TIPTOPSTARS

Rewards from hard work may delay. But when they start showing up, they may pour like rain. This assertion can be best when describing Maybelle Boma’s career as an entertainer, promoter and gospel artiste. If the New York-based Cameroonian singer has been in the headlines these past weeks, it is because she has been experiencing the height of her success.

“God is so wonderful and I’ll continue to praise him for what He’s been blessing me with,” Maybelle told TIPTOPSTARS Editor during their last conversation. The talented musician was reacting to a surprised recognition she had on the night of Friday June 28, 2013, at the Afrika Brave Awards in New York. She was awarded for her relentless contribution to the growth of the African gospel music industry. “It was a big surprise Ernest and honestly, I wasn’t expecting this,” Maybelle went on. She was overwhelmed, the singer told us.

Still at the red carpet event which took place at the Columbia University, the Cameroonian singer performed one of her tracks, accompanied by her fast-becoming-popular kid dancers Bella Achu, 10 and Bella Reina, 9.

Prior to the Afrika Brave Awards achievement, Maybelle had been one of the guest artistes at the Bhywlas Fashion Show (we shall be coming back to this event in subsequent updates), staged in Arlington Dallas, Texas. It was yet another sensation as the singer held guests spellbound.

Perhaps, one of Maybelle’s greatest showdowns, at least as the artiste herself confirms is her performance at the 2013 Millennium Development Goals, MDG Women Progress Awards that took place in New York recently. Performing at the awards gala, the Cameroonian gospel icon turned out to be the baton holder at the event as she pulled every attention. And if some people were thrilled to an extent they where they couldn’t hide their feelings, it was the African First Ladies – ten of them in the hall.

“They were greatly marveled and hailed me openly,” Maybelle reported. This reaction from the wives of the African leaders fetched Maybelle just more than applause and standing ovation. Some of them did not hide their quest for yet another showdown. “The wife of the Swazi King for instance promised she was going to invite me to come perform in her country,” she revealed. And how did that make you feel? “Quite blessed by God whom I will praise,” Maybelle told African Cocktail (show hosted by Ernest Kanjo on Afikka Radio. The gospel music star also had brief conversations with the First Ladies of Equatorial Guinea, Constancia Mangue de Obiang, Mali, Mintou Doucoure Traore, Tanzania, Mama Salma Kikwete and Burundi, Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza.

Meanwhile, Maybell Boma will be one of the Guests-at-large in the July 6 edition of African Cocktail to through more light on her recent award. The show will run from 9am to 1130am Eastern Standard Time (2pm to 430pm Yaounde time). Tune in to Afikka Radio by clicking on www.afrikkaradio.com or dial 832-280-0016.

Bamenda: Cameroonian film producers met in Bamenda recently. Details of the meeting are yet to reach our newsroom, but TIPTOPSTAR would imagine the movie producers were charting the way forward, after several months of silence. They would also have been suggesting new strategies in getting Cameroonian movies on world market and keeping their in top form. From the photos compiled the PRO department of CFI, we spotted renowned producers including Agbor Gilbert Ebot, Agbor Steve, Waa Musi, Godlove Neba Nyambi Jr, Akuro Raphael and Angu Elizabeth.

Yaounde: Coming up this Friday June 28 in Yaounde will be the maiden presented of Switch Roles. The premiere of the L.T Njeck film will take place at the Hilton Hotel. The movie was shot in April on locations in Yaounde starring Epule Jeffery, Nchifor Valery, Bende Sende, Nchini Mabel. Also featuring are Muma Rosina, Rooty Dobby (doubling as co-producer), Solange Manka, Akime Lionel and Yannick Dominus.

