Cameroonian musician, Blick Bassy, is set to release his new album “Madíbá” on May 26, 2023. The announcement was made in commemoration of World Water Day, which is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of clean and safe water for all.
For his fourth album, Blick Bassy collaborated with Cameroonian visual artist Bathélemy Togue. Togue was responsible for the visual design of the cover of his fourth album. Bassy, who expresses himself through his lyrics and melodies, believes that visual images help to convey the emotions and thoughts behind his music.
Madíbá: Humanistic Album
The album comprises of 12 tracks, all performed in Bassy’s native language, and explores various themes related to water. Bassy believes that in order to live in harmony with the environment, one must begin with love for all living beings. “How can we love a traveler from distant lands without loving the life around us?” – Bleek says. This search for love is the reason for this album. Madíbá, which translates to “water” in Bassa, is a humanistic album that seeks to raise awareness on the importance of water.
The Poignant Single “Hola Mè”
As a precursor to the album’s release, Bassy released the single “Hola Mè” on World Water Day. “Hola Mè” means “Help Me”: the song explores the damage caused by human intervention. The album’s singles, created by Blick, more specifically explore themes related to water, its necessity as a source of life, its energy or vitality. With a beautiful tune and poignant message, “Hola Mè” raises awareness on the well-being of populations and the need for collective action to ensure access to clean and safe water for all.
Bassy’s Musical Journey
Blick Bassy was born in 1974 in a village in southwestern Cameroon and grew up in Yaoundé, the country’s capital. He became familiar with traditional customs and culture after returning to his native village at the age of 10, where he also studied music. He founded the band Macase, which was at the crossroads of jazz, soul, and Bantu culture.
Guitar, synthesizer, bassoon, trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone and Blick’s high voice – Bassy’s music is characterized by its modernity and African poetry, which is a fusion of soul, folk, and electro. He has previously released three albums, his third album “1958” was distinguished by its original visual image. In 2016, he released “Le Moabi Cinéma,” which won the Littéraire d’Afrique Noire Grand Prix.
In recent years, Bassy has collaborated with Disclosure and created the music and dance show “Bikutsi 3000,” which he has toured with in Germany, Australia, Guyana, and in the United States. With the release of Madíbá, Bassy continues to use his music as a platform to raise awareness on social and environmental issues while sharing Cameroonian culture and heritage with the world.
