Tche Irene Morikang
9 April 2008
opinion
For sometime now, the inspiration of some Cameroonian musicians revolves around people; men and women considered as the "movers and shakers" of our society.
Such artists believe their strength and popularity depend on how many names of VIPs are mentioned in their songs. Funny! But who can really blame a singer for trying to identify with an "oga" in a country where piracy has made it difficult for artists to live from their sales? Who knows, singing the praises of one big "massa" can as well cover up for all the unsold discs.
Unfortunately, some recent happenings have shown us just how ephemeral and even embarrassing music based on individuals can be to both the artists and the "patrons" whose praises are sung. Those who tuned to a certain private radio station yesterday afternoon can easily understand what I am talking about. The station decided to broadcast only songs in praise of some "have beens" who are today in trouble. What a vicious selection! The wordings of the songs were so much in contrast to what is happening today. The musicians should be biting their lips in discomfiture and yesterday's "untouchables" sadly shaking their heads saying "that was before, not now".
But would our hungry artists learn from this? It is difficult to believe that they lack inspiration in a country considered as African in miniature. Not so Manu?
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 Cameroon Tribune. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
