MUSIC THURSDAY: TEAM +237...REPPIN'

Hello people...It's another Music Thursday..I think 2014 will another great year for Camer Music.  From Buea to Douala to London to New York to Houston..+237 is reppin'

Enjoy...


Daphne - Get There
Buea Based record label, No Hitz No Records is on a roll



Ama Fru ft Myllo - Ahead Ahead

OK guys..All I can say is London boys preppy look!Bamenda boyz rock...lol



Supaval - Jehovah Leh
Currently rocking this Franco Record's artist' "New Beginning" gospel album. "Jehovah Leh ehhh...".Now available on amazon.com here and iTunes here




Mboa Mix Tape Vol 2
If you haven't checked out one of the trending music blogs out of Camer then you are on a very long thing...lol! Mboa Urban Music




Zayox ft Edel & Venum - Bangando Star
Na really Bangando star..lol!Love it




Inorie Fotso - Tonight 
Check out the New York based pop singer's debut single



West Don ft Terry G - Bend Over
OK...Camer Naija dance hall colllabo




MaahLox Le Vibeur - Arretez Brenda
OK This Maahlox guy is something else...LOL "Arretez Brenda". He is back again after releasing the first single "Le Biere c'est combien"...I call it "activist music". Hopefully there will be  tracks with awareness and sensitization messages on issues in our society!  



OK people...just one more day and it's the weekend..Enjoy..And spread the Camer music cheers.

Y.M.
IRepCamer

YM's MT & R: "BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL"

Introducing MT & R (Musings, Thoughts &Rants) features. The goal of these posts are  tohighlight hot topics,raise awareness on  issues and sometimes just my thoughts and rants on places,faces, spaces, trends, technology etc...In the spirit of...

Recently the trending Hot Topic seems to be what I choose to call the case of "Black or Fair" (after Penjo's titled documentary film on Skin Colour) #BlackisBeautiful#

After watching this documentary film and reading a recent article on Emmy Collins' blog, I was curious about how much sensitization there is against bleaching!Then I came across an Ad on Bella Naija and shared the link on Facebook. 


Research 101..lol
In as much as I am NOT a fan of bleaching but I admire the lady's hustle (from business prowess stand point) (Click here for Feature)!I was "shot" for saying that. As sad and cliche as it sounds there is a market for these products because people buy them. This sparked up an insightful debate..The best way to spur discussion is through controversy (as per moi, i like palava..lol)..and I got more than expected because it was a hot debate..See FB post and Comments Here. A big Thank you to everyone who contributed in this discussion!

The discussion revealed very divergent opinions and brought up some very interesting points which I will try my best to summarize

Morality? Right vs. Wrong
There seemed to be 2 or more camps. One one hand i was shot for "admiring" a hustle of someone who sold such products and saying "people need it". "Skin Bleaching is  just wrong" and should not be supported. On the other, to everyone their own. It is part of the aesthetic look.."Why is bleaching a lesser evil than putting hair extensions"..lol. The debate start hot..

Aesthetics & Beauty Enhancement
Like I said it become hot..
" Wow - are we really comparing the effects of using unprescribed hydroquinone and other corticosteriods on the skin" to weaves. "Wow..wearing wigs and using chemicals are now the same?"...On the other hand..Smokers know smoking kills and hair relaxers cause damage but people still use them.  

"which one is the lesser evil - skin bleaching, nail extensions, hair extensions, hair 
relaxing, make up etc etc - these are beauty enhancers and in one way or the other have 
adverse reactions to the natural and to the body - why all man di over condemn bleaching
while they sit there w monstrous wigs is my big question. all of these is our own way of
covering what we think is not perfect and enhancing what we want to be seen as beautiful
or perfect. i think the skin bleaching drama is overrated coz in as much as there are many
more thinks equally linked i believe there are many more thgs we need to focus on for a better world that be quick to be judgmental.."
It got very interesting to say the least! In the quest to look good everything is possible.

On the Religious angle..
"For the record I think bleaching is a sin, to tamper with God's perfect innovation aka melanin and willfully endanger yourself and bring stress to loved ones..." gbam.