Brampton (Canada): Preparations are rounding off for the launch of Phonecall in The Rain (PITH). PITR is a book authored by Lum Irene Asanji (LIA), Cameroonian journalist, public speaker, writer, inspirational speaker, TV show host and Woman of God. The event is slated for Satruday June 29, 2013 at the premises of Snelgrove Community Centre at the City of Brampton. LIA will be guest at large on African Cocktail presented by Ernest Kanjo on Afrikka Radio this Saturday June 22, 2013. To listen to the show click on www.afrikkaradio.com or dial 832-280-0016

Phonecall in The Rain (PITR) is a book to read. Sure, those who have had the opportunity to do would testify to this. It has been in circulation for a few months now, yet the thirst for it grows higher and higher. Its author, Lum Irene Asanji aka LIA has been guest on TIPTOPSTARS severally to talk about the book and other accompanying projects. This time she comes on, not to explain what is in the book anymore, but the official launch of PITR which takes place on Saturday June 29 in Canada. LIA spoke to both TIPTOPSTARS and African Cocktail, a Saturday morning show (9 O’clock to 1130) on Afrikka Radio presented by Ernest Kanjo. Here are excerpts of the interview she had with Ernest!

Ernest Kanjo (EK): Few days to the official launch of PITR, how prepared are you – materially and psychologically?

Lum Irene Asanji (LIA): I’m sufficiently prepared although there is room to dot and I and cut a t every other minute. God has been providing the means through individuals and well-wishers who have been generously contributing to ensure that the book launch is a huge success. I cannot event start recounting the generosity and favour that have come my way but I can only say one thing: God is awesome! With Him all things are possible. In that token I’m ready for the day and when it comes I will be ready to do all that needs to be done to the best of my ability and that of my team and to the glory of God.

EK: Describe the organization of the event, including venue, time, etc…

LIA: The event will take place at the Snelgrove Community Centre, 11692 Hurontario Street North, Brampton, Ontario from 4pm-8pm Eastern Standard Time. Logistically, there will be a huge media presence predominantly characterized by live coverage from the CNE Radio and Television Network Los Angeles as well as Local Press organs that are expected to be present at the event. The organization is geared by a team of volunteers currently led by myself and my always present Nigerian brother, Matthew Ogbulafor. Other brothers and sisters of my community who accepted my invitation to join the committee are also working on various tasks that would jointly lead to a successful event as expected. We are also expecting musical interludes by a professional pianist as well as raffle prizes to be won by members attending the event.

EK: Who are the guests of honour at the event?

LIA: We are expecting the Cameroon High Commissioner to Canada, his entourage, A Representative of the City of Brampton, the Pastor of the Brampton Christian Family Church, Christ Embassy Brampton, A key note Speaker founder of the Couples connect Ministry, the sponsor of my original publishing package as well as Authors, Artists, Leaders of Regional associations in Toronto, African community leaders, as well as a Canadian supermodel. I’m also expecting Oprah Winfrey or a representative if everything goes as I hope. That has not yet confirmed.

EK: Why is the launch coming long after Phonecall in The Rain went into circulation?

LIA: As you may already know, I had placed the book on hold shortly after its original release in 2011 to make some modifications that would render the book more empowering to the readers and to give God the most glory than the original version succeeded in doing. Besides the book was written during a depression and quite some negativity and some insignificant elements came across in the original version that did not deserve to remain on the stands for life. As I healed through the depression and meditated with the Lord on how best I should handle the book, I went through the guidance I needed spiritually to modify the book the way it now is. 2013 was a prophetic and appointed year for this book to come out and as God had ordained it; the book launch could not be done any later than this same miraculous year of my life and career. So this is the book and this is the year. This is the original and anything else prior to this to me was just a draft.

EK: Few months into circulation, what has been the reaction from the public or consumers?

LIA: The feedback has been very positive and I have met people who have read the book in less than 48 hours and have told me they just couldn’t take their hands off it until they were all done. 25 chapters in 402 pages is just no threat to anyone’s reading time. That should tell you the book has the capacity to hold down any reader. This is a book that captivates both Christians and non-Christians alike. I’m awaiting a real official public review so as to get it embedded in subsequent print outs. I will allow the public to confirm to you that this is truly a masterpiece. You are more than welcome to create a survey on my behalf or a blog to sample public opinion. hahahaha

EK: After the Canada launch, what next?

LIA: I have two other books I’m working on and the Canada launch is just the first step. I hope to launch in Cameroon precisely Buea in the months or few years ahead God being my helper and the United States as well. We’ll see as God provides, we shall take Phonecall in the Rain around the world. I understand lots of people would like to have me attend public speaking events and talk about the book in person. When the resources become available, I shall accommodate such requests wholeheartedly. There are also prospects for movie productions from chapters in the book. Let God lead the way as I continue to say.

