Home INTERVIEWS “Bigger things for Cameroonian Hip-Hop on the way” -Limo, South Africa-based Cameroonian singer
“Bigger things for Cameroonian Hip-Hop on the way” -Limo, South Africa-based Cameroonian singer PDF Print E-mail
TTS / Saturday, 15 January 2011 21:12

 

 
LimozineHe might have been ambitious when he left Cameroon seven years ago. But little did the 26-year-old singer know he was going to hit the apex of the profession he so much loves so soon. Today, the young Cameroonian, also a scholar in South Africa has made great strides and now pulls a heavy weight in the art he knows best. TIPTOPSTARS spotted and took interest in the motion pictures and live performance student who operates under the Leo Large Productions entertainment outfit. He told us his story beginning with his departure from Cameroon.
 
 
Limo is an open minded, fun loving freak, very creative, business minded, adventurous and charismatic person. I was born in Victoria, South West Region of Cameroon on the 6th of April 1985. I moved to Cape Town in South Africa at the age of 19 to continue my education and music career. I’m a multi-crafted, talented and versatile solo Hip-Hop artiste who raps in English, French, pidgin and ready to mark my career internationally, but based in South Africa. I believe in the essence of musical entertainment as well respecting the fact that change is constant. So I write and rap to satisfy day-to-day changes in the music industry and life in general. I lyrically believe in street credibility and influenced by today's lifestyle of grandeur and prestige, I uphold a strong familiarity with the fact of being fresh and clean as a Hip-Hop artiste. More so, it is of interest to note that I was first spotted performing in Baseline, Newtown Johannesburg during the 2006 world Hip-Hop summit alongside Randy P from Cameroon and shared the stage with the likes of South Africa’s famous artistes such as Proverb and many others with a debut underground album titled Street Evolution that sold over 3000 copies around South Africa. I have been able to survive as an independent artiste, delivering excellent quality of work such that one might think I’ve signed somewhere. I also hold a lot of respect for South Africa’s freshest artiste DA Les (Leslie Mampe) and look forward to collaborating with him some day. Record deal or not, I have got a promising future ahead that only time will tell. I have a second album being cooked at Leo Large Productions. Also a TV presenting graduate from City Varsity in Cape Town 2009, there are no doubts that my magnificent self-presentation has got strong background. I am currently produced by one of SA’s tops 5 DJs; Leo Large at Leo Large Productions based in Cape Town, Havoc Entertainment based in Johannesburg. I have also done pretty well collaborating with lots of artistes who can't be mentioned here. Several works of progress are being developed everyday and I have currently signed to Lavish Industry booking agency Cape Town. This means more of Limo to be seen very soon taking over many stages in and around Cape Town with the almost finished re-introduction album titled Hot Like Steak with the likes of producers such as Daniel Lyonga, Tabz and Leo Large. The album includes singles such as Hot like steak, Stay Low and Put Ya Swag On, gaining enormous respect in Cape Town at the moment. Watch out for this fresh and clean physical and lyrical MC making his name in the world’s music entertainment industry map with prestige. My music talent that I did realise way back in the early 90s is a blessing to me and I thank God for it.
 

TTS

Why the name Limo Zine?

 
Limo: Sometimes, I ask myself why Limo. I’ve had the name since I was 11. I guess I got this name from my childhood friends. The name is carved from one of the world most luxurious cars, Limousine. I love luxury, hahahahaha!
 

TTS

    You have been in SA for a while how does the music industry there differ from the one in Cameroon? 

 
Limo: The SA music industry rocks for real! South Africans have accepted change and people are willing to invest in it. Every good artiste in SA is busy performing, recording and making major moves. Cameroon? We got so much work to do in order get our music industry on the map. We lack support and stuff you know. I guess you did watch the Channel O and MTVbase Africa Music Awards. Cameroon was never heard of or seen once more. This is sad enough! I was very disappointed with the misrepresentation of the Cameroonian Hip-Hop music scenery during the 2010 World Cup by those who represented the country. I mean not only are we facing difficulties in having this kind of talent be considered seriously as a career skill in Cameroon, but when we start choosing the wrong people to represent us, we fail to get the deals overseas and give nothing back home. Same thing happened when Channel O did their African tour to put African countries on the map, we were badly represented in Yaounde and Douala. We have to support the best and stop making so many mistakes. I’m just working hard, hoping it gives back to the community its legit intentions. Cameroonian Hip-Hop artistes also living overseas lack collaboration with artistes and the media back home and stuff for proper publishing and promotions on both sides. I think we need to stick together, stop suffering from the ego fever and make things happen. We also lack support from the media you know. Too bad!
 

TTS

   Tell us about your recent video released Put ya Swag on

 
 

Limo:Put Ya Swag On features Don Habibi, Thando Kumalo and Dingo. In the song, we’re just telling everybody to get their swag on point you know for the love of summer shine. The video is a sign of bigger and better things to happen for me, Cameroon and music lovers around the world. 

 

 

TTS

What themes do your songs exploit?

 
Limo: I do music for everybody. I’m versatile. My re-introduction CD Hot like Steak on which I’m working now has a little bit of bit of everything for everyone such as Reggae and Hip-Hop mix which I call Hip-reggae. I don’t limit myself to anything but the album is characterized by a hustler’s ambition and stuff you know.
 

TTS

Any words of advice to aspiring Cameroonian Hip-Hop artists?

 
Limo: Patience and hard work pays off. Bread has a cost price if you must eat. It’s amazing what you can achieve if you never stop believing in yourself.
 

