BLICK BASSY: MUSIC IS MY EVERYTHING...

Blick was born in 1974 to parents of the bassa tribe of Cameroon and grew up in Yaounde, the capital town where the dominant languages are English & French.

By the age of 17, he created his first music band named the Jazz Crew with their sound being a fusion of African melodies, jazz and bossa nova. With this, they quickly became a very sought after band in town.

In 1996, he went on to form a new band called Macase. During almost 10 fruitful years together, Macase released two acclaimed albums, Etam (1999) and Doulou (2003), as well as picking up various regional and international awards, including the RFI Prize for World Music (2001), Best Group by MASA (2001), Best New African Group by the KORA Awards (2003) and the CICIBA Prize (2003).

In 2005, Bassy decides to leave Macase and moves to Paris where he starts working with Manu Dibango, Cheikh Tidiane Seck, Lokua Kanza and Etienne Mbappé. A few years later he signs to the World Connection label and he finally gets to do work on his solo album, Léman which is in stores in the UK monday April 20th.

As a promotion of the album launch, Dulce Camer caught up with the man himself for a little chat and here below is what he had to say.
Happy reading y'all!

DC: Your Song “Nlela”, what language is it sung in?
BB: It is sung in the Bassa language.

DC: What does it talk about?
BB: It talks about, erm, the importance of the older generation. They are the guide, they have the knowledge and we have to respect them. They know how life is and that is why we have to be respectful towards them.

DC: Are all your songs sung in this dialect? Why?
BB: Yes. Because I am from the Bassa tribe and it is very important to sing in our dialects as you know in Cameroon we have 260 dialects and 2 national languages. If we don’t keep our languages in song especially, they tend to disappear. Another reason for me singing in my dialect is that it brings a new intonation in the melody.

DC: Living with your grandparents, what did you learn from them?
BB: I learnt my traditional Bassa music such as assiko, bolobo, hongo and many other rythmns. I also learnt the real way to speak my dialect and other aspects of my tradition. As well as fishing and hunting in the forest.

DC: Your mother taught you to sing, how does she feel about your career today?
BB: My mother passed away some years ago so she didn’t get to see me use this music.

DC: oh, so sorry.

DC: You were with Macase, a group you formed and won many awards with, how does it then feel to go solo?
BB: Mmmm, now it is nice because I do what I really like. When you are in a band it is not the same as you have to respect the ideas and opinion of the other band members. Now I am the one who decides what I want, what I record and no one can tell me otherwise. It is better for me now.

DC: You recorded your new album in Bamako, Mali – tell us about that experience!
BB: It was my first time there and I decided to record there because my album is a mixture of Central and West African music and I decided to use the Kora, Ngoni, Camele Ngoni which are traditional Malian instruments. I also needed the Malian feeling in the album and it made sense to be there to experience it. I worked in Salif Keita’s studio with his producer Jean Lamotte.

DC: “Léman” the title of your new album means “mirror” in English. Why that title?

BB: I chose this title because this album is the view of my personal life. No one can lie to themself and when you are in front of a mirror, it is a reflection of yourself.

DC: Who is the person behind Blick Bassy, tell us!
BB: [he laughs] I am a worker and music is the first thing in my life, I have a big passion for music – let’s say I am crazy about music. I am a very patient man. I don’t like people without ambition and I am very passionate about Africa. I want to use my music to change the perception of Africa.

DC: What does music mean to you? Explain.
BB: Music is my everything and I feel very lucky to have music in my life as with music nothing can touch me, it is like my layer of protection – I thank God for this music he has given me. It can be hard for my loved ones as music takes a lot of my time but you cannot achieve anything in life without sacrifice and dedication.

DC: Why are you so proud to be Cameroonian?
BB: In Cameroon, we have everything you can find in Africa. We have many different people, our country is rich and it is a very beautiful country. We have to promote the pride in our countries.

DC: What difficulties did you face moving from Cameroon to France?
BB: I missed the food, the weather, the friendship and the joy and peace you can have in Cameroon.

DC: When will we be seeing you in concert in the UK?
BB: For the moment, my agent is still trying to book me gigs. I cannot tell you when but I shall let you know.

DC: Have you, Muntu Valdo, Richard Bona and the Cameroonian Godfather of Jazz, Manu Dibango ever thought of having a gig together? That would be a gig to remember, don’t you think?
BB: Yes I think it is a very good idea but for the moment we have not spoken about it.

DC: You grew up in a house where you were one of 20 siblings, how was that like?
BB: It was great but sometimes it was difficult. Today I miss that!

DC: Did it teach you anything?
BB: It taught me to share.

