"African Soul" Defines My African Personality - Wax

Interviewed by Walter Wilson Nana

Cameroonian born Nde Ndifonka, popularly known as Wax, has been making speedy progress in the business of music. The singer and producer works with the UN agency, International Organisation for Migration, IOM, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Wax was recently in Cameroon to commune with his kith and kin and make known his second album, "African Soul", to the Cameroonian public. Wax shares his artistic and work experiences at IOM with The Post in this exclusive interview.

The Post: Let's know you better

I was born in Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon. I did my secondary education at Sacred Heart College, Mankon, Bamenda. I went to South Africa at the close of 2002. I have been out there for six years, making life for myself.

I have two albums to my credit and a Record Label named Lolhiphop Records. I do produce my own albums. I came to Cameroon recently to visit family members, spend Christmas and New Year and to promote my new album "African Soul".

Tell us more about "African Soul"

My debut album, "Ali Gets His Arms", was a discovery for me. It was my first professional venture and recording in South Africa. From there, I moved from the eclectic nature, from the high influence of R 'n' B, Pop, African rhythms to my African roots. In "African Soul" are ten songs that define my African personality.

It is folk and guitar and defines myself as an African artist. However, you find some bit of pop influences because I grew up listening to Motown sounds. My pride in "African Soul" is the fact that I portray myself as a Cameroonian guitarist and song writer.

How do you manage the high western influence in South Africa and your Africanness?

Wherever you are, the most you can sell is your originality. The beauty of my music out of Cameroon is the fact that it is Cameroonian. It is something different I have to offer people, besides the fact that I take part in my own culture. It's rather a strong and selling point for me that I can be able to find my roots and present it to other people.

That's what I'm in essence, that's what I can offer them. It's different from what they already have. The feedback has been very encouraging, since it's something new in the market and something that people do not experience in South African market. In doing all these I have been able to define myself, my voice, which are very important for an artist.

What explains your success in South Africa?

It is the African music. I'm true to myself and my music. I begin to take part in what I really represent as an African artist and as a Cameroonian guitarist. There is the love for the music. I invest a lot in other South African musicians, who take my music style to other people.

I produce and write songs for other people too. That's my pride. And as long I keep doing that, I'm happy and if it touches one person then it's just great.

There were xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa recently. How did it affect you?

Xenophobia is a world wide problem, faced in many countries. It's rather unfortunate that the manifestations in South Africa were alarming. However, music is a universal language. I operate with South African musicians in all levels. It didn't really affect me. Music is been used as a unifying force to combat things like that.

There is a good reception to my music, especially as it is seen as a force of unity. South Africans themselves are now ready to fight xenophobia. The orphans see music and arts as means of transmitting messages of unity, peace and love. Those are the values my music represents.

How implanted is your music in Cameroon?

For the first time, I'm taking "African Soul" beyond English speaking Cameroonian fans. My base has largely been English speaking Cameroonians, which to me have been satisfactory in the past. But now, it's time to get out there and reach out to French speaking Cameroonians, too.

Track 6 - "Butterfly" in "African Soul" is doing just great in most of the FM stations in Douala and Yaounde. It has been well received by the French speaking audience in Cameroon. There have also been requests for small-budget concerts here and there. I'm glad I have engaged with the audience and we see how the response goes.

I also play a kind of music that one wouldn't find everywhere and obviously at my age, it will take some time for people to understand my kind of music. But my music is for everybody. I look forward to come do big concerts in Cameroon in the years ahead.

If you were to stay on music, are you convinced it can put food on your table?

Definitely! Music is second nature to me. I studied Law in the university. So, I know the business of music before being a musician. I do a lot more work in organising concerts, producing and promoting other artists. I put a lot of energy to that, which impacts on me as a musician and it is part of the business to make money.

You are also part of the UN agency, International Organisation for Migration, IOM, in South Africa. How challenging is your job?

I work as the Communication Officer for IOM in Southern Africa. It's one of those things that come out of your personality and the other skills embedded in you. As the spokes person for IOM, I receive a lot of calls from the press corps, when there are sensitive issues; I prepare media guidelines to ensure that I keep things in control. I oversee internal and external communication in the office; I oversee the publication of news letters, general publications and look after the visibility of IOM.

IOM and music, are your hands not full?

I got a secret! I don't' have a girl-friend!! (laughs). It's like I work two full time jobs. I put same efforts to IOM and music. I'm proud of what I do and love doing them. I put my weekends into music. I'm young and I have the energy, so I do it.

What is the way forward for your artistic and international career?

I'm recording a new album which will be released in the course of 2009. It's entitled "African Dream". It will be an autobiographical album, looking at my life, experiences, how far I have come and where I have been.

I'll be shifting my languages too. From Pidjin English, Duala and English, I'll be employing a lot more Pidjin English and English influences and more international out look in the next album. "African Soul" is breaking new grounds in Europe and the US. It's on sale internationally and the response has been great. It's a gentle process for a young artist, I have a long way to go but I'm up to the task.

Comments

[Tanteh Vitalis (The Don)]

This is a really brilliant interview Nana. I like the simple nature of it, the langauge and the style. It is straight to the point with all the facts clearly stated. I feel like becoming a musician just from reading this. ha ha ha. Great move wax, keep up the flag man. We are strongly behind you with the media.