Micheline: Micheline Ewang is a new comer to the African vocal divas scene. I’m born and raised Cameroonian, Songwriter and Singer now based in Washington DC.
THJ: How and why did you get into music (what inspired you to do so) and do you play a musical instrument?
Micheline: I grew up around music… from my grandmother who is a great traditional songwriter and singer, to my mother who is singer and songwriter, my late uncles who were drummers and singers and brothers who today are professional singers. In fact music is a family disease lol. Every movement around me is an inspiration. I can play around instruments like the guitar, drums, piano, but actually I’m taking professional guitar and piano classes.
THJ: On your official website, your music is described as “… a subtle blend of African roots, jazz and gospel, along with the modern feeling of acoustic soul music.” What inspired your music style to have such a wide range of different genres of music?
Micheline: A mixture of different stages of my life. As a little girl, I spent most of my vacations around my grand mother in the village, enjoying the sound of drums, the noise of birds, learning the Oroko songs. At home in town, my father always played blues and jazz music. As a teenager I became fan of Henri Dikongue with whom I did the song ‘Street Dancer’, then as an adult I had the chance to be coached by my little sister Nikol Ewang. i didn’t want to be a traditional singer, I wanted my music to be open to the world for everybody to find himself in a song.
THJ: Your first Album ‘Dissongo’ was released in March 2014. What does ‘Dissongo’ mean and how did its meaning influence the making of this album?
Micheline: ‘Dissongo’ is the name of an Oroko rhythm. It’s a peaceful and beautiful dance. Music has been my passion and my therapy. With Dissongo I was making peace not only with myself but with the world.
THJ: I really enjoyed listening to all the songs on your album ‘Dissongo’. My top three favorite songs are ‘Dissongo’, ‘Le Petit Matin’ and ‘Taboo Love’. What are your top three favorite songs on this album and why?
Listen to Michele Ewang on Sound Cloud
Micheline: For me every song has a particular meaning, so they are all favorite lol. ‘Ikpore’ is a key for freedom; in ‘Bana Oroko’ I’m calling on all Africans, mostly the Oroko children, not to forget where we are coming from; in ‘Iya’ I’m saying thanks to the moms for what they have gone through to bring us up.
THJ: I really enjoyed listening to all the songs on your album ‘Dissongo’. My top three favorite songs are ‘Dissongo’, ‘Le Petit Matin’ and ‘Taboo Love’. What are your top three favorite songs on this album and why?
Micheline: For me every song has a particular meaning, so they are all favorite lol. ‘Ikpore’ is a key for freedom; in ‘Bana Oroko’ I’m calling on all Africans, mostly the Oroko children, not to forget where we are coming from; in ‘Iya’ I’m saying thanks to the moms for what they have gone through to bring us up.
THJ: You could feel the deep underlying message of those songs which is why I think I related to them so easily even though I didn’t understand the language!
Now for the other fun part… We are now going to talk about your style which is my favorite part of this interview!! Many Musicians tend to use their style in combination with their music as a way to express themselves and to create their identity and signature look. As a musician how would you describe your general fashion style both on stage and off stage and does your type of music influence this?
Micheline: It is a blend of African style and Western style – just like my music!
THJ: One of the things that immediately caught my eye and stood out about your style was your signature statement – The Head wraps (that is what I call them). You look absolutely beautiful wearing them. Is that correct name ‘Head wraps’ or is there an official word to call them and who ties them up for you?
Micheline: Thank you… I tie it myself and yes it’s called Head wraps.
THJ: What inspired you to incorporate head wraps into your style and does it have a meaning to you in terms of a message you might be sending when you wear it?
Micheline: It represents my Africanism. African women have been wearing it for centuries.
THJ: On any given day, what 3 beauty items can we find in your handbag that you cannot live without?
Micheline: Lipstick, Spray, Face powder.
