The bring back Makossa campaign continues into its 4th week and as promised DC continues to bring you the hottest artists who took the Makossa genre onto another level in the 1980's.
Here are three more artists who will definitely get you reminiscing back to your childhood days.
Enjoy!
Have a fantastic weekend
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Friday, July 31, 2009
ARTY FARTY TIME!
Feast your eyes on these beautiful paintings / drawings from a fabulous Cameroonian artist by the name of Florence Béal-Nénakwé.
According to her website, the internal energy from her native Cameroon and her personal life are enough to make her express this cheerfulness and hope on a canvass.
Her artistic influences stems from her childhood days when she spent her spare time and holidays at the Bangangté Chief's palace.
I hope to get her on Dulce Camer!
According to her website, the internal energy from her native Cameroon and her personal life are enough to make her express this cheerfulness and hope on a canvass.
Her artistic influences stems from her childhood days when she spent her spare time and holidays at the Bangangté Chief's palace.
I hope to get her on Dulce Camer!
AUCTION FOR A CAUSE *TONIGHT*
Hosted by the lovely Sophy Aiida and fellow Cameroonian MC Stephen Munabo, Auction for a Cause aims to raise funds to present a concert of fellow American stars Kelli Hilson and rapper Fabolous in Cameroon this december.The show takes place tonight, 6.30pm at the Lux Lounge in 649 New York Ave, Washington, DC.
There will be free food from 6.30pm to 7.00pm so you don't want to be left out!
Music performance from Semi-sola and a fashion show by KiRette Couture and Mileo Style are also on the menu!
To top it all up, they will be auctioning beautiful models that you will see at the show tonight all to benefit UDA (United to Develop Africa).
Go and support y'all.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
DULCE CAMER ENDORSES THE WAXING LYRICAL CAMPAIGN
Born in Cameroon and based in South Africa, 28-year-old soul singer and producer, Nde Ndifonka aka Wax, carries his messages of love and compassion throughout the world – in June 2009 he jetted off to the US to perform for charity, GEMS, before joining another US charity, Global Majority later that month to help them on their peace-through-dialogue tour. He staged a show for UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon on his recent visit to South Africa.Nde is a spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), brand ambassador for the City of Joburg, and brand ambassador for the ONE Movement (an international anti-racism/xenophobia initiative championed by the United Nations). Owner of record label, Lolhiphop records, he is also behind other artists from across the continent, such as Daveyton’s songbirg, Peggy. His first publication, a play entitled ‘The Chosen One' has been used in South African public schools and tertiary institutions across the continent. He also makes times to give talks and lectures on various pertinent issues affecting Africa at universities and communities.
Wax offers a semi-autobiographical album ‘African dream’, that is as lyrically profound and musically scintillating as it is relevant to all ages and races. The album tells stories of love and war, drawing blood from afro-pessimists, and celebrating love and humanity with beautiful soul rhythms.
Among everything he has to do, Mr Wax found time to talk to DC.
Happy Reading y'all!
DC: You are dubbed the Cameroonian brotha of soul, what does this mean to you?
Wax: It means a lot – I’m glad to represent a new dawn in the musical life of Anglophone Cameroonians who are not scared to have their voice heard and compete against the best in the world.
DC: How did you become an ambassador for the city of Jo’burg, being a Cameroonian?
Wax: Following unfortunate xenophobic attacks on foreigners that rocked South Africa in may 2008, the South Africa public rose to condemn the acts and apologise to immigrants who had suffered from that attacks. The City of Johannesburg also decided to embark on a campaign to show the world that Johannesburg is a city that welcomes and presents opportunities to foreigners. Wax presented a perfect symbol for such a campaign – a young migrant who entered the city a few years ago, and seized the opportunities he met. Wax became the face of an international campaign to sell the City of Johannesburg to foreign investors, tourists and visitors, telling his true story in the “This is my Jo'burg” campaign.
DC: South Africa has come a long way with fighting apartheid, what is the relationship between the black South Africans, the white South Africans and the non South Africans like yourself?
Wax: Xenophobia is a worldwide problem that humans ace everywhere. In Cameroon, we have Igbophobia. These sentiments arise because people do not understnand each other, and have unjustified fears or suspicions. One of my responsibilities as an artists is to sensitise people all over the world (not just in SA) about the benefits unity in diversity. I am a brand ambassador for the ONE Movement, an international anti-racism/xenophobia initiative championed by the United Nations, under the patronage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
To get to your question though, racism and xenophobia are still a big problem in SA. These are cultures that are not easy to shake off, although progress is being made.
Wax: Xenophobia is a worldwide problem that humans ace everywhere. In Cameroon, we have Igbophobia. These sentiments arise because people do not understnand each other, and have unjustified fears or suspicions. One of my responsibilities as an artists is to sensitise people all over the world (not just in SA) about the benefits unity in diversity. I am a brand ambassador for the ONE Movement, an international anti-racism/xenophobia initiative championed by the United Nations, under the patronage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
To get to your question though, racism and xenophobia are still a big problem in SA. These are cultures that are not easy to shake off, although progress is being made.
********************************************************
DC: What made you venture into the music industry?
Wax: Passion for music and passion for people. I love to interact with people, and music gives me an opportunity to share my thoughts with people every day.
DC: What do you hope to achieve with your music?
Wax: I don’t expect to change the world, but I am always fully gratified if one persons listens to and gets pleasure form my music. I am even more fulfilled if my music touches one person with a useful message or inspiration. If every person touched one person in a special way, then maybe we have changed the world!
Wax: Passion for music and passion for people. I love to interact with people, and music gives me an opportunity to share my thoughts with people every day.
DC: What do you hope to achieve with your music?
