I remember coming across Ntjamrosie’s music in my search for upcoming African soul/jazz musicians.  The deliverance of her music and her style of singing caught my attention because it was so similar to accomplished and established musicians like Erykah Badu and India Arie.  Digging further, I realized that others had also seen this connection.  Fret, a pop magazine, describes Ntjamrosie’s music: “India Arie meets Manu Dibango meets Me’Shell Ndegeocello. And that in English, French and Bulu! In addition, Rosie and her squad of skillful musicians deliver the songs full determination on stage; the sultry, percussionist and at the same time futuristic soul funk services the listening as well as the dance audience“.   

Ntjamrosie in photos:

I got a chance to catch up with this musician who was very open about her journey so far. Enjoy the interview!

How did you get into music?

I rather put it this way, music got into ME when I was a very little girl living in Cameroon. I remember singing in the church every Sunday, and the “Balafon” players. It made me feel so…I can’t explain it. I used to ask myself what this heavenly thing was ( music ), it made me feel so good. By the time I was 14 years old, friends started to tell me I had a nice voice. I then started to take lessons just for fun. I slowly began to learn the disciplines of singing. I also started writing songs around that time, I’ve always loved singing/songwriting. After High school I finally felt the serious “call” to become a musician. I applied  to the Rotterdam Conservatory to pursue this interest and I got in.

How did your family take your interest in music – were they supportive or were they totally against it?

My family has always been very supportive. The motto for them is ;”`whatever makes you happy, makes us happy”. I always had the space to discover what it was I really wanted to get out of life. And since life consists of so many things, it is quite a spiritual journey that takes time. But if the people that are the closest to you support you unconditionally, it is easier.

I know you are from Cameroon – do you use your music to showcase your Cameroonian culture?

Yes, a little bit, because I don’t want to forget where I come from. My roots are there and I am very proud of them. I think it is important for multi-cultural young people to acknowledge a certain respect for there ancestors.I am part of the chain of my family and I see it as a mission to chase my dreams. And I can not do that If I don’t know who I am, who my people were.

I know that the industry has placed you within the Soul/Jazz genre – how do you feel about that placement?  Do you consider your music as being that brand or do you have an alternate name for your music?

I think that box fits me quite well. I have had a lot of discussions about what box I should or should not be in all my life. Not only as a person, but now as an artist too. Funny. Since I have only brought out one album, that is quite experimental, I still have time to really get into a more clearer style. But I definitely don’t mind the soul/jazz label. I like the jazzy instrumental kind of thing mixed with a light soul vibe. If you mixed that with me singing it, you get what I call “Bulusoul”.Pure easy listening music from the heart of an African lioness.

What were the challenges that you faced getting into the industry?

First of all I was still a student when my debut album came out this year. Being a music student and a recording artist at the same time, is sometimes difficult. Because some people think you are not ready for the industry yet, that you are not experienced enough. So they don’t give you a chance.  And next to that I have this “crazy” name, Ntjamrosie, crazy time measures, I have songs in 7,6 and stuff like that.  My song forms are not your ordinary song forms. So the big problem I have faced is that people do not know what to do with me or in what box to put Ntjamrosie. That makes it hard. But I still believe it’s a plus to be different.My time will come.

What has been your triumphs so far?

Recording my first album at age 24 and  releasing it at age 25. Finishing my musical studies.I have performed at very nice venues. The first song I ever wrote was brought out on a LP July 2007 called Patience.There is a video clip too, of Patience.I have had nice reviews, good press and  nice interviews. I have managed to find a lovely group of musicians who have my back in this musical roller coaster. On a more personal note, my triumph is that I still stay true to myself no  matter what people say.And I manage to evolve as a person and artist.

What musician will you consider as being your musical inspiration?  From what other source do you get your inspiration for your music?

It all started with Madonna. Watching her videos as a little girl in the 80’s, and the way she became a star, marketing herself to become this un missable brand that everybody knows, I think she is an amazing businesswoman. I admire that in a singer.  Then there was Sade, wow! Her whole style, so beautiful, so calm. Her music appealed to me because of the originality.  And of course Erykah Badu. She is original, always evolving, spiritual, mysterious,not too obvious,original, a real artist. I have had the opportunity to meet her twice. She is really cool.

What do you do for fun?

Everything that involves cosyness. Being at home with friends and family, watching nice movies in bed. Having nice dinners.I love cooking, I love the art of food. But most of all, I like to be the one to taste and eat,  going to concerts and dancing. Love to dance!! I like to read a good book every now and then, take nice walks in nature, by the seaside and  have nice conversations.  Simple things make me happy.

I know you are a constant traveler – because you’re currently in France as we speak, so how do you juggle your private life with your life as a musician?

Right now, my career is my number one priority.I love the traveling. Sometimes I am very busy, and sometimes it’s quiet. So it depends on the period I am in. But I think I can handle it, because being a musician, is to have this crazy lifestyle. You become one with the juggling. That’s one of the inevitable tricks of the business. You cannot give 50%, you have to go all the way.  So that sometimes means that your private life has to wait a bit.  Now I am young, I can handle it, but I do not intend to live like this all my life. There will come a time, my triumphs will have satisfied me, and will want to take life much more easily, but not now. Now I want to be a successful recording artist.

What don’t people know about Cameroon?

Cameroon is a beautiful country. Each part is very different from the other. In the south where I am from, it’s very green and rich in moisture. The North is more dessert like with dry land. West is the coast and East has this beautiful red earth, very versatile, nice architecture, and of course all the different ethnic cultures you find in my country are amazing. Cameroon is a rich country, very very beautiful.  If you ever have the chance to go there, please do, and take me with you.

Extra:

You can learn more about this artist by going to her website.   She is an artist that should be on any African vocal jazz lover’s list.

Watch in concert:

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