the Ballantine True music and Boiler Room events took place in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon in 2022 from May 3, 4, and 5 2022 with artists on the platform such as Mani Bella, Kameni, Aveiro Djess, and HAPPY D’efoulan.
as the event ran for three days we had the opportunity to have a one-on-one talk with all these artists.
who is HAPPY D’efoulan?
From his real name Roger Essindi, better known as “Happy”, his artist name was born on December 4 in the central region. He took his first steps in music at the age of 12 at the “Stoll” college in Akono. Passionate about “offbeat cut”, he distinguished himself as a dancer. He joins a musical group called the Fanfare in his establishment where he is chief percussionist. This is how his passion for “Mbolè” was born, where he very quickly stood out, particularly in his Efoulan district in the heart of Yaoundé in the third arrondissement. in 2016, he joined his first group Mbolè called the “jockers” of Efoulan.
How do you see the organization of Ballantine does it have any impact on the Cameroon music industry?
the Ballantine true music event is a god sent to the music sector in Cameroon because it helps the artist to grow from every dimension around the world so we as artist are very happy for having such a platform who have given us the means to meet and chat with new fans as we are doing Now.
Talking about the Mbolle genre of music do you see it as a future for Cameroon?
mbole is a new wave that we are inplanting into the music sector as you can see the genre mbolle has already gone international in no time since it started . we urge cameroonians to give us the right support we need to export this genre so that other countries will enjoy and vibe to our own style and vibe.
mbolle also we as artists need to blend it with other genres as we work in team and synergy.
What is “Tchapeu Tchapeu” in reality? What message would you like to convey in this hit?
In reality, “Tchapeu Tchapeu is an expression in the Bamileke language which means “oh Lord”, in short it is a way of exclaiming. In this song, I would like to denounce all the scourges that undermine our society. I am a kind of Aimé Césaire, the spokesperson for the voiceless, you have to denounce in order to be able to remedy it.
What motivated you to sing?
It’s talent and passion. I sing since then in weddings and other big ceremonies. I was also writing singles but I didn’t have anyone as an elder to guide me.
After this hit track, what are your plans for the year?
Yesterday, I surprised you with my marvelous hit title “Tchapeu Tchapeu”, tomorrow I have great surprises in store for you that you will consume.
It seems that there is a curse, a song, a buzz for new artists. That is to say that certain artists are only called upon to sing a single hit and then fall into oblivion?
Me, I’m not here to listen to the “one says” and moreover I am not a cursed child, but blessed by God. I’m not here for the buzz but rather the guarantor of a long and brilliant career, when it’s good, it’s good.
You are still young, do you plan to continue your studies?
My studies, moreover, I had not stopped them because, for me, I would like to be an artist who sings because he has talent and also to be the promotion of a large vocational training school.
What do you think when we say that young singers are fans of “ford” (drugs)?
Personally, this story does not concern me and it will never concern me. Of course it exists, but not all young artists dope.
A message for all 100% Young fans and loyal readers
I would simply say that everyone has a potential within them to become a leader in society, the most important thing is to trust yourself and to give it a shot to succeed.