Wax: I don’t expect to change the world, but I am always fully gratified if one persons listens to and gets pleasure form my music. I am even more fulfilled if my music touches one person with a useful message or inspiration. If every person touched one person in a special way, then maybe we have changed the world!
DC: You are involved in so many things like participating in charity shows, staging shows for the UN secretary, giving talks on racism and xenophobia, managing other artists and running a label, how do you find time to do your own thing?
Those things are my own thing! Until I get a family.
Those things are my own thing! Until I get a family.
DC: Ok!
DC: You are a record exec, how easy was it setting up a record label in South Africa?
Wax: Quite easy, besides working my ass off! But South Africa does a lot to encourage young entrepreneurs, although it is always more difficult as a foreigner.
********************************************************
DC: If you were not into music, what else would you have loved to do?
Writing. I’ve always loved writing, and I have a publication that is used in some school currculum.
Writing. I’ve always loved writing, and I have a publication that is used in some school currculum.
DC: How is your cooking skills, I hear you are a good cook!
I cook often and bake on sundays. I invented my own garlic and mushroom pasta recipe, which has earned me many marriage proposals. I keep the proposals in a special file, in case I get to busy to make my own food some day.
DC: You've got one more proposal to add to your file now ;-))
A man who cooks is good, a man who bakes? That's like WOW!
********************************************************
DC: Your new album “African dream” is out today, tell us more about this album?
Wax: African Dream is not just music. It represents a lifestyle. I want the success of this album to be judged not by charts, but by the impact it has on anyone who listens to the message.” So what is this message?
The title track encapsulates this in a bridge that croons: ‘On CNN I see this little street kid; he’s got nothing to eat, and that’s all that they see; but somewhere in his eyes I see ambition scream: who will set me free from these gates of dreaming?’
My dream is to see every African reach their full potential, an objective that goes beyond a child on TV’s basic need for food.
It is not my dream – I am only part of a growing body of African youths who are ready to seize the reins of the continent’s future, force themselves out of the box of limitations, and claim their place as global players in every field of endeavour. I am only motivating my listeners to become part of, and support that body.
Wax: African Dream is not just music. It represents a lifestyle. I want the success of this album to be judged not by charts, but by the impact it has on anyone who listens to the message.” So what is this message?
The title track encapsulates this in a bridge that croons: ‘On CNN I see this little street kid; he’s got nothing to eat, and that’s all that they see; but somewhere in his eyes I see ambition scream: who will set me free from these gates of dreaming?’
My dream is to see every African reach their full potential, an objective that goes beyond a child on TV’s basic need for food.
It is not my dream – I am only part of a growing body of African youths who are ready to seize the reins of the continent’s future, force themselves out of the box of limitations, and claim their place as global players in every field of endeavour. I am only motivating my listeners to become part of, and support that body.
DC: When will you be serenading us here in London with your lyrics?
When are you inviting me?
When are you inviting me?
DC: Ohhhh, ok we’ll see!
DC: What advice do you give to others especially in Cameroon who are looking to leave Cameroon and head to another country?
Wax: No matter where you are, success only comes when you work hard and then, it becomes even tougher to maintain your success. I think you would have the same opportunities in Cameroon, maybe more.
Wax: No matter where you are, success only comes when you work hard and then, it becomes even tougher to maintain your success. I think you would have the same opportunities in Cameroon, maybe more.
******************************************************
DC: Looking very good in your promotional pics, you know the ladies including moi of course would want to know if you work out!
Wax: Actually I don’t. I eat a lot because my mom told me ladies love a man who loves his food. However, I keep fit through hard work and amazing genetics.
Wax: Actually I don’t. I eat a lot because my mom told me ladies love a man who loves his food. However, I keep fit through hard work and amazing genetics.
DC: Wow, excellent genes then!
DC: And what next for the soul brotha?
Wax: Producing my TV talk show. It’s an edutainment show that all Africans, young and old, would love! When that is done, I’ll look for some other passion, but definitely not climbing mountains.
Wax: Producing my TV talk show. It’s an edutainment show that all Africans, young and old, would love! When that is done, I’ll look for some other passion, but definitely not climbing mountains.
DC: Keep DC updated with the launch of the TV Show.
****************************************************
****************************************************
"African Dream" by Wax is out today and to get your copy, please go to:
iTunes: www.itunes.com/wax/africandream
His website at http://www.waxexperience.com/
Myspace: www.myspace.com/waxexperience.com
***************************************************
Dulce Camer has got 2 signed album to give away. To get your hands on this, answer this question correctly!
Question: Which South African city is Wax representing as an ambassador?
Answer: send it to brownschuga@googlemail.com
Goodluck!
**************************************************
Thanks for checking the blog, support a brotha!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Friday, July 24, 2009
BRING BACK MAKOSSA CAMPAIGN...WEEK 4
The bring back Makossa campaign this week focuses on the 80's, the year of big shoulder pads, colourful items of clothing, back combed hair or "punk" haircuts and some fantastic music!
In the 80's, Makossa beats became faster, more pop influenced and drum machine produced and the music videos...well you should know!
Artists such as Ndedi Eyango, Sam Fan Thomas, Hoigen Ekwalla (RIP), Charlotte Mbango (RIP), Tom Yoms (RIP), Petit Pays, the Deccas and many more rained during this era.
Today, we are going to focus on two of the artists mentioned above. I hope they echo memories well buried in your hearts...ENJOY!
I am dancing already, lol! Yeh-bah....bal a terre...
Have a fabulous weekend, whatever you do stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
In the 80's, Makossa beats became faster, more pop influenced and drum machine produced and the music videos...well you should know!
