TIPTOPSTARS

Visitors to www.nexdimempire.com would agree with this writer (himself a regular fan of the site) that the online publication is one of the best things happening to the entertainment industry in Cameroon. The site’s contribution to the excitingly growing rate of showbiz is enormous and laudable. This is thanks to a new generation of visionary young people who have pledged to market their country’s culture until the world understands Cameroon is so richly endowed. Behind this vision is an admirable young Cameroonian, from Nguti in the South West region of the country whose multi-talented nature leaves no observer indifferent. His name is Njang Stephen Mbu simply known by his artistic appellation as Steveslil.

Steveslil who would also be affectionately called NgutiBoy is the Chief Executive Office, CEO of the NexDim Empire media outfit. For quite some time now, this young Cameroonian has committed himself in marketing the skills of artists and giving his country ample exposure in the showbiz domain, yet he himself is a talented and fast growing singer.

After sojourning Europe where the 26-year-old RnB and Afro beat star thrilled fans at concerts in Sweden and Finland, Steveslil is back home to continue pursuing his dreams. Such dreams include accompanying Panjo, his latest single, in creating an indelible impact on music lovers. The single, produced by Deecy, a talented Cameroon/Nigerian artist is quite prominent on the airwaves in Cameroon currently.

With a rich, yet much-to-come experience in the art of music, Steveslil has a store of works including two other singles you would love to savour – Buy U Shack and Rock da Party. He has performed locally and internationally on countless occasions including the 2011 Cameroon Hip-Hop Festival, Steveslil and the Afro-beats Band Concert, Star Festival, 2010 VIP Fashion Show, Off the Wall Tour and the 2009 Dynasty Awards.

The Law graduate from the University of Buea, Cameroon has a long history with music. According to www.steveslil.com, the artiste’s personal blog, Steveslil discovered his love for singing way back as a child, but it was only in secondary school that he entered into a deal with music. He recalls that Boyz in the Wilderness which later became Boys on Zion was his first real attempt at striking the cord. This was a an acapella band he created at that tender age before later becoming CEO of a music label, CoreSouth Records, born from CoreSouth Hip-Hop, another band he and some peers formed in 2004.

Further adventures including bearing the flag of the South West at the 2005 NESCAFE African Revelation could not escape the attention of Bebun Entertainment Industry, BEI, a Washington DC-based production house. In recognizing the talented singer, BEI embraced Steveslil with the honour of the first artiste from Africa to be signed and promoted.

Described by the production outfit as “a whole package” (see www.steveslil.com), soft-spoken and sociable Steveslil draws inspiration from several renowned singers such as Aaliyah, Michael Jackson, R-Kelly, Matt Houston, Floetry, Usher, Sisqo, Fela, Angelique Kidjo, Miriam Makeba, Lukua Kanza, etc.

Perhaps being a nephew to Nancy Asapo who composed the timeless signature tune for the popular network magazine programme, Luncheon Date on CRTV tells the entire story – music runs in the family. No doubt, NgutiBoy’s dad and mum were equally blessed with the gift of music.

Also a music producer and songwriter, the CEO of the www.nexdimempire.com portal is a prolific writer/reporter and has an admirable mastery of the English language and reporting skills. Watch out for an interview with him on TIPTOPSTARS in a subsequent update.