TTS

As an artist how would you define your success?

 
Limo: So far I’ve had enormous success as an independent Hip-Hop artiste in a very competitive industry and living in a rush hour country like South Africa. My gig guide doesn’t look bad for summer. I’m not satisfied yet and believe there is more to be done.
 

TTS

Do you belong to any musical group or band?

 
Limo: No no…I do not belong to the group school of thought.
 

TTS

What are your up-to-date performance plans? New releases, tours?

 
Limo:I do have performances until March this year but only in South Africa. There are a few events scheduled for Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg. I’m beezay!! Will actually be opening for the Rick Ross concert after party in Fashion TV in Cape Town this Wednesday. Yep…I’m sure God will keep providing.
 

TTS

   As an artiste, is there anything special you hope to be able to accomplish?
 
Limo: Success is great and the major accomplishment after very hard work. I just want to be able to give back and share this great talent that God has blessed me with.
 

TTS

    What were you doing before getting into the music industry?
 
Limo: School, school, then did a little bit of radio broadcasting back there in Cameroon on CRTV’s commercial radio station, Mount Cameroon FM in Buea, alongside BuddyMB. That was way back in 2003 and the show was Rap Hood. I had the real kick-start from there. I later set for my debut album Street Evolution at Street Thug Digital studio under construction.
 

TTS

   As an artiste, is there anything special you hope to be able to accomplish?
 
Limo: Success is great and the major accomplishment after very hard work. I just want to be able to give back and share this great talent that God has blessed me with.
 

TTS

   If you had to think of a slogan that could leave a positive impact for everyone, what would that be?
 
Limo:Real plans for real people, never stop believing in yourself.
 

TTS

   What do you think makes you and your type of music unique from what other artistes do?
 
Limo:I’ve a very high sense of entertainment, very high adrenalin for it... I go for excellent inputs and have special deliveries to fans and everybody.
 

TTS

   How can you access your fans and how have they contributed to your success?
 
Limo:My fans are the greatest so far. They are contributing a lot to my success through feedback and requests. I mean my Youtube and Facebook accounts are full of inspiring messages from them.
 

TTS

   If you had to describe your music in three or four words what would you call it?
 
Limo:Feels like coconut juice.
 

TTS

   Have you ever entered any contests to enhance your musical career?
 
Limo:No!
 

TTS

   Would you enter another contest in future?
 
Limo: I sincerely don’t like entering into contests such as like Idols, Peak Talent or Music talent search. I love ‘street battles’ and cyphers to earn respect.
 

TTS

  If you had to categorize your music,what genre would it best fit? (Name up to three)
 
Limo: Hip Hop, Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop which is my creation and R&B.
 

TTS

  What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?
 
Limo:Every opportunity I have had so far has been a plus and for real I have learned to be contented with whatever I have. I think the biggest break is till to come when the album drops.
 

TTS

   Where do you think your largest fan base is located and why?
 
Limo:I would say Nigeria because I really have whole lotta feedback from that side of the world.
 

TTS

    Have you performed outside SA?
 
Limo:Yes, in Paris.
 

TTS

   Projects?
 
Limo:Yes, I do have a couple of projects in the pipeline with artistes from Nigeria, Italy, France, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa and Cameroon.
 
 

TTS

     What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?
Limo: My Mom. Every time I talk to her I just grow bigger, better and stronger. I have good moral support from my family and besides, I’m a very self-confident person and I also keep pushing myself. Right now TIPTOPSTARS is getting me motivated too. 

TTS

   Role Model?
Limo:I Like 2pac. I admire Sean 'Didi dirty money' Combs.
 

TTS

    Do you currently have an agent, endorsement, record label, sponsor etc.? 
 
Limo: I look forward to that when I meet the person who doesn’t want me a debtor. For now I’m independent
 

TTS

   long-term career goals?  
 
Limo: The next  years are in the hands of God, but left to me, I’ll love to be the king of the world’s music/showbiz industry not only as an artiste, but as an entrepreneur too.
 

TTS

   Could you tell us about the best moments of your life in the entertainment industry?
 
Limo:Wow, wow, wow! Every moment has been awesome in the industry but the most amazing moment so far was the day in 2007 when I met my present producer Leo Large. I met him at point of my life where I was beginning to let go music and he got me right back on spot.
 
{/xtypo_rounded2}

TTS

   What are your greatest fears /weaknesses?
 
Limo:Oh my God! I wish there were no snakes in this world. I even fear their reactions on screen when I watch National Geographic.
 

TTS

   Do you have any one special you would like to thank for making your dreams come true as an artist?

 
Limo:My Mom, my kid sister Juliana Fonkem, my ex fiancé Sintu Ndzube, my producer Leo Large, you guys. Everyone who loves my music and has supported me in one way or the order is very special to me.
 

 
 

 

 
Other Facts

Without Modelling talent , I would be a Reverend

My life is very exciting!

My talent makes me fear myself.

I write songs because I’m a messenger

I support music because I love it

My friends call me Ladies Jesus

My favourite holiday is summer

 

 
Limo: Oh! I love sea food so much, spicy hot lobsters are my favourite. I spent most of childhood around the sea in Victoria today Limbe.

 

 
Limo made us laugh... 

On Saturday, I went to a Clicks store to buy a body lotion for a female friend’s birth day and Didn’t realise what I got her until she called me to say Thank you for the Foam Bath.

 



Last Updated on Friday, 21 January 2011 05:55

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