DC: What advise would you give anyone who wishes to make it in the music industry?
BB: I would tell them that the music industry is very complex. If you want to have a chance to become a musician, you have to work very hard, be serious, by this I mean be very professional and be very ambitious too.

DC: Describe the feel / tone / messages of your album “Léman”
BB: This album is a personal view of my trip. It shows where I have gone from being with my previous group Macase to now. There are different messages in this album, one of AIDS, Hope, the idea of working together and it also shows a differerent country through my mixture of traditional Malian instruments and my Central African influences.

DC: Thank you for your time
BB: You are welcome, thank you for your call.

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DC: Dulce Camer

BB: Blick Bassy

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The new album Léman is in stores tomorrow 20th April from Amazon (UK), HMV, Play.com (UK). To grap your copy, click here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leman-Blick-Bassy/dp/B001PU6U7G/ref=sr_1_2/278-1665134-5232702?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1240060707&sr=1-2
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/-/13/38/-/9005632/Leman/Product.html?searchtype=genre

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To get more info of Blick Bassy, go here:

http://www.myspace.com/blickbassy2
http://www.worldconnection.nl/blickbassy

Many thanks for checking the blog, keep reading and watch out for something new on DC tomorrow! You may be lucky, *wink* *wink*!

Stay sweet and have a fab coming week.

Dulce

xxx

GRADUATE STUDENT IS ORATORICAL WINNER

His name is Gideon For-mukwai, a student in the graduate program in interactive environmental journalism at the Reynolds School of Journalism in Reno, Nevada whowon first place in the 16th annual Student Speech Competition.

For-mukwai, who grew up in Cameroon and had a career in emergency management and safety in Singapore before coming to Nevada, spoke about how the 2008 presidential election affected people’s view of diversity and our country’s future.

The speech contest, sponsored by Alliance of Racial Minorities and Microsoft Licensing, GP, was held April 3 at the Joe Crowley Student Union and students from University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada State College, Western Nevada College and Truckee Meadows Community College, were invited.

For-mukwai was judged on scholarship, originality, presentation and logic. “This award means a lot to me considering I represent the many other students at UNR who speak English as their second language, “ For-mukwai said. “The Reynolds School has been a big part of my quest to fulfill my own American dream.” As part of the 1st place award, For-Mukwai received $300.

Congrats to him!
Camers doing their thang once again!

To check out the website, go here: http://journalism.unr.edu/latestnews/app-news/0/39/reynolds-school-graduate-student-is-oratorical-winner/

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!

Last thursday and friday saw the unveiling of Ms Shiri Achu's 30 paintings to her family and friends at a private viewing at the very quirky, rustic and dramatic St Augustine's Tower in Hackney.

Dulce Camer was there ofcourse to lend a supporting hand to this multitalented young woman.

I spoke to her during the evening to find out her reaction and she said she was very excited and happy about show and support she was getting.

The exhibition itself was spread on 3 floors, each with its own theme.

On the ground floor was the reception, book signing and chilling area with the very welcoming melodies from the saxophonist. Up aboard the tiny and quirky stairs led you to the first room which was very vibrant, happy and portrayed an explosion of colours. It was themed the "carnival" room.

Then up some more quirky stairs and you found yourself in the "shocking" room made even more dramatic by the "cling" "clinging" of the clock mechanism.

On the last floor was the "African" room depicting typical daily lives in Africa. From women cooking outside to a series of a young girl climbing a tree and a man chasing a fowl.

The 30th Act definitely has lots to offer, come with an open mind and you would not be disappointed. You would even get the chance to get on the rooftop and appreciate the panoramic view of Hackney.

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From monday 20th to tuesday 28th, it is open to the public.

The address is: St Augustine's Tower, Mare Street, Hackney E8 1AE.

Time: 6pm to 9.30pm

Nearest station: Hackney Central, overground train (1 minute walk)

Directions: from Hackney Central train it is 1 minute walk and the Tower is located opposite Marks & Spencer on the one way section of Mare Street by graveyard.

For parking: go to the Tesco off Morning Lane.
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Stay sweet

Dulce
xxx

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD?

To find out more go here and check out the programmes on offer: http://www.escp-eap.eu/escp-eap/about-escp-eap/welcome-to-escp-eap-the-school-of-management-for-europe-dean-pascal-morand/

Check out the blog this weekend for the interview with Blick Bassy.

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

THE 30TH ACT LIVE @ ST AUGUSTINE'S TOWER

She was the talent that launched Dulce Camer back in August 2008. Back then we talked about her work as an architect, the design of her home and her love of Arts - especially painting!

Since then, this young woman of many talents has gone from strength to strength and now we see her unveiling her first ever art exhibition to the rest of the public, starting with a private viewing this thursday and friday (16th & 17th April).

Dulce Camer as usual has first scoop to all the details!
See below our mini interview with the lady herself. Also see if you can spot three pictures of her paintings below.....lol, yes paintings!

DC: So, tell us what the 30th act is all about? What is the idea behind this exhibition?

SA: Well, I've been painting almost all my life and have always wanted to have an exhibition - as I approach 30 years of age, I decided to DO this!!! Thus embarked on the The 30th Act - worth of 30 pieces.

DC: What is the message / or messages behind your paintings?

SA: I like my paintings to speak for themselves, to bring back memories, to shock and also to bring joy. These are clearly explored in the various 3 rooms at the exhibition. There would be a floor for African art, a floor to shock and a floor of carnival colours.

DC: What has been the inspiration behind your paintings?

SA: Having travelled extensively, I gain inspiration from many and anything - so it’s quite easy to have an idea or me to say to myself " I'm going to do a painting of that someday".

DC: What do you aim to achieve with this exhibition?

SA: Firstly, I'd like to reach my goal - have a great opening on Thursday 16th and Friday 17, and have a great exhibition for my 30th. I'd also like as many people to just enjoy some of my many inspired moments and of course to have many sales.

DC: Would this be a one off or are you thinking of maybe having regular exhibitions of your work?

SA: Hmm - you know, after this one, I think I should start having them yearly - what do you think? 31 for next year!!! WOW better start now...

DC: How much time have you invested in getting everything ready?

SA: I started in September last year... it’s been some time!

DC: And the financial aspect?

SA: Art is expensive but this is my first solo exhibition so I have not been overly concerned about the amount I have spent, but I do hope there are art collectors out there - well, let’s see!

DC: How stressfull is it getting an exhibition together?

SA: Very. Well, its two days before the show and I’m panicking!!! A lot to organize, to confirm etc etc

DC: On a happier note, how else do you intend to spend your birthday? (Dulce Camer will need pictures!!!!!)

SA: LOL - pictures you will have!! Should make an interesting set of photos actually as I’m having a masquerade ball. I look forward to seeing you there!

DC: So, what does the future hold for Ms Shiri Achu?

SA: Well, someone once said the world is my oyster - By God's grace I believe it still is. Preparing for this first exhibition has been very exciting to say the least - although I’ve had sleepless nights. This has only shown me how much I've missed painting and expressing myself in the way I choose. My father has just advised me that I must continue - and father I shall obey. I will also work in my other field as an architect and work with the two. Art and Design. I think they do go hand in hand actually. When I can combine the two professions in this way, it would be great!!

DC: Many thanks!

SA: And thanking you!! I look forward to seeing you there at the exhibition opening and at the ball!!!!

If you spotted the pictures of her paintings above, then I am sure you wouldn't want to miss the remaining 27 would you now???

So, please come to St Augustine's Tower, Mare Street E8 1AE in Hackney on thursday and friday for her private viewing. Thereafter, it is opened to the rest of the public from Monday 20th to Tuesday 28th April.....Get down there and support....and don't forget your wallet at home!

See you at the masquerade ball...for those who have been invited ;-))

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

I WEAR AFRICAN

Wear African, wear KiRette Couture!

African glamour is official! And Kirette Couture are putting their stamp on it as they take their first catwalk steps at the biggest African fashion campaign.

Launched by African Vibes magazine, the “I Wear African” drive is about individual expression, contemporary style and cultural heritage.

The exquisite affair, which also celebrates African Vibes’ third anniversary, will showcase KiRette Couture's hot new Spring/Summer line.

KiRette Couture (KC) execs Anrette Ngafor and Kibonen Nfi will be rubbing shoulders with some of Africa’s finest designers – and you of course! So get ready for a night of fabulousness and fun on 18 April 2009 at The Blu Lounge & Grill, 6281 Reed St , Bethseda , MD 20814 .

Oh and speaking of fun, DJ Mix, the Ivorian creators of hit tune “Bobaraba” (a tribute to the beauty of African women) will be there to ensure you get your freak on to the max!

African Vibes is also running a competition on the best designer look. KiRetette Couture's victory is your victory! Voting for KiRette Couture couldn’t be easier:

Here is a reason why KiRette Couture should gain your vote:

Kibonen Nfi is the “visionary” and Anrette Ngafor, the “visual one.” Together, the image consultant and fashion graduate head KiRette Couture, a fast-growing, new movement that’s changing the face of fashion like never before.

