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Cameroonian Roots Blossom in French Music Scene
28 Feb
Summary
- Artist Minali-Bella returns to African roots through music.
- Music helped rediscovering her dialect, origins, and memories.
- Duo blends African music, trip hop, and dub, touring Europe.
Minali-Bella, having relocated from Cameroon to France at the age of 12, describes her new EP as a profound reconnection with her African heritage. The project's title, "Okali," which means "pay attention to others," is a name she used before her adoption, now brought back to life.
Her music weaves together vocals in English, French, and the Cameroonian dialect Eton, complemented by Sorin's beats. This distinctive style merges African musical influences with elements of trip hop and dub, reflecting a rich cultural fusion.
Minali-Bella found that music was instrumental in rediscovering her native Eton dialect, which she had begun to forget after growing up with her adopted French family. This rediscovery brought back childhood memories and a deeper understanding of her history.
Sorin, the producer, draws inspiration from the trance-like rhythms of Afrobeat and Jamaican reggae, further enriched by his travels to Cameroon. Their broader influences span from Massive Attack and Björk to Manu Dibango and Radiohead.
The duo is scheduled to tour France and Switzerland this summer. They emphasize their preference for improvisational performances, aiming to push musical boundaries beyond the recorded versions on their album.
