“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

Jacky Kingue is currently in the studio preparing his third album which he declares shall be released in 2011
The young singer who has had a long European adventure is getting set to stage a massive return to the music scene.

Jacky Kingué, since his last album Un pas de plus, has collaborated on album projects of artists such as Papillon, Chantal Ayissi and recently  Benji Mateke.

He  now owns a recording studio in France. Benji Mateke’s latest album was produced in this studio.

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.

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)

Isidore Tameu a.k.a Taphis is a young rapper who hails from Yaounde. Influenced by albums released by MC Solaar and Matt Houston, he developed a passion to start penning his own lyrics and got integrated with  Caporegime and Shy Fx’s M’Perfect Records. After being part of groups like Bio 52 and Arsenal Family, he decided to start a solo career.In 2007, he released a single titled ”Dis- leur” produced by Mystique Djim. He is currently signed under Ghetto Muzik. ”Mon Biz” is the first single of his upcoming album.

Avin-U C just dropped a brand new Mixtape dubbed ”Camerican Dream”. Hope you enjoy this remake of Lil Wayne’s track ”I’m single” extracted from the groundbreaking compilation. Don’t forget to grab your copy of the mixtape.

www.avinuc.com

Hey people, we just got some videos of  Avin-U C queen, Naomi Achu‘s live performances. We loved these videos. Hope you enjoy too!

”EXCITED”

Kora Awards nominee and Star De Demain Laureate , Achalle is already set to release his second studio album titled ”EXCITED”. NexDim met Achalle at M1 Studios and he disclosed to us the release date is the 22nd of July but the venue is still uncertain. We shall however announce the venue of the release and other details as soon as it is confirmed.

Hard copies of the album shall be distributed by NexDim through our networks in UK, USA, Sweden and South Africa as soon as it is released.

Enjoy this teaser!!

Excited Download audio file (excited.mp3)

Rhythm of the night Download audio file (rythm-of-the-night.mp3)

In Love Download audio file (in-love-ft-rude-boy.mp3)

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.

Initially announced to be released on the 27th of June 2010, the album ”Dans Mon Monde” by the new Cameroonian rapper Nkunkuma shall be out on a later date not yet  disclosed. While waiting for the release, the artist refers fans to his official blog to listen to 3 of his songs extracted from the album. (1-pardonnes moi, 2-dangerous feat nostra shy fx, 3-dans mon monde). www.nkunkumastar.skyrock.com

This 14 tracks album produced by SHY FX for AGRESSIV’ cuts through several themes like women,love,war and politics.

Reezbo, Nigger shy, Dj Roméo, dj Chris, Ga-l, Sir Nostra…featured in the album.

Pardonne moi

kamerhiphop.com