Artists such as Ndedi Eyango, Sam Fan Thomas, Hoigen Ekwalla (RIP), Charlotte Mbango (RIP), Tom Yoms (RIP), Petit Pays, the Deccas and many more rained during this era.
Today, we are going to focus on two of the artists mentioned above. I hope they echo memories well buried in your hearts...ENJOY!
I am dancing already, lol! Yeh-bah....bal a terre...
Have a fabulous weekend, whatever you do stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
FIND HER KEEP HER - FHKH *UPDATED*
Film synopsis:FIND HER KEEP HER, a Godson Pictures Production is the story of three friends Charles Knight, Ray Harris and Tyler Babatunde, young men with everything going for them. Except something is missing…the perfect MRS.RIGHT. So, the proverbial search for the woman of the dreams takes them on a rollercoaster with twists and turns.
Charles Knight (Kojo) is a self proclaimed player, a ladies man and a serial heartbreaker, but in walks, Simone Hagan (Rachel Ritfeld), a 25-year-old American solicitor who knows what she wants in a man and changes Charles’s entire perspective. Charles and Simone’s union seems like a match made in heaven when they meet, but finding love is never straight forward.
Kojo, dubbed "The Fresh Prince of Hackney" is fast becoming one of the biggest talents to come out of the black comedy circuit. Kojo has performed all over the world such as America, Holland, Ghana & Nigeria, Germany as well as featuring on our TV screens on MTV Base, Virgin 1 and BBC, Kojo is hands down the man behind the new energy in the new look urban comedy scene. Over the years he has performed with some huge names along the way such as Chris Rock, Eddie Griffith and Dave Chapelle just to name a few. Kojo brings his comedic flair and adaptability to his debut acting role.
Rachel Ritfeld a seasoned model who has added her sparkling screen presence in hit shows like MTV's Hip-Hop Candy, to the Sky 1 series, 2nd and 3rd season, hosted by Kelly Osbourne, "Project Catwalk" and numerous music videos. Voted one of the hottest women to ever wear a bikini by Fashion TV, the new face for American streetwear brand Akademics, Rachel is now adding actress to her multi faceted brand with her lead role in FIND HER KEEP HER.
“Audiences will be sitting on the edges of their seats, watching Charles and Simone’s story unfold” says director Nam Aibangbee. FIND HER KEEP HER, is a story we are all familiar with but with a sexy, urban twist. Essentially, FIND HER KEEP HER answers the burning question - will they find her? And if they do can they keep her?
FIND HER KEEP HER sponsored by Sisterhood TV, premieres on 21st August 2009 at the trendy O2 Vue Cinema, North Greenwich. With a host of UK urban celebrities gracing the Red carpet with the exclusive screening starting at 9pm. For more info,email info@godsonmedia.com.
Godson Pictures employs the proficiency of a crew that comprises of professional writers, producers, directors, casting directors, art directors, actors, stylists, cameramen and an additional repertoire of production staff.
Their services comprises of high quality short films, features, documentaries, sitcoms and music videos. As they are in the dawn of a new era, Godson Pictures aims to reach far and beyond what is expected of their current generation, by reaching out to a vast array of genres, ranging on different ages, races and gender, thus being able to provide entertainment to your screens for generations to come.
“Everything we do is inspired by creativity, and creativity is the essence of human evolution and the basis of our incorporation”
Catch the chance to see the UK's BEST romantic / drama this year.
At the hem of the promotion team is Cameroonian maestro Zorzi Zorzy of irockthemicent.com
Join the facebook group here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Find-her-keep-her/222339680155
Date: Friday, August 21, 2009
Where: Vue Cinema, O2, London SE10 DX
Time: 19.00pm to 22.00pm
Here's the trailer, enjoy!
Go and support.
Dulce
xxx
ALL CAMEROON CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2009
The true expressions of Cameroon's colourful culture and art will be exhibited at the All Cameroon Cultural Festival in Maryland next month.Head down there to experience this Africa in Miniature's diversity and richness.
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009
Time: 12.00pm to 8.00pm
Price: FREE
Address: Eleanor Roosevelt High School, 7601 Hanover Parkway, Greenbelt, MD
Contact: 301 755 7530, 301 440 3910, 240 593 8523
Support y'all
Dulce
xxx
Monday, July 20, 2009
AUCTION FOR A CAUSE
CSU (Cameroonian Student Union) is organising an auction benefiting UDA (United to Develop Africa). Both organisations are Cameroonian founded with a target of helping Cameroon and Africa.The purpose of the show is to help fund their christmas project of bringing American R'n'B newcomer Keri Hilson together with fellow American Rapper Fabolous to Cameroon on the 20th of December 2009 for a concert which will also benefit a Cameroon based organisation raising awareness against HIV and Aids.
According to Sophy Aiida who will be presenting the show together with fellow Cameroonian MC Stephen Munabo, I am involved in it because I am a PR for CSU and I took the responsibility to organise this event because I want to put Cameroon out there and make a change for my country!"
Date: Friday, 31st July 2009
Time: 18.30pm-21.30pm
Address: LUX Lounge, 649 New York Ave, Washington, DC
Phone: 202 347 8100
Email: prcstudentunion@gmail.com
Website: www.csuplanet.org
Go and suport y'all
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Friday, July 17, 2009
BRING BACK MAKOSSA CAMPAIGN...WEEK 3
Today's Bring back makossa campaigns falls on Francis Bebey, a renowned artist, musician and writer.Bebey attended the Sorbonne in Paris and was further educated in the US.
In the early 1960's he moved to France after living in Ghana and started work in the arts, establishing himself as a musician, sculptor and writer.
Bebey released his first album in 1969 and his music was primarily guitar-based, although he integrated traditional African instruments as well.
His style was groundbreaking, merging Cameroonian makossa with classical guitar, jazz and pop in a mix that could be intellectual, humourous or serious. He sang in Duala, English and French and also helped launched the career of Manu Dibango.
He passed on the 28th of May 2001 in Paris.
This is Francis Bebey with Agatha.
Enjoy
Bio info coutesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Bebey
Picture courtesy of: alainfinkielkrautrock.blogspot.com
Please readers take part in this campaign and help DC bring Makossa back onto the streets!
Email brownschuga@googlemail.com or leave your requests as comments...
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A CAMEROONIAN SLAMS DUNKS 2 TITLES!
Georges Manyaka who plays with Al Ahli Tripoli basketball team in Libya currently holds the the titles of the best player and best scorer in his club.After 2 seasons playing with his club, he feels they have improved a great deal in the league which they finshed 4th this year.
For more of the interview with this talent visit: http://www.journalducameroun.com/article.php?aid=2111
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
A NEW INDOMNITABLE LION?
According to reports yesterday, an announcement by the Minister of Sports, Michel Zoah, confirmed Paul Le Guen as the new head coach for the national team, the Indomnitable Lions.His first game with the national side will be a friendly against Austria on the 12th of August in Vienna.
His most important task is to get the national side qualified for the 2010 World cup.
VITAL STATISTICS
- Paul Le Guen was born on March 1st 1964 in Pencran in Brittany (Bretagne), the North West Region of France.
- He was a former French international football defender and played only 17 times due to injuries
- Played with AS Brest from 1982-1983
- Played with Stade Brest 29 from 1983-1989
- Played with FC Nantes Atlantique from 1989-1991
- Played with Paris Saint-Germain from 1991-1998
- Was part of the French national team from 1993-1995
As a manger, he managed:
- Stade Rennais from 1998-2001
- Olympique Lyonnais from 2002-2005
- Rangers, Scotland from 2006-2009
- Paris Saint-Germain from 2007-2009
QUESTION:
Would he make a difference to this already nonchalant Cameroon side??
I personally think the fact that he speaks French is a huge bonus...communication could be the key ;-))
What do you think?
Leave your opinions as comments.
Picture courtesy of: Lefigaro.fr
News courtesy of www.lejournalducameroun.com
Le Guen vital stats courtesy of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Le_Guen
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Friday, July 10, 2009
BRING BACK MAKOSSA CAMPAIGN...WEEK 2
In the 1950s, before Cameroon rallied around its homegrown makossa sound, the port city Douala moved to Nigerian highlife, Congolese rumba and Cuban music. But in the streets, troupes played a spirited folk music called ambasse bey, featuring stick-and-bottle percussion and guitar, a sound later popularized by Salle John.
Guitar-picking singers like Lobe Rameau performed and recorded topical songs, but it took Eboa Lotin's guitar-and-harmonica-based releases in the early '60s to bring these elements together and etch the beginnings of a new national sound, named for a children's hand-clapping game, kossa. Misse Ngoh, guitarist for Los Calvinos, moved makossa forward by developing the crisp, circular fingerpicking that became one of its trademarks. Rudimentary two-track recordings made in Douala prevailed until makossa pioneer Ekambi Brillant went to Paris and recorded in a modern studio.
By the 1980s, guitarist Toto Guillaume and bassist Aladji Touré had set up shop in the French capital, arranging and producing a stable of musicians who would shape the gleaming Paris recordings of makossa's heyday. Singers like Dina Bell, Guy Lobé, Ben Decca, Manulo, Douleur and Pierre De Moussy fashioned repeating hook melodies, mostly in the Douala language, backed by horn sections and dulcet female chorus singers, notably Sissy Dipoko, Marilou and Francis Titty. Like the nation's favorite beverage, champagne, makossa delivers sweet, fizzy intoxication. Makossa producers mixed the music's active bass lines loud for a punchy dancehall sound.
Moni Bilé proved one of the biggest hit-makers, starting with "Bijou" in 1982. But Sam Fan Thomas, with a sound based on the faster makassi rhythm of western Cameroon, gave makossa its most enduring hit with "African Typic Collection" in 1984. Since his late '60s work with the Black Tigers, Sam had worked his way into the Douala makossa scene. "African Typic Collection" celebrated the country's traditional music and worked around a lyrical refrain that proved irresistible and helped spread makossa to other African countries and to the West Indies. Sam's big hit also proved a tough act for him to repeat, and since then, a succession of singers have enjoyed their turn in the spotlight.
Lapiro de Mbanga's blend of makossa and soukous proved a marketing master stroke and appealed to a wide audience. Lapiro often sang in pidgin English--understood by more Camerooneans than the Douala language of most makossa hits--and he generated additional excitement with timely political jabs in his lyrics. Meanwhile, new artists like Charlotte Mbango, Prince Eyango and Grace Decca emerged from the Paris scene. By that time, producers like Toto and Aladji had begun blending makossa with another popular party-hardy style, zouk from the French Antilles. The resulting sound, sometimes called zouk, still registers on international dance charts in the wake of the makossa explosion. Singers Guy Lobé and Petit Pays have had particular success with the makozouk formula.
Makossa veterans have continued to branch out. The great Paris horn section Jimmy and Fredo worked out of Washington, DC in the late '80s. More recently, Cameroonian session players, mostly based in Paris, have played key roles in jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty's Tchokola project, and in Paul Simon's Rhythm of the Saints band, which also featured Cameroon's maverick guitarist Vincent Nguini.
(source: http://www.afropop.org/explore/style_info/ID/9/Makossa/)
In today's video upload, we are going to be focusing on one of the great Makossa legends, PENDA DALLE (right on picture).
