Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Arnaud Nicolas MAWEL
Published on 2024-04-05 14:33:49
The Hip hop artist Kamer passed away on April 5, 2024 from illness, leaving behind a wife and children. His body was kept at the morgue of the central hospital in Yaoundé.
A soldier of Hip hop Kamer has fallen this morning. The committed rapper, Izmo the rapologist, has died. His fall has sent vibrations from the center of the Cameroonian capital beyond borders. On social media, the echo of sadness has been resonating for hours like a concert of lamentations. Leading the front line are Cameroonian rappers, companions and proteges. “This day of April 5, 2024 is a dark day” for Franck Malouma in particular, “but also for Cameroon. In fact, the sky has been really dark in Yaoundé since this morning. It’s a day marked by your loss,” he laments.
Author, composer, and producer, Izmo the rapologist, whose real name is Ismaël Aka Mbarga, is one of the pioneers of Hip hop Kamer. He fought to give meaning to this rhythm in a country known worldwide for its captivating Bikutsi or enticing Makossa. Through his commitment to good, sometimes in a tone that instilled fear in others, the artist imposed his charisma and talent. “Izmo the rapologist was a committed rapper, a brother, a colleague, a friend. He proves to us this morning that death is ultimately our only boss. I have just lost a friend, a companion in the struggle, more than anything a brother,” Xzafrane weeps.
Through his works, he made friends and elevated his name to the top of Kamer-style rap. “It’s been seven years today since you brought us together. Thanks to you, we discovered ourselves. Relationships were formed. Our friendships strengthened,” remembers JO-MAX. His album “16 mars” released to the public in 2013, his song “Sur le chemin de la victoire” in 2016, “Asseeez Perika” released in 2020, are some examples. These works exude the commitment of the artist. They immerse others in dreams, the hope of a better life, in successive battles against drugs, delinquency, political abuses, that must be won for a society without violence, without drugs.
The founder of Azamur departs early, leaving his work to speak for him, advocating for popular recognition of his commitment to positive change. “I wonder if there is a country in the world that loses so many talents in complete indifference. His talent was not about views on YouTube. But a philosophy of speech that he wanted to impose on Hip hop. Useful speech. Awakening speech. Responsible speech. Izmo the rapologist had such talent that he shouldn’t have needed anyone to attract attention,” laments Martin Camus Mimb.
Read the original article(French) on Journal du Cameroun
