ULANDA: REINVENTS MAKOSSA IN HER NEW ALBUM “MAKING OF MAMA MAKOSSA” 

Makossa music is figuratively a smothering ember. The genre that gained eminence in the 80s and 90s is gradually effacing from the global scene. Well, just like Nigerians are incorporating Fuji, Ogene, and Highlife into contemporary music, some Cameroonian artists are working indefatigably to create that fusion.

Cameroonian artist Ulanda is literally reviving the Makossa in a nonpareil and urban form.

Her music is bringing deeply-rooted originality, eargasmic melodies and the production is first-rate.

Ulanda’s 8-track Album “Making of Mama Makossa” is a refreshing cocktail of old school Makossa flavour, Afrobeats and contemporary pop ingredients.

Let’s dive into a brief Review

TRACK 1: OTIOGBU

“Otiogbu” is a prelude, which immerses the listener into the Manyu cultural patrimony. Within 39 seconds, Ulanda ingeniously reinvents Moninkim with a more pulsating beat. It ends with the intriguing statement;

You no di go school? Na wetti with music?

This question is connotative of the idea that Ulanda had an unswerving passion for music. It was definitely an onerous task to choose music as a career, considering every parent wants their children to take the academic pathway.

We would have expected an extension of the song’s length, but unfortunately it isn’t the making of Moninkim, but Makossa ?

TRACK 2: MAN GO HANG

This is where Ulanda sails the listener towards a nostalgically melodic direction. If you ever listened to Ebanja Manfred in the 70s, you will relive the moments when listening to “Man Go hang”. What makes it peculiar is the new school vibe, she injects.

“Everybody’s looking for you, wetti fine you for ya sister” ; This line delves profoundly into inces.tuous relationships, which flout African traditional customs. Jonathan is the antag0nist, in this unpleasant story that reprimands consanguineous relationships.

Ulanda’s intentionality about this album is brought to bear, as she throws light on a topic that are rarely addressed musically.

TRACK 3: MON MARI

The video of “Mon Mari” has clocked a deserving 1 million views. The song’s curtain raiser is an melancholic acoustic guitar, which gives Ulanda leeway to tell a touching story. Many people who experience domestic vi0lence don’t even realize that they are in an abusive relationship. They tend to be carried by love and reject every advice.

“Mon Mari” advocates against domestic vi0lence.

“He won’t break my heart, he won’t break soul, Say he loves me so. That’s why I can’t leave”. She debuts with English and switches to French; (translated) “Even though he beats me up, I will stay” .

The educative depth of this song cannot be overemphasized.

TRACK 4: REMEMBER YOURSELF

Teddy Beatz is renowned for producing melodic Bendsikin beats for Krys M. His ingenuity on this song is a testament to his versatility.

With emphatic Amapiano elements, “Remember yourself” wields solid international appeal and Ulanda proved her lyrical adeptness on this one.

The song conveys the message that despite the disappointment and mistrust you may face in life, find time to remember yourself.

TRACK 5: E DON TAY FT LOCKO

After “Mon Mari”, should be the potential follow-up. This is feel-good Makossa music. Wow ! Phillbill did justice by using a major happy chord progression.

“E don Tay” gives a glimmer of hope after finding love.

After going through a phase of disappointments from a Bamenda guy and a Douala guy, the protagonist is anxious to get fulfilling relationship.

Locko was just the right person to complement artistry to this palette. His smooth vocals and mastery of the Sawa vibe made it a walk in the park for him.

TRACK 6: INTERNATIONAL FT TEDDYBEATZ

“International” features Teddy Beatz. It is an Amapiano-infused fast-tempo tune, which gives the high roller vibe of money-spending. Ulanda and Teddy Beatz had a great musical chemistry. The song has good potential to break bounds.

TRACK 7 – MAMA

After the dance mood, Ulanda cushions our emotions with “Mama”, which is a tribute song to her mother. She valorizes her mum and appreciates her sacrifices, which can not be recompensed.

TRACK 8 – BEAUTIFUL

“You are beautiful just the way you are.

Exude confidence and good self-esteem. Let no one deride your physical appearance and drown your emotions. You are beautiful and your worth is boundless. This is the message Ulanda conveys in this breathtaking song.

Thank you for reading.

#nexdimempire