Witty music observers have always refrained from being so generous to debut singers whose maiden release catapults them to amazing fame. They argue, backed with experience that many of such musicians have failed to prove their might from their second and subsequent albums or singles. Assessments based on ‘number ones’ may not only be premature, but could be sufficiently deceitful. “Show us ‘number two’ and shall tell you what singer you are,” they would claim.
In as much as this standpoint may habour some meaning, there are also scores of such famous debut artists whose ‘number twos’ and subsequently albums or singles have amazingly turned out to be best-sellers, at times better packaged, loved and applauded than the previous ones. Such singers have succeeded in capturing a permanently growing audience.
Rap hero, Stanley Enow fits squarely into this description. No sooner had his entry track, Hein Pere which created an indelible mark observers continue to say held Cameroon and African in a fit never experienced before, than another hit checked in. From every indication, TumbuBoss (Deluxe) is fast bearing the same weight. “I now confirm Stanley’s talent in rap, he has convinced me,” Margie, an Ohio Hein Pere fan told TIPTOPSTARS after watching the TumbuBoss (Deluxe) video more than once. Margie told us she did not watch the video once because she wanted to avoid hasty conclusions. To her, the young rap artist must no longer be taken with a pinch of salt. “He deserves all the applause he has had so far, Stanley is good,” the fan insisted.
It would definitely be no surprise to learn that many other observers or music lovers hold the same opinion. TumbuBoss (Deluxe) is self-revealing. Its 3.46-minute-long video is one of such pieces that meet international standards and is readily accepted and screened on renowned entertainment channels including TRACE and MTV BASE.
As an innovation, the Samsung Cameroon ambassador is rather clad in the Heart Angel Clothing, promoted by UK-based Cameroonian Steve Franklin, other than his usual Motherland brand outfit. That’s him – Stanley Enow – the versatile artist!
Shot by Shamack Allharamadji, the video with catchy visuals reveals a gritty, yet fast-paced lifestyle dominated by porsches, airplanes, bling bling jewelleries, etc.
Perhaps, the image of “Tumbu boss calabar…” a typical indigenous interactive game among English-speaking Cameroonian kids in the days of yore, which swiftly rekindles sweet childhood memories, is the single’s joker. In short, Stanley has won scores of hearts in this one.
Hailing from South West region of Cameroon, Stanley Enow shot his way into fame via his maiden single, Hein Pere. This fame broke boundaries and in recent weeks, the Douala-based rap maestro has been thrilling other audiences around the globe. He is expected in the United States in the coming months and TIPTOPSTARS is told anxiety is growing hugely.
TumbuBoss (Deluxe) is the second official single to be released from his yet-to-be released debut album Soldier Like My Papa.
Afrikka Radio Congratulatory messages have continued to stream into the Afrikka Radio newsroom since the station emerged victorious in the best online radio category of the Universal Achievement Awards, UAA, that held in Columbus Ohio recently.
“You are indeed the best and I’d stay clued to the station.” “Congrats Afrikka Radio, keep the flame burning.” “You deserve this prize Afrikka Radio, you have been so present in the community.” “Your shows speak volumes and I love listening to the station. Enjoy your reward.” “For representing Africa reasonable, Afrikka Radio stands tall and deserve this prize.”
These and more are the kind of positive comments the Columbus-based radio station is being furnished with for the past couple of weeks. To its fervent listeners, friends and well-wishers, Afrikka Radio has displayed enormous commitment in telling the African story in the diaspora as well as mirroring the continent’s diaspora to governments and the people back home. “It’s a herculean task but through your content-rich slots, you have achieved this goal within the short period of the station’s existence,” a resource person for Afrikka Radio told a show, reacting to the recent recognition.
Accepting the Universal Achievement Awards UAA best online radio award, the CEO of Afrikka Radio, Nana Ampem praised listeners for their commitment in providing the audience which the station needs in order to keep going. “We appreciate that love and concern and hope it will stay on,” he said. “And if we are able to achieve this so far, it is largely thanks to a collective effort of the committed staff we have,” Ampem went further. The CEO however promised Afrikka Radio was not going to lie on its laurels. He said: “We shall continue to work hard and serve you with sumptuous shows. Of course, we are eyeing the sky.”
With staff drawn from various countries of Africa, the award-winning Afrikka Radio went operational in 2011 and airs programs that meet the information, education and entertainment needs of its listeners. Some of its prime time shows include iTunes (Sunday 3pm to 5pm EST), Restoration Hour (Sunday 10pm to 11pm EST), Boyz Boyz & Girls Girls Show (Monday-Friday 10pm to midnight EST), Drive Time (Monday-Friday 5pm to 8pm EST), African Cocktail (Wednesday 10:30am to 1pm EST), Global Views (Saturday 9:30am to 11am EST).
Afrikka Radio, also known to have partnered in several community events, has been previously recognized. It could be listened to by clicking on www.afrikkaradio.com or by simply dialing 832-280-0016832-280-0016 or downloading the tunein Afrikka Radio app.
That Shiri Achu is gifted in translating daily life into meaningful painting is no doubt is a perfect reality! Her paintings may not be like the sound-producing guitars, pianos, saxophones, trumpets, etc, but in their silence, they sound louder than these musical instruments. It suffices to be exposed to them and this conclusion is drawn. “I had never fallen for work of art the way I did when I first came across Shiri Achu’s paintings,” a London resident of Cameroonian origin told TIPTOPSTARS at press time. “I only recovered from the fit caused by the beauty of Shiri’s art after I had left the exhibition ground,” she explained further.
That is the impact Shiri Achu Art is known to have on its audience/consumers. It is the same effect 35 In Print, the latest collection is expected to have when it is exhibited from April 19 to April 25 this year at The Strand Gallery in London. “I’m not only anxious, but so excited because I know exactly what we are going to get as a treat at the weeklong exhibition,” the London fan said.
Meanwhile preparations are heating up ahead of the art exhibition organizers say would not only consist of sight-seeing, but would offer the opportunity for visitors to purchase and even win signed limited edition framed prints worth 250 Euros. The weeklong exhibition will also be spiced by music, organizers have announced.
It should be noted that Shiri is a sibling to Naomi Achu, renowned USA-based Cameroonian Rap artist. Just like her musician sister whom Afrikka Radio’s African Cocktail received some time ago, Shiri Achu will be main speaker on the show any time in May, 2014. Then, she will be expected to tell her story in-depth.
Read details of the 35 In Print art exhibition is the following press release delivered to TIPTOPSTARS from the Shiri Achu Art Communication Department.
Shiri Achu Art Exhibition; 35InPrint: London
19th - 25th April 2014
The Strand Gallery; 32 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6BP.
Private view/Opening party; ON; Saturday 19th April 2014; FROM; 6pm-10pm
Shiri Achu’s art comes from everyday, unsurprising yet unexpectedly vivid moments, times, places and objects. She seeks to capture the spirit of her subjects and make them come alive through form, colour, texture and tone. She draws insight from her travels but in general her inspiration is very broad; from natural moments captured in Africa to still objects, from the human form to the human in action; etc
Ever increasingly so, one of the aims of Shiri Achu’s Art is to showcase the African cultures worldwide. She finds beauty in the woman carrying her child on her back and going her way, She finds beauty in the old lady who makes here ‘achu’ in her dark outdoor kitchen for her grandchildren, She finds beauty in the African fabrics, she finds beauty, envy even, in the young girl climbing the tree!! So she paints these images. For her, they are beautiful moments and for that moment, whilst she works on that piece she buries herself in the story and in the culture.
It’s been 5 years since Shiri Achu’s first solo exhibition held at St Augustine's tower in Hackney. Since then she has been given the award of 'The best Artist in Brent' by the Brent Council, London and has been fortunate to have exhibited in various exciting places/events/ cities. These include; The Commonwealth Secretariat, The houses of Parliament and The Olympic African Village. Cities include; Adelaide, Lisbon, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Las Vegas and Chiang Mai to name a few. As well as exhibiting, Signed Limited Shiri Achu Art Prints can be bought at The Smithsonian Institution & The National museum of African Art in Washington DC USA and can also be purchased from Naprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures in Prague.
Shiri Achu Art has also been featured in the book ‘'International Contemporary Masters VII' (Published by World Wide Art Books) as well as in numerous magazines, blogs, TV shows such as BBC TV Show ‘Show me the Monet’ Series 2.
Today, Shiri Achu is excited to present to London, for one week only ‘35 In Print: London’.
The exhibition will largely consist of 35 Framed Signed Limited Edition Shiri Achu Art Prints. You will be able to purchase these limited edition signed prints at very affordable prices!!
There will also be a raffle on the night. Three lucky people will win signed limited edition framed prints worth £250 each.
£35 of every print sold and proceeds from the raffle will be used to fund an exciting project in Cameroon. Details will be revealed at the exhibition.
Live music from the fabulous singer Amaka. She will be travelling all the way from Germany to perform at the opening party.
Shiri Achu Art looks forward to welcoming you at 35InPrint: London.
You cannot write the history of Cameroonian music without devoting ample volumes for makossa. It is the undoubtedly the country’s most popular and successful musical genres along the years. Like wild winds, it swept the international terrain in the 70s and 80s with legendary artists who in no time became role models to scores of other counterparts the continent over. Even when a general impression has it that makossa’s hitherto firm grip has dwindled, some observers still hold tight that this genre can never take to the doldrums of unpopularity. Not even the rise of contemporary genres including Hip-Hop would dissuade some new generation musicians who still believe in the artistic strength of makossa. One of them is Douala-based is Kumba-born Frank Bebe whose heart, he has confirmed to us beats for makossa. In a recent conversation with us, Le Sugar Boy, as Frank is affectionately called among his peers, explains his love for makossa and his career. This multi-skilled, bilingual Cameroonian who has a nose for fashion spoke with TIPTOPSTARS’ Anang Christy Ijang in Kumba. Excerpts! Anang Christy Ijang (ACI): Welcome to TIPTOPSTARS Le Sugar Boy! Frank Bebe (FB): Thanks for having me Christy.
ACI: Tell me a little bit about Frank Bebe…
FB: My real names are Acha Franklin. I’m a very humble Cameroonian hails from Batibo in the North West region of Cameroon. I care for music in general but makossa in particular. I adore my country and love watching Cameroonian movies.
ACI: Where is the name Le Sugar Boy coming from?
FB: Hahahahaha!!! I think I earned the name because of my dashing good looks and my very stylish dressing.
ACI: When did your interest for makossa music begin?
FB: My love for music in general dates back to my primary school days. I loved Boys 2 Men, but after my secondary education, when I finally decided to get into music, I fell in love with makossa. This is because makossa is was music made in Cameroon. Doing makossa just feels right within me.
ACI: But artists of your generation are more into Hip-Hop…
FB: First, l’d like to state that I do what I do because of passion. I do not chase the crowd. A true artist should have confidence in his talent. I love to be identified with my country and the culture of my people. To me, doing makossa is like catapulting my culture to the international stage. Irrespective of the changes happening now in the industry, I think makossa will reign forever. Contemporary music cannot win makossa from me.
ACI: Have you ever felt pressure whether from within or from others to change your genre?
FB: Yes of course, but not from me. People always have different opinions about different situations. I see it as a natural occurrence. But it’s left for you to either listen to them, or believe and work on your talent and make yourself a better person in what you do.
ACI: Where does your inspiration come from?
FB: My mood at any particular point in time influence how I write and sing my music. Above all, I think God is the source of all inspiration.
ACI: How can you describe your love for makossa?
FB: The love I have for makossa can be compared to the love I have for my culture, my country and myself. I love it like crazy – hahahahaha!
ACI: What challenges do you face as a young musician?
FB: Piracy is an obvious difficulty and hits every musician especially here in Africa. There is also the lack of interest by some media houses to promote Cameroonian artists.
ACI: What have you achieved so far in terms of albums and collaborations?
FB: After so much hard work, I have been able to release two albums - Mami Dada which came out in November 2002, and What’s My Namein 2014. I equally had the privileg and honour of working with makossa veteran, Hugo Nyame in my second album.
ACI: Which makossa artists do you always look up to?
FB: Wow!, I mean I love makossa so I love all makossa artists. But ‘d just name a few of them like, Narcise Prize, Jacky Kinge, Petit Pays and Papillon. In fact the list goes on and on.
ACI: What kind of messages do you pass across in your music?
FB: I sing about love, misery, education, celebration, etc.
ACI: What is Frank Bebe up to these days and what plans do you have for the future?
FB: I have just started a national tour of six regions of Cameroon, beginning with Kumba my home town. About future plans, there is an envisaged European in the pipeline. My fingers are crossed on that and I pray it goes well. Also, I have started writing songs for a third album which should be released as soon as I am financially viable.
ACI: What message do you have for your fans and lovers of makossa in particular?
FB: As a musician, it is important for people to love your work, so I love them so much. I want to thank them for listening to my music and I urge them to continue doing so. They should grab original and not pirated copies of my album. I promise to remain faithful and to keep working hard.
ACI: Any last words?
FB: The road to where I’m today has not been easy to ply. I will therefore want to thank everyone who has assisted in one way or the other during this tedious journey. I doff my hat to all DJs and journalists who have promoted my music. I’m equally indebted to Dr. Dewah, Adolf million, Papson of Germany and DJ Toxic who have been very instrumental in my career.
ACI: What advice do you have for other young and aspiring artists who want to follow your footsteps?
FB: They have to work really hard with a lot of determination and also exercise a lot of patience. They should be enduring and above all prayerful. I think with this formula, they’d be on the right path.
ACI: Frank Bebe, thanks for talking to TIPTOPSTARS and we wish you all the best in your career…
It’s been a whirlwind 8 months for Stanley Enow since the official release of “Hein Père” video shot by the renowned Shamak which has seen him on a steady journey upwards. During this period Stanley has won awards, met the first lady of Cameroon, sang infront of thousands of spectators, broken records and travelled far to engage with his fans outside Cameroon. As preparations are being made for the official release of the follow up video for released track “Tumbuboss Deluxe”, the artist has teamed up with South Africa’s fastest rising rap act F.A.B in a remix which puts yet again the debut single on centre stage and gives Cameroon another boost as a contender in the African entertainment industry. For those who have been on planet Mars these past months, “Hein Père” by Stanley Enow currently stands at over 410,000 views on youtube; a first and a huge record for a Cameroon based artist. Check out the awesome banger below which shows 2 equally talented Africa’s children.
Follow Stanley on Twitter: @StanleyEnow
Like his Page: www.facebook.com/StanleyEnowOfficial
The News
Afrikka Radio Congratulatory messages have continued to stream into the Afrikka Radio newsroom since the station emerged victorious in the best online radio category of the Universal Achievement Awards, UAA, that held in Columbus Ohio recently.
That Shiri Achu is gifted in translating daily life into meaningful painting is no doubt is a perfect reality! Her paintings may not be like the sound-producing guitars, pianos, saxophones, trumpets, etc, but in their silence, they sound louder than these musical instruments. It suffices to be exposed to them and this conclusion is drawn. “I had never fallen for work of art the way I did when I first came across Shiri Achu’s paintings,” a London resident of Cameroonian origin told TIPTOPSTARS at press time. “I only recovered from the fit caused by the beauty of Shiri’s art after I had left the exhibition ground,” she explained further.
It’s been a whirlwind 8 months for Stanley Enow since the official release of “Hein Père” video shot by the renowned Shamak which has seen him on a steady journey upwards. During this period Stanley has won awards, met the first lady of Cameroon, sang infront of thousands of spectators, broken records and travelled far to engage with his fans outside Cameroon.
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