDOM
What is your advice for up-coming fashion professionals (especially photographers and make-up artists).
WORK WORK WORK
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is for me something cultural, it reveals the evolution of mentalities and the research of new fabric, materials, and also bring a touch of dreams to this cruel world.
What does fashion in Africa mean to you?
RICH, luxurious, diversity, brilliant, creative, and so much more ….I think having an edition of Vogue Africa will bring into the light, THE AFRICAN CREATIVITY,the world will be amazed by it …trust me.
And what does Africa mean to you?
HOME

http://dredecarlo.wordpress.com

VISIT MARIO EPANYA’S WEBPAGE http://www.marioepanya.com/accueil.html

This is an interpretation of the Minister of Sports and Physical Education’s analysis to the National Assembly concerning the Lion’s debacle at the World Cup .

Michel Zoa explains that  ”As the competition was in progress, a pernicious atmosphere  developed between the players and the coach, working sessions held with the entire team, led to this observation within this team, the existence of clans,  poor fusion between old and young players, a rejection of the instructions of the coach by a group of players.

Mr. President of the  National Assembly, Honourable Members, the victories of the Indomitable Lions yesterday, are an expression of team spirit, solidarity and harmony which have always been exercised between players and between players and the technical staff. The defeats today, reflect the divisions, infighting, lack of harmony between the players , quarrels and fights between people, hatred and jealousy … oversize egos who do not accept the presence of talent around them, and esoteric or spiritual struggles, whose strings are pulled by external actors. It is possible that these situations have been favoured by some casting errors, or shortcomings in the management of group’s dynamics, the leaders of these sectors had to justify themselves before the national and international press.

About payments, he explained that the government did nothing wrong, all financial and physical demands were put at their disposal to ensure that players concentrate on playing ”

Michel Zoa returned to the nomination of  Paul Le Guen saying he was independent, he had all the means, and the players, but he was quickly overshadowed. Lessons learned: Paul Le Guen  imposed a winning style, to demonstrate he qualified the lions  for the world cup. But soon he was overshadowed and the old demons took possession of the den.

(c) Carol yemelong/ cameroon-info.net

Da-Thrill is a Buea-based group best known as winners of the national Nescafe African Revelation  (NAR) 2010 Edition . The group includes Salatiel, Carine, Rude Boy, and Blaise B .

In a tussle with Root Zilley of Yaounde who emerged 2nd, Triyo of Yaounde, Edifice Sah of Garoua, African Angels , and Phoenix of Douala, DA-DRILL emerged winners succeeding the group, BAAM .

NexDim caught up with these aspiring Cameroonians to tell the world about the road to their victory, experiences  and their career prospects.

Hello

Hi

Can you briefly introduce your group.

‘ ‘Our group is called Da-Thrill. It’s  a group of four members who are all singers. Salatiel, an R & B singer, songwriter and producer, Blaise B who has an afro-beat and R & B touch, Rude Boy; an Dance-Hall artist and Carine who has a more soulful delivery. We are winners of this year’s edition of the national Nescafe African Revelation succeeding BAAM, and we are to represent Cameroon at the Pan-African finals in Dakar, Senegal. ”

Can you describe your journey to winning the Nescafe African Revelation ?

Well, it all remains a mystery because we missed the first audition of the competition for the preliminaries. It was only during the last audition or ”rattrapage” that we were able to sneak our way through. We were voted overall winners at No Comment Night Club. Four days later, the regional finals held at  the University of Douala campus which had 13 groups participating. During this period, we were lodged at Hotel Helena in Douala and granted so many radio and TV interviews. Two groups were selected and we were amongst. We finally won the national finals on the 16th of May 2010, which coincided with the day Eto’os Inter- Milan won the champions league. We shall therefore be representing the national colours in July at Dakar, Senegal.”

So what’s next. A video?

Yea of course. A team from Ghana shall be coming to Cameroon to shoot the video of our song ” New dawn in Africa”.

Can your tell us about the content of the song ?

”A new dawn in Africa is an Afro-pop song with some Dance-Hall vibe. It’s a song that gives hope  and raises the morals of  people of our beloved continent, Africa. The dark past of slavery is gone and there’s a dawn of independence. We should therefore stand up to build up and make a better Africa which entails hard-work and God’s divine help.”

So what is your temperament after winning this competition ?

We are not so excited right now.Our major preoccupation is to get our documents processed for the pan-African finals. So we are keeping serenity, just working on our performances and attending shows for promotion.”

What is the nature of your relationship with 2008 winners, BAAM ?

”Apart from our professional music careers, we have been friends with members of BAAM. We have been singing with them for a long time even before they were winners. We have a very cordial relationship with them.”

Was any contesting  group shown some favour because they were Francophones ?

”No. The thousands of people who were present there could hardly identify if we were anglophone or francophone. We were very bilingual in our speeches and interacted with other groups cordially.”

Apart from BAAM , which other artists performed during the national finals?

