TIPTOPSTARS

Akum Adele-Claris, Chah Mabel and Ewah Lawrence are undoubtedly one of Cameroon's most prominent music trio on the international scene currently. The three sing for BAAM, a Buea-based WAB (World/Afro beats) group, created three years ago. BAAM is Cameroon's eye on one of the world's leading music TV channels, TRACE.  TRACE broadcasts from Paris, France.

For a couple of months now, music lovers world-wide have been savouring Stand Up, BAAM's video single, recorded in Paris and produced by TRACE and NESTLE. This is fallout from the international Nescafe song competition from which BAAM sprang in 2007. The Cameroonian group did not only emerge champions at the competition, but scored an overwhelming victory over their opponents, especially Nigeria. That was Abidjan in 2007. BAAM's two winning tracks, Arise Africa and Paddy Man (Nescafe song) held Abidjan spellbound, but Stand Up was going to be BAAM's dawn.

    "For seven days in a Parisian studio, we worked, tirelessly with Wayne Beckford, who was hired to put us through," Larry told us in Buea recently. Apart from producing RnB icons, Akon and Kanye West, Beckford has brought up several other European and American artistes. "It was a dream come true working with him and we were very proud of that," said Mabel. "To Beckford, we were his children and he quickly fell in love with our performance," she continued. The renowned music Akon's producer could not hide his feelings about Larry. "Give me three months with Larry, I'll blow the world," he said of the Buea-based BAAM's lone male singer.

A few weeks after BAAM rounded off at the Studio de L'Armée, Palais de Congrès in Paris, Stand up hit TRACE. The explosion that has followed can only be compared to that of the beautiful piece itself. Buea, Cameroon, Africa and the world have gotten up to embrace what is now rated as one of the best clips on the popular entertainment channel. "People are surprised to see us around Buea, they think BAAM is an American group," said Adele. Larry said: "When I walk along the street, some hail me, others argue it is not the guy on TRACE." "But they are all excited," he added.

   Elsewhere, the reaction has been the same. "We've been receiving calls from beyond Cameroon, congratulating us on the great job," Mabel explained.

But what explains your success? "God!" the three said at once. "We are also indebted to Emile Ngumbah and the Buea-based M ONE music studio where we were groomed as back-up singers," Mabel told us. "It's also hard work, determination and drive that put us on the rail," she said further. BAAM also believes that the support from other Buea-based artistes has been instrumental to their success. "Our relationship with them has been very cordial," said Adele.

BAAM's maiden album is also an explosion as well comprising songs like Dance to My Culture, Wind, Break and Twist, BAAM Prayer, Bounce to This, Be Strong and Arise Africa. Interestingly, Stand Up is also broadcast on MTV Base, Channel O and Africa Magic. "We are eyeing MTV and working hard to sweep all the international awards," they said with much confidence.