EK: Do you have some people you want to extend gratitude to, vis-à-vis the success of this project?

LIA: I would start with Mr. Theodore Koum –Njoh and his family who paid for the original publishing package of this book. Without him I would have never managed to pay for this book when I was offered a deal by Xulon Press. My sister, Senior school mate and model Dr. Lilian Ndangam Fokwang was another divine connection that God brought my way to assist me in the editing of the original manuscript. She was just awesome and when you read the book you shall discover the way we hooked up. Only then shall you realize that God is not man. I also extend heartfelt gratitude to the members of my Shepherds Bag Christian email group who gave me the opportunity to write endlessly and also provided the original feedback that spurred me into transforming my online articles into a book. Their prayers before, during and after the writing process will remain invaluable. Laura Ngaba Tinzoh the Moderator of the forum, Woyen Nchanji the sister who led me to Shepherd’s Bag as well as Mr. Rene Mono, a selfless brother whose continuous prayers kept me strong in days I was feeling weak, deserve praises. The photographer of most of the graphics in the book Mr. Fai Nchanji of authenticpic who will also be the photographer at the book launch has also been an asset to the success of PITR. A God given born-again sister Andin Joy Gwanpua who equally loves writing was also one of the amazing contributors to the success of this book. The Families of Rev. Ebua, Ngwa, Relindis Kiawi, Assam, Tebid, Yenika, Ateba, Yika and Arrey were like pillars to me at various times. And last but not the least, my beloved Asanji family were steadfast in prayers to see me through. My new found Media team, CNE Radio and Television network has been doing a lot of free publicity already for the book and I can assure you they will not stop there because when God opens doors, the doors remain wide open forever. I’m simply speechless when I think of the people God has filtered into my life. The list is endless. To be honest with you, in Canada and abroad, there are many families who said prayers on my behalf, and there are many more that are coming up and offering assistance towards this book launch in incredible ways. I pray that their efforts will not go in vain as they continue to stand by me awaiting more fruits from my multiple endeavours.

Buea-born and Kumba-bred Ekiti Drogba is an oral artist par excellence. When he sings, you are convinced. Yet, he reigned in oblivion for so long and his country would not quickly discover it has an illustrious musician. However, Ekiti’s stage curtains opened in 2011 and ushered the music maestro who is now determined to hit the charts. In his 30s, this Copenhagen, Denmark-based entrepreneur pressed the yellow lights with his rehearsals album Chunga Chunga with four songs - Bye Bye Papa, Chunga Chunga, Derier Derier, I love You Nigeria. Then two months ago, Ekiti Raymond (his real names), also affectionately called “Le Papa du Micro” pressed the green light with Lembe Lembe, an album he recorded at the KBOY STUDIOS in Paris, featuring DJ Yayouss and Rough KumbaBoy. Our Sweden correspondent   Agbor Jenet Manyi recently met with the talented songwriter who doubles as producer. Excerpts of the interview with Ekiti!

Jenet Agbor (JA): Hello Ekiti Drogba!

Ekitti Drogba (ED): Hello Jenet!

Jenet Agbor (JA):          I love You Nigeria - I think there is a fire under this smoke. What made you to have this title for a song?

ED: It’s because most people who encouraged and helped me to develop my talents are from Nigeria. Yet, there are others I will not hesitate to always express my gratitude to. I’m thinking of Alhaji Tony Wahab who has been a father to me.

JA:    Where did you get inspiration in music?

ED:    I got inspiration from Jehovah God.
JA:    Who did you admire most in the musical world as you were growing?
ED.    Doug Saga of blessed memory and Petit Pays.

JA:    When do you intend to release your next album?
ED:   I can say in the future.
JA:    How is it like practising music in Europe?
ED:   It is very challenging with the time aspect you and I know, but encouraging materially speaking.

JA:    What advice would you have to youths?

ED:    Do not allow the gravity of discouraging spirit to drag your talents in mud. Follow your talents against all odds, with personal efforts and faith in God and you shall make it someday.

JA:    What do you think Cameroonians could do to help in developing the entertainment industry?

ED.    They should encourage and promote their own musicians and filmmakers. As it is often said, charity begins at home.

JA:    Thanks for this brief chat Ekiti!

ED.    You are welcome!