”Ivorian artist, Soum Bill, Thierry Olemba, and Valsero.”

Tell us about your best and worst moments during this competition.

”Our best moments were at our hotel rooms where we met so many friends, other contestants and later meeting with other artists like Soum Bill, Valsero was a great experience. The bad momentswas when we expected money from the organizers of the competition which they did not provide.They could only provide us with hotel lodging. Rude Boy went on stage that day sick and Salatiel had a throat injury.”

Salatiel and Soum Bill

As winners, what are your prospects ?

”Our major need from the NAR team is to get a well-defined mutual contract with them. Release an album that will inspire the lives of people and we also hope to establish our name as a house-hold name in the Cameroon music industry”

What are your last words to  Cameroonians.

” We promise to do our best and we need your support and votes in order to be successful in Dakar. ”

Thanks for your time. I know you all have busy schedules these days and other interviews. NexDim wishes you the best in your careers.

The pleasure is ours.

NexDim caught up with Cameroonian singer, Achalle for an exclusive interview about his career and future prospects.

”Auto-tune is simply a vocal correction tool, which keeps the artist’s vocals in tune. I think that, of course if used, it could signify that the artist needed help at some point to keep their vocals in tune! Unfortunately, it is so widespread now that even legendary artists such as R.Kelly use it. Jamie Foxx (who is a phenomenal singer) has also used it, as well as Mary Mary! These artists are examples that auto-tune is simply something that is buzzing at the moment, but if you are good, you are good, autotune or not…the trick is live performance…when u catch an artist when they’re not behind the machine…then you can tell how good or bad they are…”

Tell us about Avin-U C record label that just went live.

”Avinu-C came about when Naomi visited Texas in 2009 and we laid down our track “Mama Africa.” After this, we decided to incorporate our different styles and make good music…

Well, Avinu-C is currently an independent label. But, we’re currently in talks with some folks about expansion opportunities, so we’re really excited and looking forward to a lot of good stuff…”

Naomi Achu is a force to reckon with.What’s your appraisal?

”Absolutely! Naomi is a great singer, she is very energetic, and a very good friend. so, I am very happy to be working with her.”

H-Bolo is another artists.What’s he up to?

”H-Bolo is like a brother to me, and dude is very enthusiastic ! H and I have been making a lot of songs lately that will be released soon; he is also on a serious grind in talks with expansion opportunities for the label. He also has a couple of singles out in circulation.”

Does the label open to signing more artists?

”That is the master plan. As soon as we get certain restraints taken care of, our goal is to include and sign other artists onto the label.”

What’s your relationship with other Cameroonian artists?

”I have collaborated with a few underground cameroonian artists here in the states, but have not had the opportunity to do anything with the artists doing it big in Cameroon…just to add, I heard the remade version to the stand up for haiti song, and was very impressed! I actually wished I was a part of it. so…Ill be quite interested to work with other cameroonian artists…I think in the stage for mainstream musical genres our African brothers from Nigeria and Ghana are doing a great job; so cameroonian artists have to put their heads together to put our country on that map.”

What’s your future plan?

”My future plan is to record and release as many beautiful songs as possible; make our mixtape release party on june 18th in dallas a success; release my album next year and get Avinu-C to a widely recognizable brand; work with some heavyweights in the industry and accomplish whatever it is that God has in stall for me and Avinu-C!!”

Tell us about your best and worst moments in your career.

”Of the top of my head, one of my best moments is when Avinu-c was born. Other than that, its always a good feeling when I hear someone singing to my song or just listening to it – its just an absolutely good feeling. Another good moment is when I finish working on a song and feel like I’ve put my 100% and feel like the result is good. Another good moment would be when I hear positive criticism, because it makes me want to grow and make myself better… As for the negative, I try to push them aside, because I believe that when u dwell too much on them they become toxic. The only negative instant i can recall was a show we did and had a totally flat response and some boos from the crowd…we learned from it, and life goes on…”

What are the challenges you face in your career as an artist.

”The most major challenge I think I encountered was finding someone who was as passionate about music as I was and who was also very interested in putting Cameron on the music map. After finding my Avinu-C family, I believe that God has something good planned for me, and any other challenge would just be a minor road-bump.”

What do you plan to give back to your country, Cameroon?

”My plan is to give Cameroon Eddy B! I think that Cameroon is hungry for more of her sons to put her on the world stage. My plan is to work as hard as I can to make that possible.”

What’s your favourite Cameroonian dish?

”Fufu and eru…I be bayangi boy all day!!”

How do you relate to your fans?

”I relate to my fans by putting out songs that touch the average person…things that happen to us on a day to day basis.”

We appreciate having you.Best wishes with your career.

”Thanks … I appreciate this bro!”

Don’t say no by Eddy B

Download audio file (Dont-say-no.mp3)

Mama Africa

http://www.avinuc.com/

Miracle Ruth Edison is a gorgeous Cameroonian lady with an amazing aura and sterling attributes.NexDim caught up with her for an up-close and personal interview about the Miss Africa USA pageant and her fight against breast ironing.

