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06Apr
“Contemporary music cannot win makossa from me” - Frank Bebe, singer
News / Latest / Anang Christy Ijang
Sunday, 06 April 2014 22:09
frank bebe1You 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 Name in 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…

FB: The pleasure is all mine!


Last Updated on Sunday, 06 April 2014 22:19
 
19Mar
PRESS RELEASE : IT’S THE HEIN PERE REMIX BABY!
News / Latest / TTS
Wednesday, 19 March 2014 16:56

 

StanleyFAB TIPTOPSTARSIt’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

His PR Twitter: @ModeMaisonPR

His Manager: Didier Kouamo (On Facebook)


Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 March 2014 17:05
 
09Mar
“I’m single” – i don see my wife author, Don Tom
News / Latest / Ernest Kanjo
Sunday, 09 March 2014 13:29

 

don tom tiptopstars

Getting into matrimony unprepared simply because he has authored a song on marriage is neither a responsible nor reasonable move, Don Tom has insisted. African women are so classic and full of dignity to the extent that disrespecting them would not be honorable on the part of men. The renowned Nigerian Afro Hip-Hop whose stunning I Don See My Wife track fetched him an immeasurable love from music lovers (especially newlywed couples) was expressing these views recently to LTN7 TV, a Germany-based Pan African online TV channel.

‘I Don See My Wife’ is simply urging African men to go ahead and accept the women they call their girlfriends as wife materials and build up families, the musician told reporters. In the process he pointed out, they would be displaying responsibility. To the social critic who says ‘I Don See My Wife’ was a direct inspiration from God, African men need to give marriage an enviable standard and value and it is by turning women to wives that is goal can be attained.

Don Tom whose matrimonial status many are eager to know says he is a single who is hoping to get marry soon.

Also speaking in the exclusive LTN7 TV chat, the new generation Nigerian music hero dissociates himself from irresponsible lyrics. To Don Tom, one does not make a song a hit by introducing obnoxious language in it. Music is meant to educate, influence and impact on people positively and so vulgar language in song would rather be doing a disservice to the audience. By the way, the singer insists, his Christian up-bringing and the fear of God don’t agree with such use of obscene language in songs.

As regards his collaboration with Cameroonian Wax Dey, Don Tom explains that he met the former during a South African expedition two years ago. At rehearsals for a concert in which both singers performed, he got captured by the Cameroonian’s talent and further discussions resulted to the two deciding to do a remix of I Don See My Wife. The said remix has since been a great sensation. According to the Nigerian singer who prior to music was worked as a broadcaster, such collaboration is a great ingredient of African unity.

It should be noted that I Don See My Wife is not only consumed in Cameroon with an unending appetite, but Don Tom enjoys an immeasurable love from the people of this Nigeria’s biggest neighbour. He is indeed a positive role model not just to Cameroonians, but to the entire youth of Africa.

WATCH  EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW HERE

Don Tom TipTOPSTARS

RELATED


Last Updated on Monday, 17 March 2014 01:19
 
07Mar
Cameroon has talents but lacks packaging” - Cynthia Tabe, PR specialist, CEO of ModeMaison PR
News / Latest / Ernest Kanjo
Friday, 07 March 2014 17:59

 

modemaisonpr TTSIf Cynthia Tabe is an indisputable household name in the area of entertainment, ModeMaison PR, the outfit she runs is fast becoming Cameroon’s ‘enfant cherie’ in the country’s corporate communication sector. The great distance covered by this brand promotion machinery within a very short space of time is synonymous to the admirable talent its creators are generally known to possess. With an incredibly passionate approach, the London-based PR specialist keeps her audience busily updated, at all times, of the brand on her agenda. If the now sensational Stanley Enow’s Hein Pere became an irresistible opium, it was also largely thanks to Cynthia’s ingenious communication around it. Then, even before it is released, Ciana’s single is part of every Cynthia fan’s priorities. Perhaps, the ‘avant gout’ publicity over VIRI the Movie is logically described as one of the best things that ever happened to film communication. And that’s what the young Cameroonian who boils with immeasurable energy in her game calls new styled corporate communication. And that’s how she and her partner, Karen Ayungwa have run ModeMaison PR for the past one year. Recently, Cynthia flew to Cameroon to count their successes in a maiden anniversary celebration of the agency at its Bonamoussadi, Douala headquarters. Upon her return to the London, Afrikka Radio’s African Cocktail caught up with the communicator. In the radio conversation, Cynthia, amongst other things threw more light on the ModeMaison PR’s approach to brand promotion. Excerpts of the radio interview with host Ernest Kanjo, transcribed for TIPTOPSTARS!
Ernest Kanjo (EK):  You recently celebrated the first anniversary of your communication agency, MODEMAISON PR. First, when precisely did this outfit go operational and what are its activities? 
Cynthia Tabe (CT): MODEMAISON PR went operational from March of last year. We are a buzz loving new styled communications agency with added services including marketing, branding, rental and styling through our own handpicked showroom items and small scale event planning and management.

