Bamenda Showbiz: Luzuriant Voices that make NW music distinct

Music is an element of distinction for the North West Region from other regions of Cameroon. Conceived from the many cultural and ethnic groups that make up the region, NW music as it is often refered to in Cameroon has witnessed an unprecedented evolution.
From the older generation of late Francis Dom, late John Minang, Ngalim Andreas, late Latchi Tepino, JM of Africa, lady Santana, Rik Nguti, Ni Ken to Ateh Bazore, Lemi Moise,  Bobgala Didier, Wara Festus, King Phill, Yerima Afo-A-Kom, Gerafrique, Zuluman, Steve Dufe amongst others, to the younger generation,  it has been the construction of a unique music brand and style that has now clearly blossom to what is now known as AfroNjang. While some members of the older generation have either passed on or dropped their boots, others are acting like a transition to the young and vibrant generation that is ready to take NW music to an all new level. Discover some of the amazing luxuriant voices that make music from North West Cameroon unique.

Richard Kings
 


Native of Nso, Bui Division Richard Kings is a flag bearer of NW music. Singing in Lamnso, English and French, Kinga Richard is a sensational singer and guitarist with exceptional stage management skills. Generally respected for his spontaneity and live performance, Richard Kings can simply be described as a connection interface with prolific folklore. With a good number  of songs to his credit amongst them Tim Ri Shey Mo,  Saramando, Tata Nyuy Mbom, Shufai, Richard Kings has emerged as a veritable inspiration for many young people in the region who cherish not only his style but also folklore. Singing the theme song of the 2016 Women's Africa Nation's Cup in Cameroon  alongside Chalotte Depanda only added to his already rich music profile.


Joyce Babatunde 

 


A great vocalist of uncommon compare. Composed and serene during stage performances, Joyce with the ability to blend recitation and songs, can keep a concert crowd on the feet for as long as she performs. The experimental music and spoken word artist as she will want to be described is no where trying an experiment... Winner of several awards including the fast growing NBACA and participants in more shows than one can count, Joyce Babatunde from the Kom Boyo Division is no easy push over in the NW music stage.

Ghetto Prince 

 


Always with his guitar, Ghetto Prince from Bali Nyongha in Mezam Division like his fellow village man Bobgala Didier is another phenomenon you will not ignore in any conversation about NW music. First he likes playing live music, next he is very much inspired by the Lela rhythms from his native land and the popular raggae music genre. From Nnaayongha to Money Fine... Ghetto has remained himself. The artist, singer and song writer at Bahood Records has kept a respectable profile amongst his friends and collaborators as he features in their songs. A superb live performer, Ghetto is aiming for the skies.


Chilli 

 


Fonyuy Claudette Mbinkar is her name. Though she started singing as early as 10, little did she know that after her university studies she will turn to a super star. Yes super star she is. From Nso in Bui Division, Chilli has taken upon herself the responsibility to represent, valorise and promote the unique culture of her Nso people and the North West Region in general. Before releasing her first album My Heritage in February 2014, Chilli was a singer for University of Yaoude I Choir Glorious Voices. She is brilliant on stage with a firm command of her songs, dance steps and mother tongue. She performed in almost every  high profile event in Cameroon. She is trying a hand in business through the production of designer wears with mostly the grassfield traditional fabrics. Chilli Wawaye will be an excellent guest artist for any event.


King Phill, Wara Festus, Afo-a-Kom and Ateh Bazor. 

 


They could be in the category of an older generation but they sing and dance young. Like King Phill who has stayed loyal to his traditional bottle dance rhythm with some little bit of spicing, Wara Festus and Prince Yerima Afo-a-Kom have kept their Njang roots. With songs like Mbomalah and Choice for Woman, the ever ready Wara like Phill has remained at home in the midst of ear-blocking gunshots. Prince Afo-a-Kom and his Kom brother Ateh Bazor (Dr Ateh Francis) have maintained their cultural identity though functioning from the nation's capital. They all are great assets to NW music.

Zita Light
 


Born in Nkwen, Zita Light has practically created a music world of her own. Trained as a journalist, Atngche Zita being her name has elected for a Christian approach to music. Blended with lots of culture through outfit and dance, Zita Light carries great messages in her song. She doesn't sing for fun, she sings to educate and transform lives especially those in power and the youth which is part of her organisation's (New Breed Africa Foundation) main objective. With lots of humanitarian and empowerment work, Zita's Nsankwi song is what is taking her time now as part of what she calls the Lamentation project... She has moved from a singer and song writer herself to a promoter of music with NBACA award event which also celebrates music in the NW. MAMA Zi as her collaborators call her is not only convinced that NW music is good but is also investing time and resources to make sure it is better. An eloquent MC and singer, Zita Light is bundle of good tidings for every event she attains in any capacity. 

Bonzyz

 

The real name of the afro-hip-hop artist is Kay Innocent Bonwe. With a background in Business management Bonzyz is branded as a rapper in his native Limbom native language, pidgin and English. Kupshi, Karawa are songs that brought the proponent of rhythms, drums, sounds and dances of Cameroon. With a strong fan base in the North West Region, Douala Yaounde, Bonzyz is a regular feature on many shows across Cameroon. With great love for humanity and strong Christian background, Bonzyz has a vision to promote Cameroon' s music genre and culture in general Africa's through his adopted afro-hip-hop music style. 

Ayeah Leonette 

 

The Afro artist, song writer, model and creative genius is from Kom Boyo Divison. Produced by Ruphina music records at take-off, Leonette hit the music scene with her song Pinky Baby. Daring as she she is, Leonette in July 2020 announced her engagement with the baby 4-Nutch Infotainment music label. As to why a top class singer of her class will choose to signup with a new label like 4Nutch Infotainment  only explain her ability to make hard decisions. A great stage and live performer Leonette is loved and admired by her fans for her great attachment to and proper use  use of I-tang-i-kom her mother tongue and English. Though involved with the development of her creativity in the transformation of user tires to produced beautiful home furniture, Leonette is still determined to push on with her music career where she hopes to make good use of her vocal prowess and composition skills. Njuhsa is one of her great songs available on YouTube. The mother of one, has made smiling a norm in her life.


Liya

 
The rising Afro music super star hails from Menchum Division. Born and named Fung Livirene Lum,  Liya is one of the fast growing female artist from the region in her generation. With a running contract with HL Music, Liya is set to take the music scene by storm this August with a Album tittle FOR YOU. She didn't give room for the COVID-19 confinement to hold her back. Unique in her style and choice of self branding, Liya is such an attractive force to have on stage. 


She has focused her songs on life experiences highlighting issues of influence, love, maturity, decision making amongst others. With a beautiful voice, Liya has a good presence and inspires a lot of hope for her he generation and those to come. She is inarguably the best from her Division and amongst the best in the region. You will surely want to satisfy your curiosity this August as she hits the airwaves with the audio and video of her project FOR YOU... 

This article will be complete in the coming dayd... just keep coming back to discover what is new... Remember, Flavy Praise, Chapitre Cinq, Tilla-Bans, Maureen Forbah, Wanje Etienne, Loic Sumfor, Fanka, Beniss, Magasco, Mr Leo, Fanka, Wax Dey, Ghasha, Tina Vernyuy, Payi king, Afani Ambiano, and NBO D Klan  have not been discussed. Keep coming back when you are chanced.

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By Bakah Derick

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