In his grandparents’ village, this Cameroonian from a large family was introduced to a life in harmony with nature, as well as to the music, dance and traditional culture of his native Bassa ethnic group. As a schoolboy, he founded the group The Jazz Crew, which met with some success in Cameron. Then came Macase, with whom he achieved international fame, but left after the second album to embark on a solo career. “Mádibá Ni Mbondi” is the expanded version of his fifth album, released just over a year ago, and if anything, these four tracks add to its value.
The Cameroonian’s music really stands apart, it’s as if dreamy folk had met ambient electronica, and every second, dominated by the artist’s clear voice, exudes Africa. The whole thing is set to a rhythm that has the fluidity of a calmly flowing river, because the subject of the record is water, its importance to life, and what man does with it. Despite the heavy theme, everything is gentle and subtle. However, the tracks carry an intensity that will overwhelm you if you listen carefully. A listen they richly deserve in view of their beauty.
Although this album has elements of traditional music in the background, it is very much oriented towards the use of electronics and the studio, but this device is at the service of great sensitivity and highlights in turn aerial brass instruments, an ethereal keyboard, the arpeggios of a guitar or a delicate kalimba. All guided by a silky voice, often multiplied. These elements are surrounded by less easily grasped sounds that support the whole and play an important part in creating the particularity and appeal of this refined music.