Prince Aimé’s song “Viviane,” originally released in 2004, is experiencing a powerful comeback, thanks to two recent remixes that have captured the attention of audiences across West Africa. Despite the song’s initial popularity, Prince Aimé waited over two decades to benefit fully from his work. A Cameroonian artist who has faced struggles in his career, Aimé even left Cameroon for France in 2016 to find better opportunities but found it difficult to sustain himself. In a video he posted in 2020, he expressed feelings of disappointment and frustration, explaining how he had lived in hardship and received little support from the industry.
The turning point came when Ivorian artist Debordo Leekunfa, along with Djeneba, remixed “Viviane” in 2024. This remix revived the song’s popularity on streaming platforms and digital media, helping many fans rediscover the soulful tune. However, as Cameroonians watched the success of Debordo’s remix, they felt a strong desire to reclaim the song’s success for Prince Aimé, whose original work went largely unnoticed for years. In response, Cameroonian rapper Maahlox announced he would gather some of the country’s top artists to collaborate on a Cameroonian remix, giving “Viviane” a fresh boost in Aimé’s home country. This team remix, featuring Maahlox, Magasco, and Thérapie, instantly connected with fans and exceeded expectations by reaching over 3 million views within just 24 hours on YouTube.
Fans celebrated this achievement because it broke the previous record for views set by Debordo Leekunfa’s Djeneba, who also saw his remix as a tribute to Prince Aimé’s original work. The remix by Cameroonian artists not only surpassed this record but also showed the unity of Cameroonian in supporting one of their own as this remix was shared even by Samuel Eto’o and former Cameroon coach Rigobert Song, highlighting how music can bridge gaps in recognition and give artists the appreciation they deserve. Some artists and influencers were vocal about the fact that Aimé’s struggle had often been ignored, expressing their determination to help him benefit directly from the newfound attention his music was receiving.
This success also sheds light on the cultural importance of supporting local artists. Although there has been some criticism of certain artists suddenly expressing support for Aimé, many in the industry view this as an opportunity to show that even older songs can find new life if supported by the right talent and community. Cameroonians are now actively engaging with “Viviane,” showing how local fans can help reclaim the narrative around their own music and ensure artists are rewarded for their contributions to cultural heritage.
With “Viviane” reaching millions of views and trending across platforms, Prince Aimé is experiencing a revival he may never have anticipated. The journey of “Viviane” is more than just a song’s revival; it’s a story of how artists, even after years of hardship, can find their place in the spotlight through the support of fans and fellow musicians.
