TIPTOPSTARS

Simon Longue Longue and Charlot Dipanda have been declared male and female musicians of the year respectively. Both artistes were given the honour by Cameroon's most prestigious music awards, Canal d'Or that took place in Douala a couple of days ago. The choice of Longue Longue was not a surprise, for his Kirikou had swept across Cameroon like mad, winning hearts just few days after its release. The song which was key track in his latest album became a commony sung piece not only by fans, but everyone, even lovers of other genre. The naming of Longue Longue and Charlot Dipanda has come to once again obstruct the bikutsi hegemony that reigned until two years ago. Last year, Narcise Pryze, another makossa singer succeeded bikutsi guru Ai-jo Mamadou. But Lady Ponce stayed on as best female artiste. This year, bikutsi artistes have been overcome. However, Tsimi Toro's Merci won the award of the best song in 2009.

Other Canal d'Or 2009 laureates included Hubert Nyame who emerged as the revelation of 2009 and X-Malea which turned out as best urban group. While Prince Yerima Afo akom emerged as best folklore artiste of the year, Belka Tobie won the award of the best musician in the diaspora. Richard Bona was named best Cameroonian wold music singer. Man No Lap's Mon Histoire was judged to be the best TV sitcom, while Wes Madiko was honoured with the jury's special prize.

Described as the most prestigious awards in Cameroon, Canal d'Or was at its 6^th edition the year. It is organised by Cameroon's most prominent private TV station, Canal 2 International.