The winner of the first ever edition of a musical competition known as Wanabee Stars for 2012 presented his maiden album during a press conference at Douala Bercy on Tuesday October 23. 23-year-old Emile Florent Nkengue Awono demarked himself throughout the auditioning, the competition proper and finales of Wanabee Stars 2012, which led to his triumph as the pioneer laureate. As promised by the concept's organiser, Sisaroma, Awono's musical dream has been realised in a seven-track audio album and one video clip pack, titled "Bad Boy Lover".
Even though a maiden product, the album reveals the qualities of a masterpiece. The songs composed in French, English, Pidgin English, dialects like Ewondo and Eton, are interwoven in different musical rhythms. According to the artist, they are intended for the listening and dancing pleasure of the youth folk. This counts for the use of vibrant melodies, though with underlying didactic messages. The promotional track "Bouge ton Corps/Shake your body" calls for peace and unity among people living together. Another song "L'homme est Mauvais/Man is Wicked" condemns acts of wickedness, envy and jealousy on one another. Rather, the singer advocates for the need to work hands in glove to create a better society than we met. Some of the songs feature both budding and renowned artists like Dr. Sley, Achalle, alongside Wanabee Stars finalists, Ayuck and Sharone. They jointly reveal their know-how in the classical "I Believe in You," while "My N°9" and "Baby Oh" are in RnB rhythms. As from January 2013, the public will discover the artist's hand work through a national musical tour. Apart from playing music, Awono Aristide is a third year student of Transport and Logistics in the University of Doaula.
Wanabee Stars aims at identifying and harnessing young musical talents. This is in the form of auditioning, a musical competition and selection between prospective singers. The winner benefits from a musical album, video clips, post production communication through the media and nationwide musical concerts. The pre-selection for the 2012 edition held in five regional headquarters, as explained Robert-Martin Silo-Same, representing Sisaroma.