Understanding the essence of an artist whose mission is to defend and recount the painful history of Africa through a luminous musical style. His latest musical, “Madiba,” which means “water” in the Douala language of Cameroon, nourishes the arid lands of the continent and celebrates the strength of this precious and increasingly scarce resource.

This imaginary world finds its perfect translation in the Bassa language. This is the world of BlickBassy! Immersed in a movement carried by music that speaks to the ears of the world.This Cameroonian artist succeeds to export his mother tongue through his music, while captivating filmmakers in the process. Beyond cinema, the artist behind the hit song “Maria” set the tone for a cultural revolution in 2015. Apple used 15 seconds of his song “Kiki” as the soundtrack of an advertising campaign for one of its iPhone. “It reinforces the importance of being authentic. I have had tremendous opportunities by singing in the Bassa language. When we stay true to ourselves, we bring something new to the world. I often tell young people we should sell and give away who we are,” explains BlickBassy. For several years now, he has been advocating for the teaching of the Bassa language and the preservation of the memory of those involved in the struggle for independence, so their efforts are not forgotten.

“It’s impossible for me to present a show in Europe and then come to my own continent and offer something of lesser quality”. »

The name BlickBassy brings to memory the Cameroonian martyr Ruben Um Nyobe, who was a prominent figure in the fight for independence. This connection is evident in his powerful album of commitment. “For a long time, my work had been guided by our reconnection to virtuous, ancestral, and traditional values,” explains the artist, who was appointed to co-direct the “Memory Commission” on the war of independence in Cameroon by French President Emmanuel Macron in February 2023.

As a musician in artistic exile, BlickBassy requires a viable performance space, that includes all aspects of music production. “When you have professional standards and aim to deliver a high-quality performance, you cannot settle for anything less. It is impossible for me to present a show in Europe and then come to my own continent and offer something of lesser quality. As a result, I dont have the luxury of being present as I would like ” he asserts.

« Il est impossible pour moi de présenter un spectacle en Europe et de venir dans mon propre continent proposer quelque chose de moins bien. »

Another String to his Guitar

Another dimension to his artistic prowess is Moabi Cinema, which embodies the vision of a modern Africa. BlickBassy’s skillful strokes, which earned him the Grand Prize for Black African Literature in 2016, reflects the African essence of his struggle as a former member of the Macase group. Although no longer a member of the legendary group known for its Bikutsi-infused sounds, a traditional rhythm from which he has never strayed, his work continues to resonate. “The ‘Bikutsi 3000’ show truly represents my ambition to contribute to the emancipation of our citizens. This extends not only to those living on the continent but also to West Indians and Afro-Americans. I believe that a breakthrough with their situation, racial harassment and more, can only be achieved when the continent becomes empowered,” he concludes.

“For a long time, my work had been guided by our reconnection to virtuous, ancestral, and traditional values.”