Acclaimed Cameroonian singer, Makon, releases epic EP, ‘Life of a Black Boy’
By Chin Innocent
Acclaimed Cameroonian singer, songwriter and philanthropist, Makon, has released his latest Extended Play, EP, titled “Life of a Black Boy”.
The five-track masterpiece was released Saturday July 20. It showcases his vocal talent and artistic growth.
The EP is exclusively available on Boomplay, a leading digital platform.
The latest project offers an intimate and unfiltered reflection of the Makon’s identity as a black man.
Inspiration From Struggles, Triumphs
Thematically, the EP made up of five songs, explores a range of subjects, including love and relationships, as well as personal struggles and triumphs.
Makon who spoke to The Municipal Update, said the new collection released Saturday was inspired by his journey of self-discovery.
He explained that: “This EP is a combination of love, money and society. In the EP, there are songs like ‘Pretty’ to appreciate the beauty of the woman, the girl child…and we how much we love them. We have songs which talks about money, power, family and unity and then we have others like ‘Life Style’ which talks about our day-to-day activities; how expensive life is, how we can’t do a lot of things without money,” Makon declared.
He further explained that: “We also have ‘Pepper’ which talks about two countries, Nigeria and Cameroon. It talks of how we have similar cultures in terms of food and others”.
EP Product of Two-Year Hard Work
The celebrated singer disclosed that it took him nearly two years to produce the EP. This, he said is “because I was working on my EP and also working on my Album which will be coming up in January. So, after this EP, next year, in January or February, we will be expecting an album”.
He substantiated that “this EP actually defines my day-to-day activities as a black living in this world that is why I actually titled it ‘Life of a Black Boy’. ‘The Life of a Black Boy’ is all about the ups and downs, the challenges, the front and back, the good days, the bad days…”.
Entertainment Is The Future
Stating that the EP was inspired by his struggles as a black man, Makon described music as being the future. He was blunt that “entertainment is actually the future”.
Going by him, “If you look at so many neighboring countries, you will realise that music is one of those things that has boosted their economies, especially in countries like Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana. I believe that through our culture, we can be well known out there”.
National, International Tours In View
Quizzed on his future projects in the music industry, Makon said his team is currently planning national and international tours.
“Our tour is to raise money to build community projects back at home which will empower the women” he disclosed.
But Who is Makon?
Born Yong Mark Ndi, Makon, who hails from Fundong in Boyo Division of the North West Region, walked the path to success through hard work and integrity.
The singer, songwriter and philanthropist attended CBC Mutengene where he completed his primary education.
After his secondary education, Makon enrolled into the University of Buea, UB where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.
He would later embark on his career in the music industry.
He began his musical career in Buea before relocating to Douala of the Littoral Region. It took Makon just few years to gain fame in the music industry.
Combining Music With Philanthropy
Since achieving success, Makon has taken his career into his own hands. He has since created an entrepreneurial and innovative empire known as One Touch Entertainment and Makon Care Foundation that has sprung forth from his own creativity and hard work.
Known for his music as well as his entrepreneurial and philanthropic strides, Makon is said to have followed the path of his mother who is also an entrepreneur based in Cameroon.
He made his first entry into the Philanthropic world via Makon Care Foundation. It is a registered organisation that provides a platform where mothers and children can access medical care, school fees assistance among others.
With over a decade in the music industry, Makon has featured in songs alongside other heavyweights in the sector including Mimie, Rich Khasino and Kocee.
Beyond music, Makon, is also an accomplished philanthropist who has impacted communities and families through his humanitarian actions.
In the coming days, Makon, through his Makon Care Foundation will carry out activities to empower woman and girls in Buea, Douala, Yaounde and other cities.
Dubbed “Empowering Women Through the Arts” Makon, is said to embark on a national tour.
The series of events to be organised aims to celebrate the power of women and girls in Cameroon. Through a combination of workshops, conferences, and concerts, the foundation aims to promote gender equality and challenge societal norms. It will also empower women and girls to take their rightful place as leaders and change-makers in their communities.
Message of Hope To Cities
Over the next five months, the foundation will be traveling to five cities including Buea, Douala, Yaounde, Garoua, and Bamenda, taking along with them a message of hope, inspiration, and empowerment.
The events will feature world-class artists, experts in their fields, and ordinary women and girls who are making a difference in their own unique ways.
From art therapy to entrepreneurship, leadership skills to disability rights, the events will tackle a wide range of topics that are critical to women’s empowerment.
The foundation will challenge the status quo, celebrate achievements, and provide opportunities for participants to connect with one another and build a stronger, more supportive community.
