Queen Etémé
(Cameroon)

Djembe
Biography
Queen Etémé started singing in a gospel choir of about 100 members. Her alto voice was noticed very soon. Living in France, she had an inspiring meeting with American gospel singer Carole Fredericks who had lived the last 20 years of her live in France. She was soon recruted to sing the backing vocals for various artists, such as Manu Dibango, and occasionally also for Gino Sitson, Wes Madiko and Geoffrey Oryema. She would continue to be part of Manu Dibango's band.

On her first solo album, « Soki », she mixes afro-jazz with gospels influences, but she also using rhythms from her native Cameroon, such as bikutsi, mangabeu, and also Congolese ndombolo.

She sings in Eton, Bassa, but also in French, English and Lingala. The title song « Soki » means "what if" in Lingala, in the song she wonders "what if people would love each other more?", or "what if there is no more war in this world?".

In 2008, she recorded a second album « Lafi » (everything is fine in Moré). She now lives in Benin, where she recorded a third album, « Amazing Encounter », which is a 100% gospel album.


Born: as Delphine Etémé, in Obala, Central Province, Cameroon
Style: Afro-jazz, gospel

Queen Etémé
 Queen Etémé   


Discography
Title Year Label Remarks
Amazing Experience 2021 Keyzit
Bi mawo 2020 Keyzit
Amazing Encounter 2010 MN Productions
Lafi 2009 Coeur De Cible
Soki 2003 MVG Company MVGQ1 (Distribution Next Music)

Sources
 

Page added March 2004