TIPTOPSTARS

English-speaking Cameroonian folklore singer, Ateh Bazore held his audience spellbound last week as he performed one of his hit tunes at the music day show in Yaounde. The audience, like one man, joined the artiste in chanting Yi Kfe Ilah, the key track of his current album that has been an explosion. French-speaking music lovers who jammed the May 20 Boulevard for the event found themselves dancing, dexterously, to Njang beats as they accompanied Bazore. “J’aime tellement cet morceau,” one Bazore fan said, meaning she really loved the piece. Another one said: “Il est le meilleur,” (meaning he’s the best). Other musicians who thrilled music lovers at the show, organised by CRTV’s pioneer commercial station, FM 94 were; Ai-jo Mamadou (best artiste in 2007), Ama Pierrot (best artiste in 2006), Patou Bass (best artiste in 2005), Ayi Majoie, Atango de Manajaman, Ottou Marcellin and  Lady Ponce. World music day was celebrated at a time when Cameroonian music is facing a lot of setbacks. Recently, a new organ was created to manage copyright. Société Camerounaise de Arts Musicales (SOCAM) will replace the Cameroon Music Corporation (CMC) which became a hot potato for the Ministry of Culture, following alleged mismanagement of funds by it’s board chair, Sam Mbede.