"By the way, who is talking about judging. hmm. If you don't judge someone for bleaching their skin, you will judge them for relaxing their hair, wearing make up or something. The bible says we shouldn't judge but humans are very judgmental people. Everyone judges. That's the truth"

The Perception of Light skin in our society 
There seems to be a perception that light skin is "better". To me that is a whole lot of BS. In some African tribes, Light skinned women get high bride price..When I listened to the fair lady in the "Black or Fair" documentary talk about the "Advantages" of having light skin. I was like seriously? Sorry to say but I thought someone saying that a lady got a job because they were fairer than another person is just plain shallow..and a host of others!! I don't know if the media helps this case. We need more #blackenicious models in ads and on TV!

Isn't she amazing? 

Why do People Bleach?
So I asked why do people bleach? To summarize: self esteem issues, mentality of superiority resulting from slavery, the quest to conform and enhance beauty, the perception of "fair" being better...

 "Marj is right about self esteem but where did that come from. Think lighter skinned slaves in America enjoying privileges by working in the 'big house.' so light became 'superior.' Till today, lighter skinned people are still afforded such opps in America and the Caribbean. In fact some families even treat fairer kids better! so weti be we excuse for Africa? a colonial experience and an encounter with people who saw a market to milk. think of how black and white have been portrayed in the media for a long time and the pieces of the puzzle begin to assemble. so is it any wonder that some people fall for the 'light is alright' message? take away the artificial superiority of lightness or should i say uplift genuine diversity and we'll solve this problem. people need to educate their children not to fall for these cons. oh! i must add ignorance too doesn't help. i'm sure many would think twice if they understood the threat of substances such mercury, hydroquinone and steroids, which are often in bleaching creams"

"The issue of this convo was not even about who bleaches and who doesnt and whether it is right or wrong. I believe the issue of this convo started from when comments about "admiring" the "hustle" of the Whitenicious creator were made. Now if we should to tackle the "root" of this matter as Ngums rightly said, how can we then encourage people to go ahead and create such "creams" because there is a "market" for it. It is better to take a stance and stick to it period. There is a market for Paedophilia and Child Pornography, I am sure we will not be "admiring" the "hustle" of those who engage in such activities for business gain or pleasure. Again to each their own"

"...Anyways, my comments are simply because i look at everything from a spiritual point of view. Forgetting about the actual root of this conversation which related to the "hustle" of selling creams, i think we should all focus on the reasons why people do things. Yes bleaching may be hurtful to the skin, but Yef asked a valid point, why do people bleach? I think I read somewhere that Micheal Jackson had a skin disease right? Unfortunately he was not confident enough that people would love him the way he was and knowing that image was most important in his line of work, he tried to turn white..."

More  insights on the "Different shades of Black"
http://aml2600-heleftyouforawhat.blogspot.com/2011/02/different-shade-of-black.html
http://blackstudies101ccny.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-beautiful-shades-of-black.html

A) Not all black people look alike (& anyone who still thinks that after viewing this photo is stupid)
  B) Black people come in all different shades & skin tones…

 Picture and quote from Cherry Ambition


The sensitization against bleaching agents has to involve everyone. Women cannot go around thinking that men prefer women with lighter skin. Men bleach too.Same deal.But as per one of my friends.."Women bleach for Women"...to outdo each other as usual. hahaha



Bleaching agents 101

Bleaching is BAD for the Skin. Period to the nth factorial!

The main ingredient of skin lightening products is hydroquinone. 

From WebMD 

Other skin lighteners use drugs such as steroids and retinoic acid, which comes from vitamin A, as active ingredients. And some skin lighteners use natural ingredients such as kojic acid -- a compound that comes from a fungus -- and arbutin, a compound found in various plants

Risks of Skin Lighteners
One of the most significant risks of using some skin lighteners is the potential exposure to mercury. One study found that nearly 1 out of every 4 skin lighteners made in Asia and sold in the U.S. contained mercury.

There are other potential risks of skin lighteners. Those risks can include the following:

• Prolonged use can contribute to premature aging of skin. 
• Long-term use may increase the risk of  from sun exposure. 
• Always use  sunscreen when using a skin lightener and going out in the sun.
• Steroids in some skin lighteners may increase risk for skin infections, skin thinning, acne, and poor wound healing
• Applying steroids to large areas of skin may put you at risk for health problems related to steroid being absorbed by the body. 
• Hydroquinone may cause unwanted and untreatable skin discoloration. 
• Various bleaching agents, including natural ingredients, can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.

http://www.skinwhiteningscience.com/top_skin_whitening_agents_top_20_hydroquinone.html

http://www.webmd.com/beauty/face/skin-lightening-products

The Black or Fair Documentary by Penjo Entertainment



I applaud Penjo Entertainment and love the concept of the video! I hope there is a follow up . There is a need to emphasize on self esteem and loving yourself as you are.A panel discussion will be great!


"Fifty Shades Of Black"on The Tiwa Savage & Banky W. show! 




 I will conclude with childhood memory which my mum reminds me about often. When my younger sister who looks like my dad and is very fair was born, He and many others were ecstatic. I felt so bad that I asked my mum whom I look like..And she said "you look like me"..and told me how beautiful I was...I was just 5 years old. Grateful to my mum for what was probably one of  my first lessons in "Self Esteem" . These messages need to be reinforced to children on a constant basis. I have a lot of respect for parents raising kids these days in a more sophisticated world especially in the west.


Love Yourself. Black is Beautiful. #Blackenicious and proud. To Everyone their own!

Pictures courtesy of Facebookers (don't just love FB..lol)

On that note it's a wrap.  Have your say....

Have a nice weekend.

Y.M.
IRepCamer

MUSIC THURSDAY: INTRODUCING CIANA MMPR's FIRST FEMALE ARTIST

Hello people..First post, First Music Thursday of 2014!! 2013 was a great year for Camer entertainment..This is theyear of "Stepping it Up". I am excited because I know  people are working in the background to make things happen! So T-H-I-N-K!

Drum Rolls.....Introducing ModeMaison PR's first female artist, CIANA

She gave a thrilling first performance to a large crowd last month during the Stanley Enow Orangina sponsored concert at Parcours Vita in Douala, her name is CIANA and she is the new and first ever female music artist to be signed under ModeMaison PR’s books.

CIANA, Caroline Jabe Takon is a Buea based rap artist and singer in her 20’s currently signed under No Hitz No Recordz with an enormous talent and a unique style which is sure to put on the top of the female rapper charts in the country.

CIANA kicked off her music career first as a songwriter before joining an all male rap group although shortlived but enabled her to embark on a solo journey.
.
In 2010, CIANA started writing and rapping to her own songs thereby enabling her to join an all male rap group called “Big Boy Game.”  She then set out on a her solo journey sharpening her rapping skills and building her popularity. In the same year, she caught the attention of music label Trackzone Records on which she had the opportunity to attend and perform on various music shows which included the “12-12-12” – the biggest ever showcase in Buea.
In 2013, she was signed under the Buea based record label No Hitz No Recordz where
she released her first single entitled “Bangwa Sense”

Music for CIANA is an inborn passion which she responded to from a tender age by
singing in a Christian choir and enjoying the calmness and liberation it gave her.
Her admiration for artists such as Beyoncé, Foxxy Brown, Phyno, MI gave her the zeal and motivation to want to pursue a music career.





 5 interesting things to know about her…
1) She loves art as well as interior/space decoration.
2) Her favourite colour is blue (check out her logo!) just like the sky!
3) Her passion for dancing was manifested wholly when she joined a hip hop dance crew.
4) Her best features are her dimples, waist and legs.
5) She is currently studying Geology at the University of Buea.

CONTACT
Email: mmprcamer@gmail.com
PR Twitter: @ModeMaisonPR
Ciana Twitter: @bestciana
Label Twitter:@NHRent
Ciana Manager Twitter:@PrinceEnobi

This is CIANA......

Credits:
Dressed by Nakuin
MUA: Bih Youty
Styled by ModeMaison PR
Ciana logo designed by ADE of Akinyele Designs 

Love her already!!Looking forward to more of her music and lovely style. Support an up and coming artist!

Enjoy the rest of the week...