EK: What was behind your mind when you created ModeMaison PR? 
CT: Our main objective was to contribute in making the Cameroonian entertainment industry professional. We saw a lot of talent with unfortunately little or no packaging and I really wanted to get involved in the clean-up process. We do this by working with a few brands at a time.

EK: What is the agency’s scope of coverage? 
CT: Our main focus is the showbiz sector - that is fashion, music, lifestyle be it travel or cuisine, film, beauty and small businesses which also add value to the entertainment industry. We work with Cameroon-based brands as well as those based abroad.

EK: Who are your partners and how do you work with them? 
CT: We have worked with a few brands in music, fashion and film since we incepted with the main ones being Stanley Enow, Ciana, Daddyblack. We provide them with press and public assistance and we advise them on branding in the process. We handle their social media feeds and overall create a general buzz to enable them gain visibility and popularity.

EK: One year on the field, how would you assess the progress of MODEMAISON PR? 
CT: I believe we’ve done quite a bit this past year. We wanted to revolutionize the entertainment scene and we are doing so already. People already talk about MODEMAISON PR and associate us with change, that is a very great thing for Karen and I.

modemaisonpr2 TTSEK: What are some of the landmark achievements you’ve had this far? 
CT: Making people to be aware of MODEMAISON PR has been an achievement. You’d agree with me that it’s not easy to launch a business and get people know about it straightaway. Also, working with bold statement brands such as VIRI the movie and Stanley Enow including all the other brands we have worked with has been an achievement for us.

EK: You certainly would have had a few challenges…
CT: Curiously our main challenge is the one that lives in the minds of people vis-à-vis what showbiz needs to be. We are working hard to erase the erroneous view they hold about it. We will eventually get there by hook or by crook.

EK: What are some of your priority projects as ModeMaison begins its second year?
CT: We’d like to have more clients, be more involved in video and photoshoot styling and imagery for artists, lead seminars in communication, marketing, branding, fashion, music, etc. We are pressing on with Project MODEMAISON PR - creating a reputation for ourselves and increasing our popularity through our clients and our events.

EK:  You just flew back to London after spending some days in Cameroon.  Tell us about the kind of entertainment landscape you witnessed in your country especially during this evolutionary epoch…
CT: The entertainment sector in Cameroon is growing. I witnessed this massive concert organized by the mobile telephone network giant MTN where TuFace, Davido, Jovi, Chidinma Zaho and others performed. It was a big attraction. Soon after I left Iyanya came to town. So, this has been the kind of scenario one would experience visiting Cameroon these days. Now, what I mean is that the sector is buzzing with many more foreign artists and entertainment middlemen getting really interested in what is going on in my country.


EK: How would you also assess the Cameroonian corporate communication sector? 
CT: This sector in my opinion is still very much lacking in their communication. The corporate brands seem to rely heavily on advertising which is a predominantly Francophone approach as against PR which is basically Anglo-Saxon.

EK: How can artists or potential beneficiaries of ModeMaison PR’s services reach you if they so desire? 

CT: Oh! They can reach us by phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even by Pinterest or through our blog online. Just as a quick reference, our Twitter handle is @ModeMaisonPR. Join us and we can take it from there.

EK: Cynthia thanks for talking to African Cocktail!

CT: It’s a big pleasure Ernest. Thanks for having me on the show!



Last Updated on Friday, 07 March 2014 18:49
 
18Feb
No freezing for Vreezy Ville
News / Latest / Ernest Kanjo
Tuesday, 18 February 2014 01:41

 

VreezyVille TIPTOPSTARS

He has since embarked on a freeze-not journey since he launched the Olopyto idea. Soon after releasing Olopyto, another new creation and stopping over to explain it on Afrikka Radio’s African Cocktail, Vreezy Ville took the road to Houston, Texas where he got engaged on a contract with Franco Records music label. The first fruits of the deal showed up a fortnight ago with the release of a double single under the title Too Blessed. Just too blessed, Vreezy now announces he is heading for the video shoot of Olopyto come March 2014. Busy!


Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 February 2014 02:00
 
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