Check this out and see if it unlocks any memories!
Happy watching...I am already dancing!
(Kudos to the music mastermind himself DJ Lewat for requesting this track!)
(This one is from team DC to y'all...I can so remember this video, I wanted to copy all the dance moves especially the guy in shorts towards the end of the video!!)
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Guitar-picking singers like Lobe Rameau performed and recorded topical songs, but it took Eboa Lotin's guitar-and-harmonica-based releases in the early '60s to bring these elements together and etch the beginnings of a new national sound, named for a children's hand-clapping game, kossa. Misse Ngoh, guitarist for Los Calvinos, moved makossa forward by developing the crisp, circular fingerpicking that became one of its trademarks. Rudimentary two-track recordings made in Douala prevailed until makossa pioneer Ekambi Brillant went to Paris and recorded in a modern studio.
By the 1980s, guitarist Toto Guillaume and bassist Aladji Touré had set up shop in the French capital, arranging and producing a stable of musicians who would shape the gleaming Paris recordings of makossa's heyday. Singers like Dina Bell, Guy Lobé, Ben Decca, Manulo, Douleur and Pierre De Moussy fashioned repeating hook melodies, mostly in the Douala language, backed by horn sections and dulcet female chorus singers, notably Sissy Dipoko, Marilou and Francis Titty. Like the nation's favorite beverage, champagne, makossa delivers sweet, fizzy intoxication. Makossa producers mixed the music's active bass lines loud for a punchy dancehall sound.
Moni Bilé proved one of the biggest hit-makers, starting with "Bijou" in 1982. But Sam Fan Thomas, with a sound based on the faster makassi rhythm of western Cameroon, gave makossa its most enduring hit with "African Typic Collection" in 1984. Since his late '60s work with the Black Tigers, Sam had worked his way into the Douala makossa scene. "African Typic Collection" celebrated the country's traditional music and worked around a lyrical refrain that proved irresistible and helped spread makossa to other African countries and to the West Indies. Sam's big hit also proved a tough act for him to repeat, and since then, a succession of singers have enjoyed their turn in the spotlight.
Lapiro de Mbanga's blend of makossa and soukous proved a marketing master stroke and appealed to a wide audience. Lapiro often sang in pidgin English--understood by more Camerooneans than the Douala language of most makossa hits--and he generated additional excitement with timely political jabs in his lyrics. Meanwhile, new artists like Charlotte Mbango, Prince Eyango and Grace Decca emerged from the Paris scene. By that time, producers like Toto and Aladji had begun blending makossa with another popular party-hardy style, zouk from the French Antilles. The resulting sound, sometimes called zouk, still registers on international dance charts in the wake of the makossa explosion. Singers Guy Lobé and Petit Pays have had particular success with the makozouk formula.
Makossa veterans have continued to branch out. The great Paris horn section Jimmy and Fredo worked out of Washington, DC in the late '80s. More recently, Cameroonian session players, mostly based in Paris, have played key roles in jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty's Tchokola project, and in Paul Simon's Rhythm of the Saints band, which also featured Cameroon's maverick guitarist Vincent Nguini.
(source: http://www.afropop.org/explore/style_info/ID/9/Makossa/)
In today's video upload, we are going to be focusing on one of the great Makossa legends, PENDA DALLE (right on picture).Check this out and see if it unlocks any memories!
Happy watching...I am already dancing!
(Kudos to the music mastermind himself DJ Lewat for requesting this track!)
(This one is from team DC to y'all...I can so remember this video, I wanted to copy all the dance moves especially the guy in shorts towards the end of the video!!)
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
Hey peeps, hope yesterday's post has got you soul searching and eager to contribute to the World. Please do what you can, stretch yourself than you would normally do and lend a hand.
Reach out to somebody....PLEASE!
Right today's post is just to update on 2 things.
Back in August last year an attaché at the Cameroonian High Commission, Mr Kitts Mbeboh (3rd from left on picture) was attacked, stabbed and killed at his Greenford (London) home by his own son Beza Mbeboh.
The case was held at the Old Bailey and Beza has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order. He admitted manslaughter due to diminished responsibility after he was diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia.
Source of story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8140618.stm
Picture from www.camernews.com
QUESTION:
Why is Mental Health a taboo in our society? Why do we seek to hide it or take no notice of it?
What can we do to make the plight of Mental Health sufferers a topical matter?
Please leave your advices / comments below. Much appreciated.
On a lighter note, we have a winner on the DC Sona the Voice competition. The lucky winner gets a signed copy of the new album "African Juju".
More competitions to come on DC! Watch out and stay tuned!
Also watch out for our makossa campaign, join in and and bring makossa back to the streets and onto our hearts!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Reach out to somebody....PLEASE!
Right today's post is just to update on 2 things.
Back in August last year an attaché at the Cameroonian High Commission, Mr Kitts Mbeboh (3rd from left on picture) was attacked, stabbed and killed at his Greenford (London) home by his own son Beza Mbeboh.The case was held at the Old Bailey and Beza has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order. He admitted manslaughter due to diminished responsibility after he was diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia.
Source of story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8140618.stm
Picture from www.camernews.com
QUESTION:
Why is Mental Health a taboo in our society? Why do we seek to hide it or take no notice of it?
What can we do to make the plight of Mental Health sufferers a topical matter?
Please leave your advices / comments below. Much appreciated.
On a lighter note, we have a winner on the DC Sona the Voice competition. The lucky winner gets a signed copy of the new album "African Juju".
More competitions to come on DC! Watch out and stay tuned!
