When Cameroonian musician Kocee kicked off 2025 with dramatic flair, calling on his colleagues to step up their game, many thought it was just strategic buzz or a negative campaign. But the 32-year-old multiple-hit singer knew exactly what he was doing.
On March 15, 2025, Kocee faced a tough challenge as he set out to gather over 10,000 music lovers at the Canal Olympia Arena in Bessengué, Douala. The residents of the economic capital didn’t just come out in full force, they showed up with an unwavering desire to witness history being made by one of their own.
There’s no doubt that Kocee is clearly favored by the Sawa Gods, as it was a perfect, sunny day and night – rain-free, with a refreshing breeze blowing gently along the shores of the Wouri River.
To set the records straight, It was Kocee’s first ever concert since his illustrious career over these years. While it wasn’t a walk in the park, the “Balancé” singer actually left an everlasting mark in the heart of not just his fans, but the music-sphere at large.
With a plethora of home-based artists relishing the moment to entertain their fans over the weekend, there were foreign artists like Fanicko ( Benin ), Raphael (Togo), KS Bloom (Ivory Coast), who all made a trip for this concert to support their Cameroonian colleague; a testament of Kocee’s ability to network and maintain long-lasting relationships.
With Cameroonian artists like Salatiel, Blanche Bailly, Ngah Rinyu, Asaba, Kameni, Mr. Leo, PhillBill, Ulanda, King Luca, Elisha K, Fadil le Sorcier, etc, all delivering timeless performances, Stanley Enow’s electrifying performance alongside Kocee himself, gave fans something to return home with. Why this performance was quite different from others, is because both artists haven’t had a good relationship over the years, but they recently squashed their beef, collaborated some weeks back and then came over the weekend to deliver nothing but an unforgettable display of artistic brilliance.
Besides Kocee, introducing his lovely mother on stage and showing gratitude to his former record label, Big Dreams Entertainment, he also brought his mom and the mother of his former record label boss on stage. At one point, Kocee could be seen nearly in tears as he paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the Anglophone crisis, both civilians and military. It was a very emotional moment for all the fans who had been enjoying the night.
Among the many highlights of Kocee’s March 15th concert, saying that he outdid himself would probably be an understatement. It wasn’t just about seeing him bring together his colleagues and fans; it was also about giving fans an unforgettable experience. The night was long, but for most, it was worth the sacrifice. We may not all agree, but Njang Collins, aka Kocee, might have just earned a place in the Hall of Fame of Cameroonian music. This goes beyond just releasing hit after hit. He has reached a milestone in a very short time that many of his predecessors haven’t.
From the sound system to the security, lighting, and branding, Kocee proved once again why he’s one of the most well-branded African artists. The graphic designer did an excellent job, giving the show an outstanding visual appeal. Although many fans had a frustrating experience with the vendors at the event because they couldn’t purchase items via mobile money or Orange Money, they still enjoyed themselves.
Remark: We might have gotten too comfortable, but we must remember that Stanley Enow is still one of Cameroon’s biggest musicians of this generation. His stage presence shows experience and class. Mr. Leo remains one of the most loved singers, and the fact that fans could sing along to his songs even before he started performing says it all – he’s legendary. It was great to see Daphné make a much-needed cameo after being out of the spotlight for some time.
Kocee didn’t just have a showstopper. In my opinon, he undeniably reignited the hope of artists who were on the verge of giving up their dreams. What he achieved over the weekend might not be impossible for others, but it’s definitely not an easy feat.
To conclude, even though artists like Longue Longue and Tenor were not in town to take part in the unforgettable experience, they did send their support and blessings. Kocee mentioned that he wanted Cameroonian artists to step up their game this year, and his concert was merely a blueprint for what’s to come.
