“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

Hey people, here is a brand new joint from Douala-based crew; B.A.L.I comprising  Obidy Style, Franky P and Lord Eriko. ”So crazy” was produced by G Music, Uzi Records and Crazy Records. Hmm! my man Franky P dropping the hook like damn…

Enjoy!

”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 !

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”

Mellow-voice Cameroonian singer, Andy Allo keeps encroaching my soul stealthily with her rhythms. Hope y’all enjoy her thrilling performances of ”Love to you” and ”second best”.

Seven countries have been slated to host the 9th Edition of this competition.  Victoria Nkong Remi, production manager also assistant to the promoter of the Kora awards Ernest Coovi Adjovi has been in  Cameroon for several days to visit the facilities, infrastructure and meet with officials of the Ministry of Culture. She visited the Yaounde Sports Complex and Palais de Congres and concluded both structures can host the Kora awards. ”We must continue to meet our standards, we have a reputation to maintain” .

We  also learned during that press conference that the Buea-based group, Bright phase, representative of Cameroon at the Kora Awards 2010  prompted the organizers of the forthcoming competition to visit Cameroon. Created in 2008, this group of three singers were eliminated in the semi-finals. According to Sylva Bright, Bright Phase leader: “If the Kora Awards is organized in Cameroon, it will help promote local artists, boost tourism and create jobs. ”

Odile Ngaska, president of Socam, evoked the same reasons : “It is a competition that will raise the level of music in Cameroon.”

Is the Kora Awards still credible?

After five years of absence, a smashing start in South Africa, an abortive attempt to relocate to Nigeria and ‘missed out’ in Burkina Faso, the Kora Awards have lost much of its credibility. Established in 1994 in South Africa by the Beninese  Ernest Adjovi, the Kora awards was  first aired in 1996 in 45 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. They had as aim to boost the image of African music on TV.

At its debut in South Africa, the competition was very famous. Stars like Michael Jackson, Will Smith, Miriam Makeba, and personalities such as Kofi Annan and Bill Clinton have once been invited to witness this event. After ten years, relations between South Africa and Ernest Adjovi deteriorated. The Kora Awards disappeared from the scene. Three years later, the competition was reborn from its ashes and was announced to take place in Lagos, Nigeria in 2008. A few days of the event, the it was canceled.  President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore agreed to host the Kora Awards. Expected to take place in 2009, it finally held in 2010. The evening of April 4 in Ouagadougou was tarnished by the lack of award-winning artists, including the Nigerian duo P-Square (best music from Africa and the Diaspora)  with a million dollars to take home. In addition, the American rapper Akon, who was guest of the evening, did not show up.

Apart from being an impressive model, Cameroonian flawless beauty, Okawa Shaznay is making her name in the film industry. The first time NexDim had her for an interview, she was more of a ”Miss Africa USA pageant”. She’s just amazingly multi-talented. Don’t miss the premiere of this movie.

This film was shot in Houston, Texas. Directed by Kyle Lamar and Alister Auguste.

“THE OTHER SIDE OF LOVE” is  a JJ Bunny Movie Production, features Ramsey Nouah,… JJ Bunny, Pascal Atuma, Rexx Otuka , Okawa Shaznay, Bola A.,Marilyn George, J.I. Valentine Ekweanua, Merlissa L. and many up-and-coming talents.

This movie is a true life story about a home health business owner “Stella” in Houston, Texas; who was set up by her best friend to be investigated by the FBI and Medicare. Stella and her successful friends love and care for one another, but when pride and envy set in, discover the other side of love.

PRE-SALE TICKET is just $10 (WOW) FOR THE FIRST 100 CALLERS……..INCREASE AFTER …… For Tickets Sales, Please call Karim at 832-397-9192, 832-462-9882

For all other enquiries and details about this premiere, please contact Golden Icons at 713-320-4208.

PREMIERE: SATURDAY AUGUST 21. 2010 SHOWTIME: 7PM AMC LOEWS THEATRE 11225 FOUNTAIN LAKE DRIVE STAFFORD, TX. 77477

Enjoy trailer!