Also watch out for our makossa campaign, join in and and bring makossa back to the streets and onto our hearts!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Thursday, July 9, 2009
WE ARE THE WORLD: MAKE A CHANGE
We are the World today and our children are the World tomorrow, how can we make it a better place for our children to reign in?
Micheal Jackson’s passing touched the DC crew a whole lot and in some ways has inspired a soul searching moment where we each have had to look at ourselves and think: what am I doing to contribute to this World?
What am I doing today to contribute to tomorrow?
Our dear readers and fellow visitors, this post today aims to make you think deeper than maybe you usually do, it aims to give you an awareness that all is not right with our World today, it also wants to draw you out of your comfort zone and into a spot that is unfamiliar, hostile and impoverished.
There are so many steps that YOU can make to help another, to put a smile on someone’s face, to give someone HOPE and to make someone worthy and equipped to face the tomorrow they do not know. However small, as they say, every little counts!
What can YOU do?
Neighbour:
Micheal Jackson’s passing touched the DC crew a whole lot and in some ways has inspired a soul searching moment where we each have had to look at ourselves and think: what am I doing to contribute to this World?
What am I doing today to contribute to tomorrow?
Our dear readers and fellow visitors, this post today aims to make you think deeper than maybe you usually do, it aims to give you an awareness that all is not right with our World today, it also wants to draw you out of your comfort zone and into a spot that is unfamiliar, hostile and impoverished.
There are so many steps that YOU can make to help another, to put a smile on someone’s face, to give someone HOPE and to make someone worthy and equipped to face the tomorrow they do not know. However small, as they say, every little counts!
What can YOU do?
Neighbour:
You can start with your neighbour. As the Bible says, LOVE thy neighbour as thyself.
Why don’t you knock on your neighbour’s door and check on them to see if they are ok.
Why don’t you see if they need anything, their shopping done? Clothes washed or ironed? Meals cooked? Or maybe a chat?
Why don’t you invite them for brunch? Lunch? Dinner? Sunday roast? Church?
Why don’t you surprise them, bake a cake? Give them flowers?
This is vital especially in this Western society where everyone lives behind closed doors and you can spend months even years without seeing your neighbour.
Sponsor a child:
There are many schemes / organisations that provide this facility. Why don’t you choose one, investigate them by asking questions and then see how you can contribute to making a child of today the leader of tomorrow.
www.soschildrenvillages.org.uk/sponsor-a-child/
http://www.makeachildsmile.org/
http://www.orphancareintl.org/
http://www.helpchildrenwithaids.org/
www.unitedactionforchildren.org/sponsor_a_child
http://www.capecam.org/ (Cameroon based)
http://www.missionschoolofhope.org/ (Cameroon based)
http://www.okalafoundation.org/ (Cameroon based)
You can sponsor a cousin, a niece, a nephew, a friend’s child or even a neighbour’s child in Cameroon. YOU decide at least it is close to home.
Visits:
You can choose to visit:
Old people’s homes (Care Homes)
Hospitals
Sick homes
Prisons
Youth Institutions etc
Mentoring:
Why don’t you share your skills, talent, ideas, motivation with the younger generation?
Befriend a Young offender and help them rehabilitate.
Go into schools and find out their mentoring programmes and see if you can contribute.
Do you sing? Why not give singing lessons / classes to some youths?
Do you dance? Why not dancing lessons?
Do you play an instrument? Why not teach that?
Do you love theatre and directing? Why not gather some kids around in your neighbourhood and put together a play?
Mentoring is all about leading, directing, motivating, encouraging, building and acquiring self appreciation.
There are so many things YOU can do to make a change, anything is something. And in the quote by Hellen Keller shared with Dulce Camer by Amabel Niba, editor of African Vibes Magazine, "I am only one but still I am one, I cannot do everything but still I can do something and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do".
Get up and do something
We are the World, We are the children.
Thank you
Dulce
xxx
(Picture above taken from http://www.amanikids.org/)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
FETE ATELIER, C'EST ICI LA FETE COMMENCE
If uniqueness and a touch of class is what you seek for your event, then Fete Atelier is the place to go. They partner with their clients to create an event that reflects their personalities and sense of style. From a dramatic touch to a simple yet elegant look that will turn any dream into reality.They promise you a memorable fete with elegant designs, impeccable service and an exceptional attention to detail.
Here is an interview they gave to DC. Happy Reading y’all!
DC: WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF FETE ATELIER?
FA: FA is a full service event planning and design studio (services include event design and décor, florals, and stationery). We are a woman-owned and operated enterprise that takes pride in planning and executing unique and impeccable events to meet each client’s individual needs.
DC: WHO ARE THE FACES BEHIND FETE ATELIER AND WHAT IS THEIR CONTRIBUTION?
FA: Liz Agbor-Tabi and Akua Ardayfio are the ladies behind FA. Liz is responsible for driving the company’s creative focus and Akua works primarily on financial and strategic development. We also partner with an exclusive group of freelance artists and consultants to meet each client’s specific needs.
DC: HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?
FA: We met at a wedding through our then fiances and now spouses who have been long- time friends and during the peaks of our own wedding planning process. How serendipitous? Soon after we met, we realised that we shared a love for impeccably executed events and a desire to turn our passions into a profitable, sustainable business. Our initial meeting evolved into a friendship that was the perfect backdrop for the development and subsequent launching of fete atelier.
DC: HOW DOES YOUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AS FRIENDS HELP YOUR BUSINESS?
FA: Akua and I have different, yet complementary personalities. I am more visual and she is more sensory and logical. I am artsy, adventurous and exuberant- she does a great job of grounding me. We share many fundamental beliefs, are passionate about our craft, driven and highly motivated go getters. We are both women of faith who love the Lord. Our relationship allows us to celebrate our differences while capitalizing on our combined strength. Coupled with great communication, this makes for a mutually beneficial business and personal relationship.