Hello Miracle Edison

”Hi”

What inspired you to compete in this pageant?

”I was inspired to compete in the pageant because of the opportunity to promote a platform dedicated to humanitarian needs. Contributing to the society through humanitarian work has been my passion, ever since I volunteered at an orphanage in Cameroon for six years. I recognized that competing in the pageant would be a great opportunity to bring to light a humanitarian agenda that is close to my heart – the Fight against Breast Ironing. The pageant has been very inspirational to me not just because of the opportunity to pursue humanitarian goals but also because of the opportunity to be a positive role model and ambassador for Africa in the United States.”

Why is your agenda  if you happen to be  elected Miss Africa USA?

”My agenda if elected as Miss Africa USA is the Fight against Breast Ironing in Cameroon. Breast ironing is a very harmful practice that most people do not understand, or know what it really is. Breast ironing is the brutal act of pounding and massaging of a pubescent girl’s breast using heated objects, in an attempt to make them stop developing or disappear. It is typically carried out by a girl’s mother in an attempt to protect the girl from sexual harassment and rape, to render a girl “less attractive” in hopes of preventing early pregnancy so that the girl can pursue an education rather than be forced into early marriage or viewed as tarnishing the family’s name.

How pervasive is the problem, and what should be done?

”The problem is widely pervasive across Cameroon. It is mostly practiced in parts of Cameroon, where boys and men may think girls whose breasts have begun to grow are ripe for sex. Currently, there is no legislation in place that prevents this practice.  Therefore, young boys and adults believe that they can continue the practice without any ramifications. The most widely used devices for breast ironing is a wooden pestle normally used for pounding tubers; other tools used include bananas, coconut shells, grinding stones, ladles, spatulas, and hammers heated over coals. And it has always been my passion to raise awareness on this terrifying practice and bring it to and end.”

What do you do in college  and where do you hope to be in 5 years, professionally?

”Fives years from today, I hope to have a achieved my college degree in Pharmacy. As a qualified Pharmacist, my goal is to serve as a liaison between the United States and other African countries by supplying appropriate drugs to help those suffering from Breast and Cervical Cancer, Diabetes, Water Borne Disease, and the HIV Virus.”

Fives years from now, I hope to have published my book titled: The Africa Rhymes – a collection of stories and life experience from the children of the Alice Fominyam Orphanage. I hope to chronicle in the book the experiences of children growing up in an orphanage. There challenges, struggles and ultimate triumphs, going from children nobody wants and children that are forgotten to becoming successful and positive contributors to the society. The orphans at the Alice Fominyam Orphanage have a story, and my goal is to share there profound stories with the world.”

My goal is that fives years from now the traditional practice of breast ironing would have been made illegal and completely eradicated, as a result of the alliance between my organization FABIC (Fight Against Breast Ironing in Cameroon) and other organizations such as the National Network of Association of Aunties, who have come together to fight against this inhumane practice.”

What are your hobbies and social interest?

”My hobbies are teaching young minds about how good God is and cleaning. I enjoy going to church and teaching the youth about the different departments they are able to join. For me going to church is an expression of my faith that has also become a hobby because I do it all the time, I love it, and most of all I believe it. Another hobby that I have is cleaning. I love cleaning because I like to leave in an orderly and tidy environment. I enjoy being in calm space and I believe that leaving in clean home gives a good and positive first impression, which is an attribute that is important to me.”

What are the most significant experiences of your life?

”The most significant experience of life in recent memory is moving to America. I moved to the U.S, to begin my college education. The move also reunited me with my mother and it has given me the opportunity to bond with her and to grow with her. Leaving in the U.S. has been a significant cultural change and experience, I have made many new friends along the way, and grown into an adult. Another significant experience of my life is participating in the Miss Africa USA beauty pageant. Thus far, the experience has made me realize that I have a voice and a story to tell. I have become the driving force behind my platform and I am just amazed by the opportunity for leadership that the pageant has presented tome.”

Thanks for having you on Camer Entertainment House

”Thank you”

Giving Back: Miracle Ruth Edison is the President of the FABIC ( Fight Against Ironing in Cameroon),

Spoke Person of Vital Education and Management Cooperation,

A member of the National Network of the Association of Aunties (Réseau National des Associations de Tantines, RENATA),

A Community Activist at Zion Covenant Ministries Charity Organization,

A Board Member in the Alice Fominyam Orphanage in Bengwe Bamenda, (family orphanage) Cameroon.

She volunteers at the Houston Baptist Hospital,  donates Blood Every Six Months,

African Dance Teacher, and a Youth Mentor at Zion Covenant Ministries.

To vote for Miracle Edison for Miss Africa USA 2010/2011

Please click: http://www.missafricaunitedstates.com/vote-finalist.php?cont=39