10 RECORD LABELS OWNED BY THAT TRANSFORMED THE CAMEROON MUSIC INDUSTRY 

The Cameroonian diaspora are major actors, enhancing the growth of the Cameroon music industry. Before 2010, there was considerably low investment from “bushfallers” in the urban music business in Cameroon. 

Between 2011 – 2023, the Cameroon music industry witnessed blistering growth, due to remittances from the diaspora. Most of the remittances were to support artists, pay for their studio sessions and shoot videos. 

In the wake of Jovi-Stanley Enow breakthrough, “bushfallers” daringly started pumping tons of money into the music industry, by creating record labels. Labels created by “bushfallers” were able to scout talents, especially in the Anglophone regions and turn them into stars. 

Below are 10 record labels owned by Diaspora Cameroonians. 

1. BGC MELODY

BGC is a record label and subsidiary of Barthson Global Communications Management (BGC) based in the United States. The label was one of the first to start scouting in Cameroon in 2009.

BGC signed Denzyl (Ambe) in 2009.

The label invested on Ambe and even flew him to South Africa to pursue his music career. “So long” remix , Marry me and She don jazz me” were released under the label. 

BGC melody has continued to invest in the music business, with array of artists like Princess Ziiana, Cindy Mbando, Pope Switzeal, Bah Ndong, Jaye, Deenah etc

2. EMPIRE COMPANY

Empire Company is owned by Pit Baccardi Cameroonian rapper, who was prominent in the French music industry in the early 2000s. After a successful career in France, he decided to invest in the Cameroonian music industry. He signed artists like X Maleya, Magasco, Dosseh, Ridimz, Crispy, Mimie and Oken

3. STEVENS MUSIC INC

Stevens Music, owned by Valery Ndikum (based in the US) is one of the most prominent record labels, that has created an immense impact in the Cameroonian music industry. Their investment was collosal on artists like Gasha, Daphne, Boy TAG, Shura, Ewube 

The label currently has two artists; Seppo and Egbe. 

4. KREEF ENTERTAINMENT

US-based event promoter and music executive Ebangha Njang has made a tremendous impact in talent development and promotion in Cameroon. Kreef Entertainment co-owned by her and Eva Ndumbe signed Mic Monsta in 2016 which enabled the artist’s career to gain traction. 

Made In Cameroon , Cameroonian music festival in USA was Ebangha Njang’s brainchild . This concept enabled Cameroonian artists to travel to US to perform , network and hoard finances. She is the brainchild of Sa Majesté Music, with AJ BAHBOY as marquee artist.

5. BIG DREAMS ENTERTAINMENT

Big Dreams Entertainment is one of the labels that transformed the urban music industry. The label is owned by Gervais Ngongang. After studying at the University of Montreal Canada, he relocated to Cameroon and signed Locko. Following Locko’s success, he signed Sojip and Kocee. 

Two artists Locko and Kocee blew up under the label. 

6. FRANCO RECORDS 

In 2012, US-based Entrepreneur Franco Bonghan created Franco Records for artist development , music publishing and artist promotion. The label has signed Cameroonian rapper Banye and singer DjSkeeper Jerry Cleo. 

He has made frantic efforts in promoting Cameroonians for close to a decade. 

7. BLUNATION

In 2016, US based Cameroonian entrepreneur Marvin Slim inspired by a strong love for his country created Blu Nation INC and signed Tzy Panchak , remarkably contributing to the advancement of the industry. 

Tzy Panchak ‘s influence has been massive in uncloaking other artists like Cleo Grae, Vernyuy Tina , and Vivid. 

Marvin Mvondo also initiated Java Fest , an African music festival with some Cameroonian artists headlining. 

Khoruz and Jkree were also signed under Blunation.

8. STARFISH ENTERTAINMENT 

Star Fish Entertainment, a UK-based label also spotted dulcet voiced Asaba and signed her under the label.

9. ATM Entertainment

The label is owned by Theo ATM, an event promoter in the UK. He signed Fhish, whose impact was tremendous before his demise. He has continued investing in the music industry on artists like Vherse and Badboy Jayl.

10. AKUMBA MUSIC

Akumba Music LLC is a record label owned by Achu Normad based in the US. Created in 2019, the label signed Rinyu, who achieved remarkable success. He is currently investing on Elisha K; making strides towards the Afrobeats market. 

WORTHY MENTION

Le Prince Records is owned by US-based entertainment executive Drip King. He signed and invested heavily on artists like Mr Melody and D’slyk. 

Over the years, Cameroonian bushfallers have taken the risks due to their passion for the culture, regardless of the return on investment. 

 “Bushfallers” are indispensable in enhancing the growth of the entertainment industry with the money they earn abroad. 

Their efforts in contributing to the growth of our entertainment industry are often regarded as inconsequential or insignificant. 

They invest money with no Return on Investment (ROI) , yet they keep investing. The music industry may face a downswing if Cameroonians in the diaspora stop investing. 

#nexdimempire