THJ: Name a female African musician whose fashion style you admire?
Micheline: Steps of the great Miriam Makeba, Sally Nyolo and Erykah Badu.
THJ: If given an opportunity, name one artist you would love to either do a duet with or to perform on stage with and why?
Micheline: Before it was Henri Dikongue. Thank God I had the chance to do it. Richard Bona will be the perfect choice.
THJ: There are many up and coming female artists in the music industry in Cameroon right now. One of them notably is Daphne Njie who whose newly released ‘Reflections EP’ is creating a lot of buzz on social media especially among Cameroonians worldwide and she seems to be having very good reviews.
THJ: What advice would you give to Daphne or any new Cameroonian artist that you would have wanted for someone else to have told you when you started in the music industry?
Micheline: Daphne is good in what she does and I like her genre of music. I would say to Daphne that only hard work and focus will take us to the real destination!
THJ: What advice would you give the younger Cameroonian generation or any Cameroonian who wants to start off a career in music given that there is very little emphasis and encouragement on promoting music and artistic talents as a career in Cameroon?
Micheline: One of the first things to do is to define the kind of music that you want to do which is gonna be your signature. Practice a lot and network with other artists in the music industry.
THJ: What would you say is the most difficult part of being an African musician-specifically a Cameroonian musician with respect to promoting your music and getting exposure, if any?
Micheline: Having access to the world music industry, especially promoters. This also can be made easier if young African artists endeavor to meet with the quality standards of production.
THJ: What can your fans expect from Micheline in 2015? Any performances or concerts scheduled and what excites you more – performing on stage or working in a studio?
Micheline: Thank God for 2014 because I had great performances such as; The Martin Luther King anniversary event at Strathmore Bethesda on January 19th, three performances with art Soiree Partners with Alliance Francaise in DC, two performances at Montgomery College for the African Month, one performance in DC for the Cameroonian and American Youth Day, Concert for Ebola Relief at Fillmore, had a show with Henri Dikongue and symphony orchestra at the Hilton Yaounde Cameroon.
In 2015, I had already done some shows. I started with my selection to perform at the Strathmore Hall; I will be in Berlin on May 3rd in Germany on May 30th at Essen. I just met a new music promoter and she is working on getting some dates in DC so my fans stay tune… I love you and I’m grateful for your support. I love to perform on stage and enjoy the interaction during that special moment.
THJ: Thank you very much for doing this interview. I am sure you will rock those concerts and shows you have planned out for 2015. I also hope to see more pictures in your signature Head Wraps and I’m sure many would agree with me! To all my readers, you should grab a copy of her Album. You won’t be disappointed!
Listen to Micheline Ewang’s Album teaser on SoundCloud.
For more information on Micheline’s latest album, music and upcoming concerts and appearances her Facebook Page: Micheline Ewang music.
Interviewed by Mbole Ekaney, Editor-in-Chief.