Y.M.
IRepCamer

HAPPY NEW YEAR: IRepCamer's TRACKS of 2013

Hello People..Happy New Year!!2013 was a GREAT year for Camer Entertainment. I think the Music Industry is finally "coming out" and people are stepping up their game. 2014 should be about Focus..Focus on Talent, Packaging,Teams, Collaborations, Image, Brand etc..Please NO to competition and unnecessary bad belle and dichotomy!I think everyone has their own place and contribution in this up and coming industry..

Check Modemaison PR's T-H-I-N-K Top tips for 2014 post. Artists, THINK is the mantra for 2014

 Music Thursday posts became more frequent and I was amazed how easy it was to get content because new songs and videos are constantly being released. R & B, Hiphop, Rap, Raggae, Afrobeat with a bendskin, bottle dance infusion and the list goes on and on..

Started with 20 then 30 and then there were more..I gave up..So here are  my tracks of 2013...Enjoy!




Debra Debs ft P Jericho - Higher Higher


Gasha- Kaki Mbere


Leeyo - A L'aide


The Bright Light Project



Numerica - It Faut T'enjailler


Reniss - C'est La Vie


Jovi - Famille



Pit Baccardi  fit Nina - Les Interdits


Michael Kiessou - Ben Nam



X Maleya ft J Martins - Mon Ex


Stanley Enow - Hein Pere



Museba - Bom Bom Bom



Magasco - Kumba Market

  BTR - Pecos
Naomi Achu - Alhaji


Daddy Black - Ah No be Small Boy

 
Supaval - Mongu


PTB - Azonto Makossa
Spido - Sure Mbom


Tilla - Alhaji


Veeby ft Charlotte Dipanda - Hurt (Ndolo)
Steveslil - Ebangha


Denzyl - Monika

Adah - Far


  Nabstar -  Kwasia Braha


Sophie Aida- Break it down



Constance BK


 DANIELLE EOG MAKEDAH-Ndolo de toi



Melcube - Made in Cameroon

Banye,The Banso Boy - Chorkoh

  Askia - Tat Obaseh



Wax Dey - Brekete



Sine ft Petit Pays - Paple 

Krotal - Là-Bas (feat. Pit Baccardi, Black Oeil De Faucon & Teety Tezano)

Ebako - You

Free Electronic Press Kits template from ReverbNation.com

DJ Skeeper - Tribute to Mandela
Sophie "Miss Bess" - Last Dance

OK people on that note, 2013, It's a wrap. Happy New Year 2014!Wish you and yours all the best in the new year. 

 Y.M. 
IRepCamer

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT:>>>ZNA K>>>

Hello people. It's almost the end of 2013.It's been an exciting year for Camers. In Music, Movie and Fashion..and the creatives as whole. Looking forward to the day when our celebs will be dressed to a major award show by Camer designers..(TOL - thinking out loud and dreaming..lol)

 Designer Spotlight on Canada based label Zna.K. This is definitely a label and designer to watch in 2014.

Born in the UK, Zeena grew up in her parents’ home country, Cameroon where her love for fashion and creativity began. As a child, she and her best friend would hand sew their doll’s clothes, made dresses for some of the little neighborhood girls, and eventually, as she grew up, she started altering her clothes and school uniforms, to her principals and parents dismay.
After high school, she moved to the U.S and later returned to the U.K, where she stayed for a while before moving to Canada.
She attended George Brown College in Toronto, where she graduated from the Fashion Techniques and Design program which helped enhance her desire of becoming a fashion designer. She is now a Toronto based  designer with clients across Canada, the U.S and even in the U.K. She particularly loves mixing African prints with solid-colored fabrics to create new, fabulous Afro-Western looks.

Recent shows include the University of Toronto ASA’s Afro Beat, African Fashion Week Toronto, where she won the 2013 Student/New Designer Competition, and recently , the University of Waterloo TRACES event, where she previewed her “Dashiki Inspired”, Spring collection.

Brenda of  Can Never Be A Skinny Bi**h Blog is a great muse...

For more on ZNA.K Canada
Facebook:www.facebook.com/zeenakay2
Twitter: Zeena Kay @ZNAKCa 
Email: znakcanada@gmail.com
Phone: 647 701 4803
Online Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZNAKCanada


Thumbs up Zeena K...Keep up the great work!! OK people check out her pages and support one of our own designers!
Y.M.
IRepCamer

PAYS EVENTS GALORE...LIGHTS,CAMERA, PARTY!!

Ok people..That time of the year is here..Where people from north, sound, east, west. "BushFallers", "Forestfallers" (apparently etats unis peeps..lol) head home for the holidays. 

Here's what is happening and more

Douala - IFest  - December 20th

Buea- Flavour in concert ft. Jovi.   December 20th.                                                                     
Buea - Fashion Pop Up Event - December 22nd & 23rd 

Yaounde - Fashion & Art Exhibit - Ongoing till 21st December 

Bamenda - Bushfallers Night- December 22nd 

Douala - All White Soul Weekend- December 27 & 29th

Yaounde - Sonnah Awards - December 29th 

Kribi - Blick Bassy In Concert - December 31st 

Check these out..If you are bored in Camer then you must be a longgg thing..lol!Holla if you know about more events. Stay tuned for updates...

Sales sales @ liiberlondon.com

Have fun. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Y.M.
IRepCamer

AN ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER, INTRODUCING "VIRI", THE MOVIE

Hello People...Things are happening in +237 in the film industry..and I am excited to bring to you..VIRI, an adventure like no other. Think VIRI, think: Thriller, drama, Struggle, Destiny, life...

VIRI VIRI VIRI

The Cameroonian film industry is evolving everyday as more and more home movies are shot and produced some of which are obvious in the manner of story-telling and others, a true depiction of our culture, heritage and evolution.

Here comes VIRI, a movie by film producer Nkanya Nkwai that intends to be different in its story-telling and in its technicality will be hijacking our small screens very soon. The story, an appropriate blend of glamour and the wild succeeds to give an insight on the best of both worlds. It’s not just a focus of life in the rural areas with no civilisation, it depicts the struggles of life after success and civilisation.

So what more is there to VIRI? It is a tale of two contrasting yet similar stories. On one hand two brothers go in search of the remains of their father 23 years after his death. On the other, a couple are on a journey with the purpose of finding a connection that can help save their difficult relationship. They all coincide in the same forest and unknown to them, the same mystery that plagues the forest is that which will eventually change their lives and re-write their destinies. Will their lives ever be the same again after they set out for their journey? You will find this out once the film is released early 2014!

VIRI is an exciting film to be. A a drama thriller, a fictional trilogy of lack of communication, love and impunity. A perfect combination of sadistic, humorous, glamorous and adventurous characters that go through the known and the unknown, through a life path of different sequences that will ultimately lead them to their destiny.

With an award winning DOP amongst the crew, expect a fluid well thought out photographical scenes backed by an excellent script and a host of acting talents captured by an experienced director.

VIRI, the movie – coming soon!

Main Cast & Crew List:

Liza		Stephanie Fonachi
Seal  Mukube		Desmond Wyte
Bonu		Lynno Lovert
Netu		Nkanya Nkwai
Ebena		Alenne Menget
Ebena’s wife		Mrs. Ebai
Mark		Nchifor Valery
Anita		Itambi Delphine
Maria		Fesse
Professor		Vitalis Ottia
Director	Enah Johnscott
Director	Takong Delvis
Production Manager	Tanyi Melvis
Line producer	Forkwa Modester
D.O.P	Yibain E-A Chah
Make Up Artist	Winston
Sound	Morgan Bulu
Artistic Director	Itambi Delphine

To find out more about VIRI affairs, please go here:-

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/VIRI-movie

PR Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ModeMaisonPR

Follow the producer on Twitter: @NkanyaNkwai

Follow their PR on Twitter: @ModeMaisonPR

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Some of the faces and sights while filming!!

To find out more about VIRI affairs, please go here:-

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/VIRI-movie

PR Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ModeMaisonPR

Follow the producer on Twitter: @NkanyaNkwai

Follow the PR on Twitter: @ModeMaisonPR

Looking forward to VIRI..It sounds like an adventure like none other for real. Thumbs up to the Cast, Crew & PR. 

Y.M.
IRepCamer