DC: WHY DID YOU START FETE ATELIER?
FA: We recognised a need in the marketplace for elegant yet affordable event solutions for the discerning client that appreciates attention to detail, special touches and a personalised and unique approach to event planning. Our mission was to provide an outlet where each event would reflect each client’s unique vision and style.
DC: WHAT MARKETING STRATEGIES HAVE YOU ADOPTED TO GET YOUR BUSINESS OUT THERE?
FA: We have harnessed the power of social networking and e-marketing tools. In addition, as an organisation, we believe strongly in cause-related marketing and have partnered with several philanthropic organisations as donors as well as offered our services pro bono. This enables a targeted approach to reaching our targeted client base.
FA: We have harnessed the power of social networking and e-marketing tools. In addition, as an organisation, we believe strongly in cause-related marketing and have partnered with several philanthropic organisations as donors as well as offered our services pro bono. This enables a targeted approach to reaching our targeted client base.
DC: WHAT ARE YOUR PREVIOUS PROFESSIONS AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND?
FA: We hold graduate degrees from Tufts University and the Johns Hopkins University respectively
Akua: I have a background in international economics and have worked both in the public and private sectors in the area of business development and strategic planning. Putting together aesthetically pleasing and exquisite events has always been a passion. Fete Atelier allows me to marry my strong business acumen and creativity.
Liz: I have a background in healthcare and public health policy. I have worked at the national and local levels in policy development, strategic planning and project management while freelancing as a floral designer and planner. Previous positions prepared me for my current role as managing partner of Fete Atelier.
DC: ANY TRAINING IN EVENTS MANAGEMENT & FLOWER ARRANGEMENT?
FA: We have a combined total of over 7 years of experience in floral design, crafts and event planning. We both share a life long passion for creating aesthetically pleasing “celebrations” and are innate planners.
DC: HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT WAS IT TURNING FETE ATELIER FROM A PASSION INTO A BUSINESS?
FA: The transition from passion to business was not an easy one! The creation of FA was a labour of love. Because we felt so strongly about this company, and believed in the vision and direction that we had- we handled each challenge with poise and grace. We were most confident that we were headed in the right direction and therefore had no reservations. We are both very hands on. Together we worked on everything from scratch; from raising the seed capital to designing a logo, website and an identity for our company and filing all of the necessary legal documents, we were relentless in our efforts. We spent tireless days and nights to get this company off the ground and are very proud of our success thus far.
DC: HOW DO YOU SOURCE YOUR SUPPLIERS?
FA: We have a rigourous selection process for our suppliers and work only with the industry’s best to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality products to meet their desired vision and budgets. One of our talents is in finding quality products and creative solutions across a wide array of price points to meet the individual demands of each client.
DC: WHAT IS THE SECRET OF HAVING A GOOD BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP IN YOUR OPINION?
FA: Communication, attention to detail, a commitment to understanding and meeting the clients’ needs.
FA: Communication, attention to detail, a commitment to understanding and meeting the clients’ needs.
DC: THE MAJORITY OF CAMEROONIANS HAVE NOT YET SEEN THE POTENTIAL OF HAVING AN EVENTS ORGANISER TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR PARTIES OR WEDDINGS...HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONQUER THIS?
FA: With incremental exposure to our industry through voices like ours, Cameroonians will become more open to utilising event planners. The professionalism and ease of execution that a planner brings to the event planning process can not be underscored. A good planner provides seamless support and makes entertaining a joy for their client. They de- stress planning and can turn dreams into reality and will often exceed the client’s expectations. At FA, our work speaks for itself, we bring this and much more to event planning. We hope that as more Cameroonians are exposed to the quality and calibre of our work, they will become more open to the services that an event planner can provide.
DC: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS HEADING IN 5 YEARS TIME?
FA: We hope to have a stronghold in the industry and to become an easily recognisable name. We believe in infusing our clients’ personalities, cultures, and way of life into events that truly reflect them and our goal is that this approach to event planning will set us apart and we will be known as a leader in this specialised approach both here and abroad.
DC: WOULD YOU VENTURE INTO CAMEROON?
FA: We would love to! We are looking for the right opportunity and partnerships and collaborations. We feel we could play a vital role in revolutionising wedding, social, and corporate event planning in Cameroon.
FA: We would love to! We are looking for the right opportunity and partnerships and collaborations. We feel we could play a vital role in revolutionising wedding, social, and corporate event planning in Cameroon.
DC: WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL AMBITIONS AND GOALS?
FA: To expand our business to become internationally recognised as a premiere provider for wedding, corporate and social event planning services.
DC: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE HOPING TO START AN EVENTS MANAGEMENT COMPANY?
FA: First impressions matter, follow your passion, we cannot underscore; details, details, details! Must pay attention to details!
******************************************
If you are looking for an events planner to revolutionise your party, wedding or corporate event then why not contact the Fete Atelier girls!
Check out their website here: http://www.feteatelier.com/
Email: info@feteatelier.com
Liz: liz@feteatelier.com
Akua: akua@feteatelier.com
******************************************
DC: Dulce Camer
FA: Fete Atelier
******************************************
To the visitors and readers who have helped us reach the 13,000 mark, thanks for continually checking the blog and thanks too to the 20 members who follow us. We aim to make Dulce Camer the number one Entertainment and Culture blog.
Thanks for your support.
Camer for life!
******************************************
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Friday, July 3, 2009
BRING BACK MAKOSSA CAMPAIGN...WEEK 1
Our bring back Makossa campaign officially kick starts today the first friday of July and each friday thereafter throughout these cool summer months!
We aim to create an atmosphere worthy for you to sit down and reminisce about the good old days when music touched you deep down your soul and made you either wanna cry for joy or leap or sway in happiness.
Before the video, here is a little history about the Makossa genre.
Makossa is a type of music that is most popular in urban areas in Cameroon. It is similar to soukous, except that it includes strong bass rhythm and a prominent horn section.
Makossa originated from a type of Duala dance called kossa, with significant influences from jazz, ambasse bey, Latin music, highlife and rumba.
While the makossa style began in the 1950s, the first recordings were not seen until a decade later. Artists such as Eboa Lotin, Misse Ngoh and especially Manu Dibango popularised the style outside of Cameroon in the late 1960s. Makassi is a lighter style of makossa. Sam Fan Thomas developed and popularised this variation in the mid-1980s and made makossa potentially more marketable.
The two musicians largely credited with modernising makossa are Manu Dibango and Emmanuel Nelle Eyoum. Eyoum start using the term 'kossa, kossa' in his songs with his group Los Calvinos. But it was Emmanuel 'Manu' Dibango who popularised it to the world with his song "Soul Makossa", which came out in the early 1970s.
The chant from the song, 'mamako, mamasa, maka makossa', was later used by performers such as Michael Jackson, in “Wanna Be Startin' Something”; Eminem, in "Doe Rae Me"; Back To Basics, in "Mamakossa"; the Bloodhound Gang, in "Mama Say"; Rihanna, in "Don't Stop the Music"; Chico Science, in "Samba Makossa"; and El Chojin, in "Algo más que música" ("Something More than Music").
Ok… so the first artist to launch this campaign has to be none other than the godfather of Makossa and jazz, Mr Manu Dibango with the one and the only most sampled song...Mamako…Mamasa…. Makossa....
Here is Soul Makossa...enjoy!
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makossa
Picture from:http://www.theloveunlimited.com/
Don’t forget to check Dulce Camer every Friday cos we are bringing back Makossa onto the streets and into your hearts!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
We aim to create an atmosphere worthy for you to sit down and reminisce about the good old days when music touched you deep down your soul and made you either wanna cry for joy or leap or sway in happiness.
Before the video, here is a little history about the Makossa genre.
Makossa is a type of music that is most popular in urban areas in Cameroon. It is similar to soukous, except that it includes strong bass rhythm and a prominent horn section.
Makossa originated from a type of Duala dance called kossa, with significant influences from jazz, ambasse bey, Latin music, highlife and rumba.
While the makossa style began in the 1950s, the first recordings were not seen until a decade later. Artists such as Eboa Lotin, Misse Ngoh and especially Manu Dibango popularised the style outside of Cameroon in the late 1960s. Makassi is a lighter style of makossa. Sam Fan Thomas developed and popularised this variation in the mid-1980s and made makossa potentially more marketable.
The two musicians largely credited with modernising makossa are Manu Dibango and Emmanuel Nelle Eyoum. Eyoum start using the term 'kossa, kossa' in his songs with his group Los Calvinos. But it was Emmanuel 'Manu' Dibango who popularised it to the world with his song "Soul Makossa", which came out in the early 1970s.
The chant from the song, 'mamako, mamasa, maka makossa', was later used by performers such as Michael Jackson, in “Wanna Be Startin' Something”; Eminem, in "Doe Rae Me"; Back To Basics, in "Mamakossa"; the Bloodhound Gang, in "Mama Say"; Rihanna, in "Don't Stop the Music"; Chico Science, in "Samba Makossa"; and El Chojin, in "Algo más que música" ("Something More than Music").Ok… so the first artist to launch this campaign has to be none other than the godfather of Makossa and jazz, Mr Manu Dibango with the one and the only most sampled song...Mamako…Mamasa…. Makossa....
Here is Soul Makossa...enjoy!
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makossa
Picture from:http://www.theloveunlimited.com/
Don’t forget to check Dulce Camer every Friday cos we are bringing back Makossa onto the streets and into your hearts!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx
Thursday, July 2, 2009
THE "BRING BACK MAKOSSA" CAMPAIGN IS ON DC
During this coool summer months, Dulce Camer will hereby bring you a campaign that will get you reminiscing and swaying to some hot makossa tunes!Every friday from tomorrow will be a "Bring back Makossa" day where you can request in your favourite makossa artists or makossa songs and we will upload the videos for you to sit back, relax and enjoy or we will do the choosing for you!
To get requesting, email brownschuga@googlemail.com or leave a message on our facebook group : http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=107852460560&ref=ts or leave your request as a comment below.
Join in and help us bring Makossa back to the streets and our memories!
Dulce
xxx
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
WHO IS PHILEMON YANG?
June 14, 1947: Philémon Yunji Yang was born in Jiketum-Oku, located in the Bui division of North West Province. Studies Law at the University of Yaoundé and goes on to become a prosecutor at the Court of Appeal in Buea.January 1975: He was appointed as Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration.
November 1979: Made Minister of Mines & Energy.
February 1984: Excluded from government after another reshuffle.
October 1984: Was made an Ambassador to Canada (later changed to High Commissioner when Cameroon joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1995). Serves in this position for more than 20 years and also served as a Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Canada for about 10 years.
December 2004: Appointed as Assistant Secretary General of the Presidency of Cameroon.
June 2009: Made Prime Minister of Cameroon.
All information courtesy of http://sthweb.bu.edu/
Picture courtesy of http://www.bilcam.net/
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What in your opinion does it mean to be a PM in Cameroon? Please, leave your responses in the comments section below. You do not have to have an account with blogger. You can leave your comments anonymously as well! Thanks!
More updates pending
Dulce
xxx
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