Fuelled by their creativity and love for their culture, the Cameroonian duo weaves traditional and contemporary styles to make affordable yet red carpet worthy clothes for the average man and woman.

KiRette Couture’s signature style is inspired by the "toghu" - a colourful and intricately embroidered robe typically worn, on special occasions, by the people of Cameroon’s Western Highlands region. True to its chic and funky ethos, this one-of-a kind label strives to stride boldly across creative, racial and cultural borders by exploring, experimenting with and fusing various fabrics.

Its creators speak of themselves as “cultural ambassadors” with a mission to realise the possibility of maintaining one’s identity while embracing differences introduced by an ever-converging world.

They ooze the drive and energy necessary to nurture this “baby” to maturity in the cut throat business of fashion. And their secret? “It’s all in the uniqueness of our product and staying close to our clients. KiRette Couture is the label that listens,” remarks Kibonen Nfi.

For a matchless look that screams “I Wear African” on that special night, please contact Kibonen Nfi on: +001 347 5432 464. Email: kibonen.nfi@kirettecouture.com or Ngum Ngafor on: +44 7944 043 954. Email: ngum.ngafor@kirettecouture.com.

Other Cameroonian designers taking part are:-

Imane Ayissi: His Couture & Prêt-à-porter lines meld African traditions and realities with Western fashion. His collections often featuring exotic, evocative names (Ongwass or Badjaga) combine craftsmanship and traditional African cuts to create a fashion targeted at an international public (From African Vibes). For more info, check out http://www.imaneayissi.com/

Côté Minou: Their Collections involve clothing with an African modern flair that people can wear without thinking too much about it. From day to evening, party to casual, cocktail to ballroom, their style is rich in pattern and versatility (From African Vibes). For more info, check out http://www.mycoteminou.com/

To vote for your chosen designer, please visit: http://www.africanvibes.com/.

Click on the “I Wear African” tab.

Choose the designer you want from the “participating designers” section in the middle of the page.

Comment on their photos and rate them.

And please, please, please invite your friends too!

Here’s another great reason to get behind this fabulous campaign: 20 percent of profits from the event will go to African Vibes’ “Village Effort -” a scheme aimed at promoting sustainable, African-led development in the continent.

Find out more about the campaign and African Vibes’ “Village Effort” on: http://www.africanvibes.com/ and support this amazing initiative by joining the “I wear African” and African Vibes Facebook groups.

We look forward to seeing you looking African and proud at I WEAR AFRICAN!

Stay sweet y'all

Dulce

xxx

UPCOMING TAYONG (AKA T.Y.N) GIG DATES

Our famous young lad who is definitely going places is having his gigs around the country.

Catch him if you can at one of these venues:-

14 April 2009 - 21.00 @ Lava & Ignite - Oxford (under 18's)
15 April 2009 - 21.00 @ Liquid - Swindon (under 18's)
16 April 2009 - 21.00 @ Liquid - Gloucester (under 18's)
02 May 2009 - 21.30 @ Liquid - Ashford
27 May 2009 - 21.00 @ Liquid - Peterborough
29 July 2009 - 21.00 @ Oceana - Guildford

Check him out on: http://www.myspace.com/TAYONGTYN

We should be getting an interview from this young ambitious lad soon on Dulce Camer, so watch this space!

Stay sweet y'all

Dulce

xxx

BEAUTY & SIMPLICITY PERSONIFIED

Beauty and simplicity is truely personified in my opinion in this lovely young woman and not only that, her approach to everything seems very professional.

From her interview, you get the impression of a person who is truely grateful for her life, the things she has managed to accomplish so far and the hope of accomplishing more of her dreams in the future.

I admire her heart, I admire her simplicity and I also admire her body (erm....girl to girl and nothing else!). How fab are her abs? Lol!

Happy Reading y'all!

DC: What motivates you?
DE: The fact that I strongly believe that I was not put on this earth to be useless and the hope of what I want to be motivates me.

DC: Who has inspired you?
DE: The first person that comes to my mind is Oprah. She has a generous heart and is very giving. The greatest joy in my life is to give.

DC: Who is Daisy, tell us about the person behind this name!
DE: I consider myself a simple individual, who is very generous, has a heart for people. In a nutshell, I am the most uncomplicated person you would ever meet.

DC: How did Saker Baptist College prepare you for life?
DE: I was there for only a short while but I made friends from there which I have till date. There is a sense of unity among the Saker girls. It was my first experience of being out of home, being away from my parents and it gave me a sense of independence.

DC: What are you up to right now?
DE: Doing my Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in Health Service Management.
I was modelling and I appeared on music videos and films but had to put that on hold to finish my Masters. I have one more year before I complete this program. Saying that though, I model on special occasions such as promotions but right now I am working on a web series that is materialising into a feature film coming out this summer. This series is called "The Nigerian". For more info of the film, see below.

DC: How did you get into modelling?
DE: It started when I moved to LA, the capital of entertainment 5 years ago. I was encouraged by friends to pursue it so I got some good advice on how to start. Got my professional pictures taken and got some auditions. The more work I did, the more recognition I also got and I was encouraged to do more.

DC: How important is your image to you?
DE: [she laughs] very important to me. I have always been the type of girl who always kept up their look. My mum told me as a little girl that a woman had to look good at all times and this has been embedded in me, I feel I do need to present myself in a good way.

DC: What is your opinion on the African Culture?
DE: The African culture is very rich. I appreciate the sense of family and the community support. I am very much proud to be African. The only thing I cannot accept however is the role of the man and the right they have.

DC: How aware of this culture are you?
DE: I did grow up in Cameroon so I am very aware of my culture. We have to deal with living in the Western world and there are certain aspects of our culture we cannot impose here nevertheless I feel I have the best of both worlds as I still do maintain my African value and culture which I consider to be very beneficial.

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DC: If you were God for a day, what would you do?
DE: [she laughs] one thing I would do is to get rid of sin, restoring the world to where it was before sin came into it.

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DC: What is your educational background?
DE: I did Biology and Physical Sciences and was hoping on going to Med school but then I realised that that was not the life I wanted. After College (University), I worked for years then decided to do my Masters hoping to get on the business side of health.

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DC: What did your parents say when you got into modelling?
DE: They were proud of me and told me to remember where I came from and also to know that I was a child of God. I understood what they meant by that and I did set limits on the things I would do.

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DC: What has been the attitude of your friends towards you?
DE: I have had real friends who have been supportive and helpful towards me. I have also had aquaintances who have had negative things to say. In my opinion, jealousy and envy is a terrible attitude to have but it is what it is and that is life. The negativity only made me do more and I only answer to God and not to anyone else.

DC: What advice do you have for someone wishing to follow soot?
DE: You have to be very careful as you can easily be taken advantage off in this industry. You have to follow your heart even if it fails because you don't want to not do it and end up regreting. Be prepared to be rejected and if you are a young African, remember where you come from.

DC: What do you think of the role of the African woman nowadays?
DE: The role of the African woman and women in general is changing. They are more educated, more independent and more empowered. This change has its pros and cons but it's about finding a balance. In my opinion, the woman respecting her husband and taking care of her family is an attitude that should be maintained.

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DC: How did Obama becoming president affect you?

DE: Obama becoming president gives me a sense of pride primarily because he is of African decent as I am. But most importantly I feel he has the capability of affecting the USA and the world in a positive way as he brings in fresh regime that encourages everone especially youths to be more proactive about the growth of their communities. I do not neccesarily agree with all his policies but I think he will do well.

DC: What do you think of Michelle Obama's style?

DE: Michelle Obama's style is appropriate for the status she now occupies. Its simply fresh and endearing to say the least.

DC: And Chantal Biya?

DE: Chantal Biya could taper down on the outrageous hair colour and volume in my opinion. But then again, different cultures have shared beliefs on what is acceptable style, so if no one else in Cameroon is really complaining hey!..lol

DC: Thank you

DE: Wow...you are welcome!

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DC: Dulce Camer

DE: Daisy Enoh
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Many thanks peeps for checking the blog. Please don't forget to keep mentioning the names of Camers doing things. If we don't big them up, then who will?

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VIVE LE CAMEROUN!

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Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

DESIGN AT ITS BEST!

Name: Christian Graciel
Location: France

After a 10 years experience in the fashion industry, Christian Graciel decides to launch his own brand in 2003. Always fascinated by Nature, the designer from Cameroon starts to sculpt bags and jewels out of tropical wood and shell, that he handles with great respect. Thanks to his cooperation with Bugis fishermen in Bali and the best craftsmen, his inspiration comes to life. Expressing the pureness and beauty of Nature in a very contemporary way, the artist creates perfectly unique accessories : rings, brooches, necklaces, jewel buttons, belts and precious bags made of shell, mother of pearl, but also of teak burl, palm tree and rose wood.

How breath taking are his designs.....wow, CAMEROONIANS are definitely going places.

So so proud!

Check out his website here: www.christiangraciel.com

Hoping to get an interview from him soonest

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx