COLUMBIA UNI'S LONG LINK TO AFRICA

The SIPA Pan-African Network, the African Business Club, and the African Law Students Association will host the 7th Annual African Economic Forum (AEF) at Columbia University which counts president Obama as an alumni.

This year they are poised to reflect on the theme: “Africa Turning Golden: How a Continent is Moving Forward”.

The African Economic Forum has grown to be the largest Africa-focused event at Columbia University in New York City. Each year, AEF strives to highlight opportunities and challenges through stimulating discussion, insights and strategies for a prosperous Africa.

This generation has witnessed remarkable changes that has revolutionised our thinking with respect to African growth and development. AEF therefore seeks to highlight the rebirth of the beautiful African minds that have emerged as a result of these changes. Together they want to engage, discuss, and propose new ways to build Africa’s new frontier and inspire the way we view economic sustainability on the continent.

With an array of panelists and a wide selection of topics to discuss, it looks to be an event not to be missed so join them from Friday March 26th to Saturday March 27th. Tickets range from USD 40 to USD 150 for the conference only or Conference and gala.

Also catch KiRette Couture at this event!

For more information, please go here: http://africaeconomicforum.com/aef2010/register
Check out their trailer below.



If you can, go and participate.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

BLICK BASSY ON ZANDO LIVE

Mr Blick Bassy was a guest on a French tv show Zando live.
Enjoy his electrifying performance below!

If you have not bought a copy of Leman, his album I therefore urge you to do so!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

DULCE CAMER MEETS KROTAL...

Krotal is one of the big names you hear mentioned when talking about the Hip hop movement within Cameroon.

A music aficionado with a distinct voice and the passion and attitude needed for success, Dulce Camer caught up with him at his studio in his home in Yaoundé.

Happy reading y'all!

DC: Thank you for accepting to talk to the DC blog. Tell us why music is such an integral part of your life.
Krotal: Lets say that as a person from a very young age I had a lot of feeling towards music. In my house there was a lot of music so I grew up surrounded by music and my dad was a musician in his youth though he grew to become an architect.
Even at school, I always had music with me. I learnt music there and even after school I took up piano lessons.
During the hip hop phenomenon of 1984, I was in the centre of it with a breakdance group and then continued with writing lyrics and rapping.
I studied in France and came back in 1993 and then stopped studying. I was given the opportunity to delve really deep into music and start Mapane Records which I left in 1996 and started Ndabott’Prod my new record label which I have just signed an artist called “Le Reflet”.

DC: How do you relate your experiences and reality to your music?
Krotal: My reality is Cameroonian so I would say I was very precocious, I started everything too quickly...I grew up and had to know about life on my own. It is all my experiences which make me take life today with an artistic viewpoint. These experiences have helped me a lot. I had the opportunity too to be taught by people who were older who engraved in me some much needed values. I believe in self confidence and even in confidence in God.

DC: What was it about Hip hop that made you focus on this genre?
Krotal: I started breakdancing which is a part of hip hop and emotionally I knew I had more to bring to the table than dancing. I went towards the writing and rapping part because in my opinion it was worth a lot more. I was passionate about it and it was from my soul.

DC: What was the Cameroonian public’s reaction towards your genre of music? Has that changed today?
Krotal: I would say that Hip hop in Cameroon was imposed by force though it should have been a natural process in my view. The public react to what they receive from the media and the government however the number of talented Cameroonian hip hop artists have helped to get this industry noticed and to get the public very interested in this genre. Now we have concerts and thousands of people turn up. So yes, this is changing today.

DC: How big is this Hip hop industry in Cameroon at the moment and do you think it will get bigger?
Krotal: I think it will get bigger because we have the industry but we do not have the distribution and as a result I am not sure how we can evaluate the music market.

DC: Who needs to sort out this distribution aspect?
Krotal: The government is the one who needs to sort this aspect and they do have the capabilities to sort this. I think there are methods which can be put in place to change the face of the music industry in Cameroon.

DC: We are here in your studios in your house, now this is gangsta!! Was it easy to set this up?
Krotal: No no no way...it took a lot of time, a lot of work and a lot of money to set this up. It took a lot of sacrifice as well to get this and I wouldn’t say music in Cameroon is easy.

DC: As a producer and the owner of your record label, do you have the ultimate influence over the production of your songs / album?
Krotal: I have total influence over my work however when I do compose a song I do get other people’s reactions / contributions. It is great when you can see the emotions of others and you may be seeing things one way whilst another sees it in a completely different way.

DC: Do you think an artist should have some control over the music they put out?
Krotal: The music industry is a business first of all don’t forget it! However an artist should have some control over their work. An artist without control is an impressionist...an interpreter in my opinion!

DC: What makes your fans relate so much to you?
Krotal: I don’t really know. It may be the way in which I deal with certain themes, the proximity or the attitude or maybe the mystery which surrounds me.

DC: Talk to us about your new album?
Krotal: The second album should be out next month entitled “La B.O de nos life..” I chose this title because B.O in French means “Bande Originale” which refers to the soundtrack of a film. So the title of my album translates as “the soundtrack of our life” The album will have 19 tracks but the maxi single which is already out now has 6 pieces.

DC: “Jamais” is our favourite track...talk to us about the message in the song and who came up with the concept of the video.
Krotal: The message in this track was to tell people that before you teach or judge someone, teach yourself first and judge yourself first and if you don’t succeed to do this first then never say anything. The video concept and direction was by a young dude who had just gotten back from France. He showed us what he had in mind and we went along with it!

DC: Any other artists you would like to collaborate with?
Krotal: Yes, a lot!! In Cameroon, I would like to collaborate with people like Esa (Makossa), Bebe Manga, Manu Dibango, Dina Bell, Pedro (Bikutsi). From abroad, I would like to work with Papa Wemba, Lokua Kanza, Ami Koyta (Malian), Kadji Celi (Ivory Coast), Meiway, Talib Kweli, John Legend, the Roots, Steel Pulse (Jamaica), Morgan Heritage, Tanya Stevens...etc

DC: What is your music taste like?
Krotal: I listen to everything, from pop to traditional, to jazz to neo soul... everything!

DC: To conclude, do you work with any young hip hop artists to help them succeed in the industry?
Krotal: I try to but you know production is money. If I was a multi millionaire, I definitely would. Nevertheless, I always advice young music artists to know what exactly it is they are getting themselves into and know their industry. They need to go to school as it is important in life to enlarge one’s mental horizon.

DC meets Krotal!!

He was a great character to meet and to chat to about music in general. We definitely need people like him if we want to create a new wave of change in all things Camer!

Get your hands on his maxi single if you can..
Watch out for more talents here on DC.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

JEAN-PIERRE BEKOLO ON FRANCE24

Cameroon's top film maker JP Bekolo talks to France24 about the upcoming independence celebrations which will be reveberating around Africa this year.

Catch the full interview by clicking on this link: http://www.france24.com/fr/20100218-afrique-independance-cameroun-cineaste-jean-pierre-bekolo-interview

Happy reading!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

MENOOSHA: SATELLITE BROWN CHICK

One of the best things musically about Europe is that the artists do not allow themselves to be affected nor influenced by the pop culture commercialism that American artists must both encounter and endure on a daily basis. Good music is good music in Europe, and artists there strive to musically preserve the genres they have an appreciation for. One such artist is London-based soul singer and songwriter Menoosha.

Menoosha was born and bred in a family of Cameroonian descent in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), and was introduced very early to music by her afro-pop singer-aunt Bebe Manga.

Menoosha came to Europe at the age of 18, and quickly established herself as a sonic force, opening for such noted artists as Miriam Makeba, and Lou Bega, and collaborating with Skoda, as well as the very popular and critically-acclaimed "Mercedes Benz Mixed Tapes." Menoosha, who's music influences range from Chaka Khan and Tina Turner to Prince and Joyce Kennedy and Axl Rose among many other greats, takes a page from the rock/funk side of those artists and added it to her own unique style of Afro/soul. The result is the stunning and stimulating, "Satellite Brown Chick", a 12-song instant classic that brings some edgy rock, mixed with a helping of gospel and subtle hip-hop/neo-soul, and even new wave influences, blended with pure soul that evokes memories when soul and rock/funk/soul were one in the 1970's and 80's. "Satellite Brown Chick" is Menoosha's first full CD, and it was worth the wait.

The album carries the spirit and expression of what Menoosha feels as she sings on the Rock'n'Roll flavoured track “Satellite Brown Chick”. “Like the moon evolving like a natural satellite around the earth and other planets, sharing its energy, I interact in the same way with people I meet. I love sharing my energy with others, and feeling a positive feedback. So I literally have a problem with anybody who tries to mould me to do something else. And why Brown Chick? Politically I am a BLACK woman, but looking at myself in the mirror with the eyes of a free-minded child, brown is the colour I attribute to my skin.”

The album opens in a pentecostal atmosphere that Menoosha enjoys in her spiritual life. While Dario Allegra demonstrates the true talents of a Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer, Arranger, and Singer (on “Talk to me”), Menoosha displays her vocal versatility. On “Get by”, “Don't touch my stereo” or “Satellite Brown Chick”, she showcases true grittiness. This earned her comparisons to Mother's Finest's Joyce Kennedy and En Vogue's Dawn Robinson. “Talk to me”, “X-thousand miles”, “Order a friend” and “Sweet Beulah Dreams” show her softer side. On “Crumbs of Love”, Menoosha whines about an abusive relationship, almost like a “female D'Angelo” (www.Soulsite.de). Menoosha teams up once again with M.anifest on the Electro-Rock-HipHop track "Superhero". Finally she returns to her West African roots in an upbeat celebration with “Woyoo” and “Chamukuana”.

“Satellite Brown Chick” was recorded and mixed at POWW Studios and mastered at True Track Recording. Participating musicians include multi-instrumentalist Dario Allegra, guitar players Johannes Solf and Marcus Vollmer and bass player Benno Richter. The album will be released independently through Daraja Recordings on February 27th, 2010.

Live performances are planned for this summer 2010, starting off in Germany, France and United Kingdom. Dates will be posted on her official website and Myspace in due time.
http://www.menoosha.com/
www.myspace.com/menoosha
Hard copies (CDs) of "Satellite Brown Chick" now available on amazon.com for $12.98, alternatively get the mp3s for $8.99.
(excerpts from this piece from www.soulinterviews.com and www.prlog.org)

Go grap your copies y'all!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

THE AFRIC COLLECTION FASHION EXPO 2010 REVIEW

Hey guys, sorry we have been a bit M.I.A. Well that’s because DC’s been swigging champagne with some fashion types (lol) in the tropics. Here’s what we made of the adventure:

Dolled up models lined up, stylists donned finishing touches and snappers clicked crazily at every elegant movement. No, it wasn’t London, Paris or New York Fashion Week. It was Afric Collection!

The brainchild of husband and wife, Jean Charles and Annick Job, the sixth installation of this annual mode fest occurred at the old Palais de Justice in Douala, Cameroon.

The nation’s bustling economic capital stopped for the business of fashion as talent from Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal surged into it. From dizzying displays in traditionally inspired boutiques to breathtaking mini-catwalk shows, established and emerging designers oozed the imagination and lavishness of Africa’s ever-inspiring chic. And their followers indulged.

Dusky evenings set the scene for dapper urbanites’ foray into the world of exquisite jewellery à la ESDM, flowing frills, courtesy of Maison D’Afie and chic accessories by Orlando Chike.

But the highlight of the week-long expo was the young designers’ competition. Malian, Haby Diallo beat fierce competition to the CFA 500,000 (£670) first prize, while Syl Anim received an honorary appreciation. KiRette Couture’s signature vivid colours, cool cuts and sharp styling also kept it on fashionistas’ radars.

Afric Collection’s inspiring look and spotlighting of Cameroonian talent reaffirmed the nation’s potential as a global vogue hub. Aspects of its organisation could be better. But when royalty like John, Alphadi, Imane Ayissi and Pathe’o round things off in a glitzy backdrop, it’s easy to look on the bright side.

Hopefully we bring you more picks in the coming weeks!
Stay tuned!

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

MISS CAMER FRANCE 2010

Vous êtes Camerounaise d’origine, de souche ou d’adoption ;Vous avez entre 18 et 30 ans ;
Vous mesurez entre 1M 65 à 2 M ;
Alors n’hésitez pas à envoyer votre candidature pour le concours Miss Camer – France 2010

En ce début d’année, l’association All Camers et ses nombreux partenaires ont le plaisir de vous présenter l’étape de présélection des candidates du concours Miss Camer-France qui aura lieu courant été 2010 à l’hôtel Concorde Lafayette.

Outre son titre de « Miss » et de reine de beauté, Miss Cameroun-France sera également ambassadrice de l’association All Camers à l’échelle nationale et internationale. Elle aura, dans le cadre de cette fonction, en charge de promouvoir l’action en faveur de la lutte contre le Sida au Cameroun.

Elle participera à des manifestations au Cameroun et en France et profitera de ces occasions pour s’exprimer sur la nécessité d’agir en adoptant des gestes qui sauvent et en allouant davantage de ressources pour faire reculer cette pandémie.

Pour finir, elle prendra part à des campagnes de prévention et de distribution gratuite de préservatifs menées auprès de la jeunesse Camerounaise dans les lycées et les universités.

Le concours Miss Camer-France 2010 se déroulera en plusieurs étapes

- Etapes de Présélection

Après la réception de l’ensemble des candidatures par Boite mail, Il sera effectué une sélectionné de 35 candidates qui seront convoquées à la phase de présélection courant du mois d’Avril 2010 à Paris, capitale du Glamour et de la Mode.

Pendant la présélection, le choix se portera sur les 15 premières candidates qui seront désignées sur décision du jury pour participer à la phase ultime de l’élection Miss Camer France.

Sur la liste d’attente, les 10 candidates suivantes seront retenues pour palier aux cas de désistement et elles nous accompagneront pendant toute la durée de l’événement.

L’association All Camers assurera de 20% à 70 % les frais de transports des 35 candidates choisies pour participer à la phase de sélection qui aura lieu au mois d’Avril 2010 à Paris. Elle assurera aussi l’hébergement et les repas pendant le séjour à Paris

- Etapes de sélection

La désignation finale de la gagnante du Concours Miss Camer France se déroulera à Paris avec les 15 premières candidates sélectionnées.

- Conditions pour être candidate

- Etre d’origine camerounaise et avoir entre 18 et 30 ans
- Mesurer entre 1 mètre 65 à 2 mètres
- Parler l’une des langues officielles camerounaises (Anglais ou Français)
- Résider en France avec un numéro de téléphone français ainsi qu’une adresse Fiscale
- Envoyer 3 photos entières de vous et une photo d’identité.

Pour de plus amples informations sur le déroulement de l’événement ou recevoir la plaquette d’inscription à remplir et à nous renvoyer, merci de contacter l’association All Camer :
E-mail : miss.camer.france@gmail.com
Tel 06 18 74 85 16
Fax 01 70 24 76 53

Dulce Camer is in partnership with this event. If you would like to take part, do not hesitate to send your details as per above info. Remember, you must be living in France to take part.
A plus!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

AT & T TV COMMERCIAL

Hey people, been missing in action and haven't updated the blog in a while. Hold tight though as we will be bringing you some pics and feedback from the Afric Collection fashion show here in Douala, Cameroon.

In the meantime, DC has something for you!
Check out our very own Ms Allo in this TV commercial with Luke Wilson, bro to Owen I take it?!

One reason for you to support AT & T!!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx