25 EQUALS 25: VALSERO

So here we are the 25th of December, Christmas day to y'all. I hope you have eaten, drank, and are now merry and I hope santa was very kind too...

Today also marks an end to our 25 day music campaign - 25 equals 25. The aim for this campaign was to bring to the forefron the newest and hottest talents causing waves within the Camer music scene at home and abroad. We wanted to also show you how this music has evolved and has become more diversified.

We have brought to you talents namely; Denzyl, Naomi Achu, Blassta, X Maleya, Wax, Sidney Tum, Rap-Conteurs 3, Grace Forlu, Walta Blackson, Les Nubians, Danielle Eog, William Ekamby, Teek Nanga, Ra-Syn, Steveslil Njang, Michelle Tabot, Anita Etta, Nabil4real, DJ Lewat, Debra Debs, Scratch Recordz, Mbandi, Eddy Besong andValentine.

Today the 25th day, Christmas day, DC hereby brings to you the 25th talent...

Gaston Abe aka Valsero

Location: Yaounde, Cameroon

Label: Indie

Genre: Rap

Valsero is a prominent rapper causing waves in the Camer music scene not only for his immense talent but his political stance as well.

One of seven children, Valsero has always been passionate about music and it was not until 1990 that he took this passion further by trying to forge a name for himself within the music scene.

After gaining his degree in the Higher School of Post & Telecommunications in Buea and Yaounde and realising the lack of jobs available for the youths out there, Valsero decided to go back to the passion he had put on hold for his education.

Valsero decided to use his music as a means to make known to the government the feelings of the younger Cameroonian generation. His first solo album “Politikement Instable” a criticism of the Biya government was banned from being played on state owned Medias but this only fuelled more interests which public owned Medias picked up on.

His first 2 singles of this album “Lettre au Président” and “Réponds” are from the heart and they reveal his deep frustration at the government for not listening or replying to the cries of the youths.

Will the Biya government take note? Without further ado, here are the videos..Enjoy!




"Prési arrête ça, c’est ça ton travail...les peuples n’en peuvent plus, les jeunes en ont marre..." President Biya, we plead with you to do something to remove our youths from la galène.

Hope you have all had a fantastic day thus far.
Thanks for the support you have shown throughout this campaign.
Merry Christmas y'all!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ho ho ho, it is Christmas day indeed and DC would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas this day.

Let us celebrate the good tidings this season brings and let us also rest in the love of God.

Whatever you do today, don't forget to give thanks!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

25 EQUALS 25: RAP-CONTEURS 3

Another day, and DC brings you another talent!

Today the twenty-fourth day to Christmas, DC brings to you a group put together by Blick Bassy...
Name: X Maleya (Auguste, Roger & Hais), Adomine(rapper), Diane, Gaelle Wondje aka Rap-Conteurs 3

Age: Young dudes!

Location: Yaounde & Douala, Cameroon

Label: BB Prod

Contact: Blick Bassy on 00336 69 59 03 18 or www.myspace.com/blickbassy2

DC: So what is the concept behind Rap Conteurs?
Blick: The concept behind the Rap Conteurs group is to promote Hip Hop music in Cameroon. I put the group together by mixing known and unknown young Cameroonian musicians to give them the opportunity to promote themselves. I work with MTN who are the sponsors and for each edition we choose a theme to go with it. This theme is "On bring le monde chez vous" to coincide with the world cup.

DC: Why did you decide to choose these people for the group?
Blick: I choose them because they are the best!

DC: Who does their song writing and music production?
Blick: I am their songwriter and producer.

DC: Which artists would you love for them to collaborate with?
Blick: I would love for them to collaborate with some artists in countries close to Cameroon

DC: What do you think of the Cameroon music scene?
Blick: The Cameroonian music scene is definitely on a good path because of the new generation of musicians we have coming up so I am not really worried about it.

DC: What are the hopes for RC for 2010?
Blick: I hope for this project to be bigger than what it is today.

DC: And what are your hopes for 2010 Blick?
Blick: My hope for 2010 is to perform around the world.

DC: How would you be spending Christmas?
Blick: By just playing the guitar and writing some new songs!

We will bring you the RC3 video once it is ready nevertheless, here are the videos for RC1 & RC 2. Enjoy!

Rap-Conteurs 1


Rap-Conteurs 2

25 EQUALS 25: WILLIAM EKAMBY

Two days to go and it will be Christmas, yeahhh! And two days to go before our 25 equals 25 music campaign comes to an end, nooo!!!

Well as they say every good thing must come to an end and this is certainly one of them. You know DC is the blog to read and you know we will always have something up our sleeves! Your edutainment, that is entertainment and education is our mission so rest assured that there will be another campaign before you can blink!

Right as we update this blog, we are also currently working on a talent list, the DC talent list which will showcase 50 Camers to watch out for. The 50 individuals chosen are from all works of life and we know they will be doing fabulous things to shine the light even brighter on Cameroon....do I hear Obosso?

Ok so let's go...today the twenty-third day to Christmas, DC hereby brings you our first FRENCH interview...Le Cameroun est bilingue, non?? Bein, oui!!

Nom: William Ekamby aka Williman

Age: In his twenties!

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Label: Will soon be signed onto an independent label called Colors Records.

Contact: http://www.myspace.com/willimanmusic

DC: Salut William, parle-nous de ta musique. A quoi s’agit-elle?
William: Moi je fais du rap, un art a part entière qu’on tente de marginaliser. Mon rap est le reflet de ma vie de mes différentes facettes et de mon vécu donc il portera plusieurs teintes...

DC: Quelles sont des raisons qui ton poussées vers la musique?
William: Il n y a pas de raisons particulière cela c’est fait naturellement. Mes amis a l’époque avait déjà un groupe et de fil en aiguille je m’y suis intéresser de plus près et de la j’ai commencé a écrire mes premier textes.

DC : Pourquoi la musique est-elle si efficace pour faire passer un message a ton avis?
William: Je ne saurai vraiment te dire avec exactitude pourquoi mais ce qui es sur c’est que les gens y sont sensible. Je pense que si certains message passe aussi bien c’est du au fait qu'ils ont été scandé avec le cœur, la langue que tout le monde parle et voila pourquoi même un morceau en une langue que nous ne comprenons pas peux autant nous toucher.

DC: Quels artistes influencent ta musique?
William: Des artistes de tout horizon il n y a pas de frontières. Je peux autant être touché par un artiste rap que par un chanteur de musique Brésilienne ou que d’un chanteur de chez nous comme Richard Bona.

DC: Et avec quels artistes aimerais tu fais un collabo?
William: Il y en a pas mal avec qui je serai enchanter de collaborer mais pas forcement dans le rap.

DC : Parle-nous un peu de ton caractère?
William: Je suis quelqu’un relativement ouvert et j’aspire à m'améliorer chaque jour en tant qu'homme bien que nul n’est parfait. Je pense que chaque êtres humains devrait y aspirer c’est primordial.

DC: Quel est ton espoir pour 2010?
William: Mon espoir pour 2010 est de pouvoir faire la musique que j’aime comme je me l’imagine.

DC: Comment vas-tu passer la journée de Noël
William: Noël se passera en famille à New-York ou je suis en ce moment même.

Check out his stuff right here...

Rentrancher


See you tomorrow..
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

KC @ THE OVATION RED CAROL EVENT IN NIGERIA

It was another show biz affair in Lagos organised by Dele Momodu, GM of Ovation Magazine the most popular showbiz mag in Africa and we had a representative from Cameroon in the form of KiRette Couture!

Okay, if you just recently got back to planet Earth and don't know what KiRette Couture is about then allow DC to fill you in. KiRette Couture is a new fashion label headed by Kibonen Nfi and Anrette Ngafor with the aim of revolutionising the Cameroonian fashion scene and beyond. Barely a year into existence, these duo have done a lot to up the profile of their label and you just have to sieve the net to see what we are talking about!

From Camer Couture to I Wear African, charity shows to their own anniversary show Bamenda Rocks! to countless TV and radio appearances, their determination and motivation is unreal! Give them 5 years and I am sure we will see a KC world domination!!

Ok, enough said! Below are some pics from the Ovation event.
Enjoy!!

Ms Kibonen Nfi herself!

Photos by Kelen Ndzelen
See you soon

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

25 EQUALS 25: DANIELLE EOG

So we are nearly at the end of this music campaign. We hope you have enjoyed reading the blog as we have loved updating it.

Each day has been a learning process and we have loved bringing to you all those peeps causing waves in the Camer music scene.

They are all very talented individuals, all from different backgrounds but with one common thread - their passion for music and their desire to use this passion to pass on a message onto the world.

We love these talents and we will do everything we can to constantly promote anything they do so watch this space!

On the twenty-second day to Christmas, DC brings to you...

Name: Danielle Eog

Age: In her twenties!

Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Label: Indie

Contact: http://www.myspace.com/danielleog

Danielle's sound is afro soul. A mixture of jazz, soul, afro beat, bossa nova, mangambeu and makossa.

She is hoping to release her first album which will be entitled "Tobassi" and with tracks like "Kongossa", "Original African Man", "Another Somebody" and a melange of languages, from French to English to Bamileke to Bassa, this album definitely epitomises the culture and identity of Cameroon.

Her musical influences range from Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Nat King Cole, Nina Simone to Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Mos Def, Jill Scott, D'Angelo etc

Danielle's desire is to share her art and her world with as many people as possible.
Watch her on the "Je Wanda" video by the Rap Conteurs group.

Just a little teaser for you...tell me what you think!



So, what d'ya think?? Great voice or great voice!!
Ohh weee, Cameroon is going places!

See you tomorrow!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

25 EQUALS 25: LES NUBIANS

Again here we are, another day another talent just for you!

On the twenty-first day to Christmas, DC brings to you...

Name: Hélène & Célia Faussart aka Les Nubians

Age: 34 & 30

Location: France/USA

Label: Nubiatik

Contact: http://www.myspace.com/lesnubians

"Music is every moment of our lives"
Hélène Faussart

"Our music is a bridge where people can meet, dance, love and create…" Célia Faussart

Grammy Nominated international recording artists Les Nubians have intrigued audiences for almost a decade with their inventive and glamorous Afropean style. This distinctive sound embodies the timeless vibrations of Miriam Makeba, Ella Fitzgerald, Doudou N'diaye Rose, Fela Kuti, Edith Piaf, The Fugees and Soul II Soul.

Recognised for their colourful auras, Les Nubians' vogue is a fusion of Funkin' Fashion and Modern Amazon. Adoring fans pay tribute to the French/Cameroonian sister duo for their continuous flow of jazzy nuances, hard hitting drum ‘n' bass lines, harmonious melodies, conscious proclamations and humanitarian endeavours.

Their hit single “Makeda” propelled their 1999 US debut album to the top of the charts making 'Princesses Nubiennes' the most successful French-language album in decades!

With two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards nominations, Les Nubians were honoured with the award for Best New Artist, Group or Duo in 1999. These dynamic entrepreneurs have also been nominated for two NAACP Image Awards.

Echos: Nubian Voyager is the first executive production for Hélène and Célia Faussart. "Everywhere we go, we look for music that speaks of Culture: people, history, stories. “Our journeys have given us an opportunity to cross paths with many beautiful souls".

Musical influences:
Soul II Soul
Sade
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Fela Kuti
Salif Keita
The Fugees
Angélique Kidjo
Miriam Makeba
Sweet Honey in the Rock


LES NUBIANS : SOLIDE !! NEW EXCLUSIVE VIDEOCLIP


So, there you go another great talent!!
See you tomorrow for more.

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

25 EQUALS 25: DJ LEWAT

Hello dear visitors and readers of the Dulce Camer blog. We have been running a Christmas music campaign that kick started on the 1st of December running until the 25th of December.

Our aim is to showcase the newest and hottest artists making a name for themselves within the Cameroonian music scene. We also wanted to show you how the Cameroonian music scene is evolving with new artists being influenced by their surroundings as well as their musical taste buds.

The music language in Cameroon has even evolved as well from the typical "Douala" and pidgin "Franglais" to languages like Bassa to standard English, French and Spanish etc

Today the twentieth day to Christmas, DC hereby brings to you...

Name: DJ Lewat

Age: Mature!

Location: London, UK

Contact: mailto:lewato@yahoo.com

http://www.djlewat.co.uk/

DC: Hey Mr DJ, thanks for talking to DC. First of all tell us why you chose the name Lewat?DJ Lewat: It’s funny, Lewat was actually a nickname given to me by 2 of my friends who saw me in front of a hotel called Hotel Lewat in Douala and they assumed I had slept there so they nicknamed me that from thenceforth.

DC: What were the reasons that pushed you into music?DJ Lewat: Erm, I think it is my love for it really. I love listening to it and I listen to it every day and that is why I got into the DJing business.

DC: Which artists do you look up to?
DJ Lewat: Growing up I listened to a wide range of artists and genres. My favourite Cameroonian musician to date is Petit Pays and the reason is that he has reinvented himself over the years to suit the modern times. I also love Missy Elliot, Youssour N’dour, Lokua Kanza, Jay Z, Richard Bona etc

DC: What do you think of the Cameroonian music scene at the moment?DJ Lewat: I think it has come a long way. It has reinvented itself and there are new and upcoming artists who are not yet popular but doing just the right things. An example is X Maleya with the track “Yelele” which is a great track. Artists also like Blick Bassy, Kilian Ateh, Etienne Mbappe, Denzyl, Debra Debs etc. The Cameroonian music scene is looking to get better and we are pinning for these artists to be successful and popularly known outside of Cameroon.

DC: So what type of crowd and functions do you cater for?DJ Lewat: I cater for a varied crowd and varied functions. I started my DJing in a bar in London called Barracuda and there we had mostly white crowds so I am open minded but typically I play to African crowds with the genres such as Raggae, Bashment/Dancehall, Hip Hop and RnB, Coupe Decale, Ndombolo, Garage, Funky House and Makossa being popular.

DC: How do you get yourself prepared musically before a function and how do you know which songs to choose?
DJ Lewat: When I am booked for an event, I have some questions I ask first to understand what type of event it would be, what crowd they’ll be expecting and what type of venue it is and then I decide on what music to bring along. Another thing I do is to show them my playlist and advice them on what genres they should be going for.

DC: Would you say you are a DJ who pleases the crowd?
DJ Lewat: I would say I do but as a DJ one thing I have come to realise is that you will never please the entire crowd! There are always people wanting to listen to old things while the rest would want the contemporary stuff!

DC: What about releasing compilation CD’s and mixed tapes, is that something you would do?DJ Lewat: Erm yeah, I am actually working on a mixed tape together with Debra Debs which will showcase my music taste and influences and I hope to release it next year.

DC: What do you hope for in 2010?
DJ Lewat: The challenges of 2009 have been so many so I am looking forward to 2010. I hope to kick start my career with a permanent job as well as have a permanent gig in a night club.

DC: How will you cope with doing both?
DJ Lewat: One is my career and the other my passion so I hope to keep the DJing going in the weekends with a permanent spot allowing me to focus on my career in the week.

DC: How do you intend to spend Christmas?
DJ Lewat: I will be sending it with a couple of friends in Birmingham which is part of our tradition as most of us have not got families over here.

Hope you enjoyed reading what DJ Lewat had to say.
To keep yourself informed on his whereabouts, check out his website.

Also check it out for some of his fav killa tracks.

http://www.djlewat.co.uk/

Good day and see you tomorrow!

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

25 EQUALS 25: SIDNEY TUM

It's another day here on DC, let me hear you say yeahhh because we have another talent just for you!
Oh the things we do to keep you coming for more!!!
Ok, so we have 6 more days to go before this music campaign comes to an end. We hope you are being well informed and most of all well entertained.

Let us all support our homegrown talents as they shine the spotlight on Cameroon our fatherland!

On this nineteenth day to Christmas, DC brings to you...

Name: Sine Tum Emmanuel aka Sidney Tum

Age: Just numbers!

Location: Yaounde, Cameroon

Label: Burn M Records

Contact: melodysyd@yahoo.fr
00 237 77 72 73 67

DC: Hey Sidney, thanks for talking to DC. Describe to us your sound.
Sidney: To describe my music I will say I do music that carries a lot of emotion. It is music that transports the soul from one sentiment to another.

DC: Who or what encouraged you towards music?
Sidney: Encouragement for music came from my immediate relatives. My family encouraged me when they gave me the opportunity to climb on tables to interpret Michael Jackson (he laughs). Then friends like Fobi Michael, Fritz Ndikum, Maitre Abeng, Maitre Akere Muna, Eustace Anye my closest friend with whom I built our record label called Sideus Records, Lea Darbany, Patience Darbany, Edgar Yonque Claudysia in short it has been a journey with the encouragements of these people.

DC: How did you feel when you were announced the winner of Africa Star?
Sidney: When I was announced the winner of Africa Star, I felt as if I had come to the end of the road and was at a turning point of a more difficult one that awaited me. I felt relieved but also overwhelmed with emotion of joy!

DC: Did wining that show open doors for you?
Sidney: Winning Africa Star has opened many doors for me. When you arrive in your country and you meet three thousand people waiting for you at the airport you know things are no longer the same! You suddenly gain credibility and respect from people so I can say it has opened doors both at the relational and artistic levels.

DC: Would you encourage any up and coming artists to go onto reality shows like Africa Star?
Sidney: If I would encourage any young artist? Yes is the answer! I think basically what an artist needs is the exposure and I will say the show is a great exposure platform especially if you look at the large audience the show carries.

DC: Which artists influence your music?
Sidney: Well for the artists who have influenced my music, I would say I listen to a wide range of artist from African to American and Chinese music which is very good for relaxation. Jazz and Classical music too but nonetheless I have been inspired by Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Richard Bona, Assa Audiause George Seba, Michael Jackson, Tu Face etc

DC: How is the music scene in Cameroon like?
Sidney: Cameroon music scene (he laughs). Well I will say there is a lot of work to do but the scene is very promising. There are some upcoming artists that are taking things to a good level however we still have many things to do but the future is bright for the industry in my opinion.

DC: What do you hope for in 2010?
Sidney: I hope that my album tops number one in the charts. I hope that much progress is made in the treatment of Aids. I hope that the World becomes a better place and that Africa becomes a home and not just a house for many too.

DC: How do you hope to spend Christmas?
Sidney: I will like to spend Christmas with my parents but it won’t be possible as I have got a series of concerts in different towns already booked.
Thanks for the interview and I would like to wish a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my fans as well as to my boy Junior Chavez, CEO Burns M Records.

Without further ado, here is a lil treat from Sidney...



See you tomorrow for more...you wouldn't want to miss it!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

JEAN-PIERRE BEKOLO FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Cameroon's top film director, Jean Pierre Bekolo Obama has been nominated for 2 of France's most prestigious film and arts awards scheduled for the new year.

His best selling sci fi movie, Les Saignantes (pictured), which has received rave reviews from when it was released is the film which has been put forward for these awards.

We hope he picks up both gongs. He is certainly making us very proud indeed!

Go Obama, go Obama go!!

For more on the news, go here and here

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

STOP, MISSING CHILD! *UPDATED*

Baby Audrey has been FOUND!!
Read the full story here

Thank God for this!!

This is the sweet little face of an innocent 18 month old Ghanian baby who was taken away from a police station in the Southwark area on Thursday by a woman claiming to be the baby's mother's friend.

The woman who took the baby is also claimed to be of Ghanian descent, medium build, with short black hair and was last seen wearing a bright red coat and dark knee length boots.

Audrey, the missing baby was last seen wearing pink trousers, a pink coat and a pink and white hat.

Does this ring any bells?
Do you have any information?
Has your neighbour or friend turned up with a new child?
If someone has told you anything or if you have any doubts about anything, please please please contact the police and let us give Audrey's parents a great Christmas to remember.

For more on the news, please go here and to see the face of the baby snatcher go here

Do something this Christmas, help solve a case.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx