Category: Cameroon
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People (Check on Me) by Libianca
By Shanell Holback If I had to pick a song that was relatable to millions around the world, especially in modern times, “People (Check on Me)” by Libianca would be my pick 100 percent. Born Libianca Fonji in St Paul, Minnesota the singers parents immigrated to the United States before she was born, but movedRead…
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Political rap throughout francophone Africa
Political rap is a style of rap characterized by the political dimension of lyrics dealing with societal themes, reflecting both a commitment as well as a desire for collective emancipation. In the African continent, the theme of political rap is used as a way to express a vision of the world which denounces inequalities. ForRead…
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Surprise! Another blog bout Jovi
Jovi’s street anthem Et P8 Koi (So What?) shows the use of Cameroonian language in hip-hop as means of depicting identity in a globalized music industry. Jovi is known to put out “multilingual bangers” with backing tracks from various musical disciplines. The creativity in production is mirrored by his dynamic lyricism that transcends cultural andRead…
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When Cameroonian slang meets African Hip-Hop
Stanley Ebai Enow is a Cameroonian rapper, radio and TV presenter, and voice actor. He is the co-owner of the record label, Motherland Empire. Born in Bamenda, the capital of the Northwest Region of Cameroon, with family from Bayangi, located in the Southwest Region, Stanley Enow’s nickname “Bayangi Boy” reflects the importance regional origins forRead…
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Patriarchy No Worry Me
The patriarchal influence of marketing music sales leaves Askia unfettered. Her style in this music video is a mixture of aggression, pride, and bravery that reflects the persistence to overcome gender discriminatory constraints women face in society. In a music industry dominated by men, such that it is rare for female rappers to gain theRead…
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Askia, Cameroon’s rising Femcee
Cameroon is the source of many formidable rappers in different ages, genders and backgrounds. Askia is among the ranks. Without much information known on her, she allows her music to speak for itself. Askia was first seen in mainstream rap in 2015. She released a wave of music and quickly generated a large fanbase. BasedRead…
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No worry about Askia
Hoarse voice, open sexuality and disclosure of the body in rather explicit movements, blended with hip-hop masculinity, are the essential elements of Cameroon hip-hop female artist Askia’s video No Worry Me. In this 2015 video, Askia embraces a traditional representation of women in hip-hop: the fearless woman. As stated in a 2015 interview for KamerRead…
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Show me the light Jovi
This post is another testament to Jovi, and his art that has the power of erasing class and gendered boundaries to solidify the Cameroonian social identity. Check out his music video for Zélé and you’ll see what I am talking about.
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B.A.S.T.A.R.D by Jovi
While researching rappers in Cameroon, I came across a blog that mentions Cameroon’s Jovi as a pure rapper with undeniable talent. Of course I wanted to see this for myself. The first song I came across that actually sounded like hip hop was his single “B.A.S.T.A.R.D”. Intrigued by the name, I clicked the video andRead…
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33 sins of Paul Biya
On November 6 2018 President Paul Biya of Cameroon, will celebrate his 36 years of presidency. According to his website Général Valsero “sees himself as a political rapper, who attacks and denounces the way the president Paul Biya runs his country, Cameroon”. This description is accurate when analyzing the lyrics and the video of rapRead…