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.

 

 

Cameroon is already bracing up to welcome an illustrious son who from all indications is the next song ambassador. Sona will arrive in the country in the coming days to start what has been described as meet-the-fans tour. The 22-year-old song maestro is expected to perform in Buea, Kumba and Limbe. We hear all is being put in place to give Sona a hectic reception. "He deserves it," a fan told us just yesterday. He went on: "Sona is such a talented artiste who would attract attention."

Meanwhile after reading about Sona's home-coming in Among Youths, the S-based potential fans in Yaounde have been moved. Some of them, including rising artistes have pledged to throw their might behind him. One of such enthusiastic Sona fans is King Aluan, an artiste himself. Aluan is preparing a welcome song for the diasporan hero. Sona Lionel Ekume Aka Sona up-and-coming Hip-Hop star will launch his second album, African Juju during his tour. After Buea on 14 November, he will move to the sea-side resort of Limbe (15 November) where the population, as usual, is expected to come out en masse. Kumba follows on 21 November. Yaounde, Douala and Bamenda will have the opportunity to feel him during his next stop-over bilkled in Febreruar 2010.

Meanwhile upon arrival in Cameroon on Monday 9 November 2009, Sona will meet the press to through more light on his visit. The young Cameroonian, holder of a degree in pharmacology at the University of Wisconsin runs a record label, intercession records. His first album, Man in the Mirrow, is characterized by beautiful songs. Dreams, his single is also a piece worth listening to.

Sona hails from Meme division in the south west region. He joined his father in the US six years ago where he has been working hard to blow up on the American scene. He got introduced in to Hip Hop at a tender age of twelve. He has also produced a documentary, Behold Something Bigger than Tupac (www.biggerthantupac.com) more on his visit to Cameroon in subsequent updates on www.tiptopstars.com

                       

OFF The WALL Tour Schedule:

Buea-November 14th 2009
Location: Omnisport stadium Comlpes
Time: 2PM
Entry: 1000FCFA
Buy Tickets now at  Chillen Music or Wimax.
For more information on tickets call Steve @ 74772277

Limbe- November 15th 2009
Location:  Jungle Village (Botanic gardens)
Time: 2PM
Entry: 1000FCFA
Buy tickets now @ Ocean city radio, Limbe
or call Aaron @ 75236196

Kumba- November 21st 2009
Location: Amusement Park
Time: 2PM
Entry: 100FCFA
Buy tickets now @ Ocean city radio, talent star studio
or call 75573282

Guest Artists:
Special guest artists for the Off The Wall tour 2009 include:


       STEVESLIL            FRANCK BEBE          TATA KINGE


   BRIGHT PHASE                BAAM                  WESTOXC