Review of the Ballantine’s X Boiler Room’s TRUE MUSIC STUDIOS – YAOUNDE

Truly time flies when you’re having fun and so the 3 days of bewildering music experience that was the 2022 edition of Ballantines Boiler Room (03 May – 05 May) went by way too quickly, as usual, it was a funfilled experience for attendees. The famous music event with its mix of Cameroon Urban Music, Mbole, Bikutsi, and world music once more attracted sizeable audiences from Yaounde and other parts of Cameroon. What’s more, there seem to be new fans joining flocking in to see top Cameroonian acts jam together and discover the hottest talents of musicians from Cameroon.

For those of you who couldn’t make it to the Ballantine’s and Boiler Room’s True Music Studios, here are some highlights of the show. We will be taking you through some of the journeys of this beautiful event in Yaoundé, precisely Cascades du Mfoundi.

It’s worth noting that this was the second edition of the prestigious Boiler Room x Ballantine’s as the first edition was in 2018. And this year’s edition was curated by hitmaker Aveiro Djess.

The event ran from the 3rd to the 5th of May with a lot of activities. We saw an active participation of Cameroonian artists of different musical genres, like Happy D’Effoulan, Mani Bella, Kameni, Z-tra, Aveiro Djess. Not forgetting the presence of Disc Jockeys like Dj Amy from South Africa, DJ Louda, DJ Cyrius Black, and  DJ Chinjong. The Bagandos Dance crew also came forward to solidify the show with incredible dance moves that wow the fans.

Tuesday 3rd May 

Music business executives, artists, bloggers, journalists, and other music stakeholders attended a 60-minute music forum. Musicians and music stakeholders gave their tales on the evolution of the music industry. They were paying attention to “what and who” has influenced the industry and its future. 

Speaking with Boiler Room/Ballantine Kameni, Mani Bella and Happy d’Effoulan gave their thoughts on a talk about the evolution of Cameroon music. During the Ballantine’s and Boiler Room conversation, former Lionn Production musician Kameni revealed on stage that

“Cameroon Doesn’t Have A Music Industry.”_Kameni

Full article here; https://critiqsite.com/cameroon-doesnt-have-a-music-industry-kameni-tells-it-all-in-new-interview/

Wednesday 4th May 

The second day of the event was the True Music & Dance Festival. Ballantine’s Whisky organized a night of music and dance at Cascade Mfoundi in Yaoundé. The Night offered free Mbole dance lessons by Adjamelais Jokers and the dance crew Les Bangando. The night also gave aspiring musicians and dancers the chance to perform on stage with the renowned beatmaker Mr. Ivy. 

Most guests under the supervision of Adjamalais Jokers were very happy at the end of the day. As they chant the hit song Rhythmeurs ABC – Mbandjoh which the indomitable lions used during the AFCON 2022 competition in Cameroon. The Night was closed with free cocktails offered to every participant. Check out the images below; 

Thursday 5th May 

The event’s last day kickstarted with interviews with the headliners of the Boiler Room x Ballantines‘s. We were opportuned to talk with HAPPY D’EFFOULAN, AVEIRO DJESS, DJ LOUDA, Z-TRA, KAMENI and DJ CHINJONG. Each of them took out 30 minutes of their time to talk to the media and fans. After the interview session, artists gave their fans the opportunity to take pictures with them.

 Shortly after, we all dispatched to get ready for the main event which took off at 7 pm with a Live Broadcast Boiler Room show. With a worldwide streamed party with over 500 guests present.

After the National Anthem was sung, Dj Amy was pleased to open the party followed by Dj Chinjong, Dj Louda who all brought fire on stage.  Steaming up the audience back to back as they welcomed the first performing artist Z-tra aka “la poupee Verte”. Then came the Mbole crooner Happy D’effoulan who also gave a mind-blowing act assisted by Djembe player Araman Blinde.

Music Sensation Kameni took over the flow with another magnificent performance. She had the audience dancing and singing to her songs word by word. Followed by bikutsi diva Mani Bella who once again ignited the hall with her super energetic moves.  Aveiro Djess came in to close the festive night with the Hustler Anthem NYAMA.

Below are some images from the night;

We can’t end without mentioning a few of those who worked tirelessly to make the night successful. Like Miss Santher Mbacham from image nation, Carole Tchameni as the moderator, DJ Cyrius Black, DJ Louda and DJ Diamon, and many others.

Conclusively True Music x Ballantine event is one of the most upfront, influential and educational gatherings for Cameroon music and its industry. With its conference, festival, and educational breeding ground, Boiler Room x Ballantines are able to create not only one of the biggest yearly industry tent-pole moments but also a solid foundation for future generations of music professionals.