Myra Maimoh: A voice from another world!

Every once in a while, a voice so smooth and engaging comes to the public’s attention that one cannot help but be caught under its’ hypnotic spell. I’m quickly reminded of a quote which states that “music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

Myra Maimoh is one such individual who channels her life experiences into a debut album ("Answer'd me"), which has songs that touch on the perennial issues of fear and love we're all confronted with in today's world. Yet ever-so assuredly, she brings the enthralled listener to a place of peace and empowerment by the end of the last note of this eleven track CD. Myra is a beautiful new singer who I think has a dynamic voice. You can feel her joy, her pain, her happiness in the songs that she sings. So soulful and genuine. You can tell it comes from her heart. Her hard work on this album won her two Platinum Auddy Awards for this debut effort. I recently landed an interview with this native-born Cameroonian, currently resident in Germany, courtesy of the publicity outfit of her Hitsmith Records label. Below is the full text of that interview.

Thank you for granting me this interview. Can we begin by having you tell us a bit about yourself?

Thank you for having me! I come from Kumbo in the Northwest Province of Cameroon. I grew up in Bamenda with my large family. I love to write poems or dance when I´m not singing. I like to take on new challenges all the time, meet new people, exchange views or learn from each other.

When and how did you start making music? How did your family shape your singing career?

I started singing in kindergarten and loved it. I decided to take it to another level (backup artist) at the age of 17. As I grew older, I became increasingly interested and active in music. My life has always been pretty much more about singing than about anything’s else, whether I was conscious of it or not  and that as far back as age 3. By the time I was 17, I always knew it was going to be my profession. This is because it always felt great to be on stage or in studios. The reaction of my audience and the wonderful effect the music had on me made me know this was my vocation.

Who are your biggest influences?

I adore artists such as India Arie, Jill Scott, Richard Bona, John Legend, Rebecca Malope, Bébé Manga, Coco Mbassi and Manu Dibango. I really love not only because of their musicality but also because of their inspiration-packed lyrics. I am very keen on lyrics and I think there are a lot of lives that could be changed in a good way if the audience received the right information from songs.

In researching for this interview, I read somewhere that you were a one time member, of the vocal groups Cherubic Queens and Crystalz. What are some of the fondest memories you have with either group?  When and why did you did you decide to go solo?

Just thinking about them puts a smile on my face! We (Crystalz) used to perform (dance and short plays/drama) every time we had the chance in college (St Paul´s Comprehensive High School.) I remember how much fun we used to have dancing to Shabba Ranks and Queen Patra especially during rehearsals! How I miss my girls, Lindy, Sylvie and Emelda! I love you, girls!! The Cherubic Queens rocked the Franco-Cameroonian Alliance in Bamenda for over two years. It was so much fun but 3 of us moved to Yaoundé to work on different projects. We continued singing together though before we all left Cameroon to study abroad.

On 11/11/2010, you released your debut album "Answer'd me", a soulful 11 track filled with R&B/Pop/World music. You have done some promotional tours across Europe for the album, with plans in the works to tour the U.S.A. Would you mind sharing with us what the public’s reaction has been to how these promotional  tours and exactly when you are coming Stateside?

I will take on the United Kingdom, then back to Germany, Cameroon, France and the USA (July 2011). I am so humbled and touched when I think of the shows. My fans, whom I prefer to call my friends already knew the lyrics of “killing Me”, “Hallo”, “Whatever I Promise” and “You and me”. There is nothing more beautiful than connecting or communicating with one´s audience and having them react positively or listen to them sing one´s songs word for word. It convinced me that we all were sharing the stories told in my songs. Priceless!!

In listening to this debut album with its’ many wonderful songs such as “Killing Me’, “I Need Him” and “Please Take It Slow”, I come away with a sense that it is a collection of love songs, self-motivation mantras and club tunes. Is there a story behind this album?

My producer and I had this common goal to do songs with a message. That is always going to be our goal. If the songs have nothing to teach then, they should be put aside. I think music is more potent and it shoots straight to the soul so why not transfer positive messages straight to the soul?

I recalled reading an online publication in which Mbachi Halle, a well-known producer paid you a high compliment as an easy to work with artiste. Could you briefly tell readers who Myra Maimoh is as an artiste?

I have this motto, it’s either 100% or nothing. I follow it judiciously!! The fact that music is my passion makes it easier for me to work harder. Every time I have to leave the studio or stage or rehearsals, I do it reluctantly. Plus, my producer, is the coolest. He knows how to motivate and push me. We are a great team together with Ofelia Halle.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes I do, but I do not mind having songwriters write for me. I have been writing songs since I was 15 years old. My former girl bands, Crystalz and Cherubic queens, sang songs like “Its not too late”, “Missing you”, and “ Shawuli eh” which were popular back home. I still write songs with a passion stronger than was the case many years ago.

How can fans find out about any upcoming television appearances, live performances or buy your CD?

You can find that information at my website www.myramaimoh.com, on Wikipedia, on Facebook , MySpace, Reverbnation. And, I twitter a lot, too. So I’ll probably mention it in the tweets @Myramaimoh. You can also buy my album from Itunes, Amazon, CD Baby, www.jpc.de, www.play.com. Thank you!

Are there any musicians you would love to collaborate with?

I definitely would love to collaborate with Richard Bona, John Legend, Jill Scott, India Arie, Coco Mbassi and Richard King (just naming a few). I love and connect with their music and have a lot of respect for what they do.

 

Well, as sad as it may sound, positive messages are hard to find in the current musical landscape. Your music has a Christian theme that inspires, elevates and encourages a diverse audience across the globe. What responsibility do you feel artistes should have to make responsible music? What role does faith play in your work?

I think artists have a great responsibility to teach but that is my opinion only. There are different people with different ideas and different goals. Some people just want to get their audience to dance, some want to motivate, some just do it for a sense of achievement with as much passion. I stick to my goal and respect others as well!!

Bringing it home, what’s your take on contemporary African music in general?

I think it is great! We, Africans are slowly separating ourselves from the normal, boring tag called “World Music”! Musicians like Manu Dibango, Richard Bona, among others are a good representation of African music.

What’s the one thing you most want people to know about you and your music?

My music is meant for relaxation, dancing, reflection whether alone or in a group. It is simple, a good mixture of various genres without necessarily exaggerating. I would like to think that it is international thanks to my wonderful producer and his amazing wife, Ofelia Halle! The Mbach, you are the best! It is meant for everyone. I think it says a lot about my person too and my life!

You have a rich musical background that will sustain and propel you ahead in this highly competitive musical landscape. Let’s fast forward 5 years from now, where do you want to find yourself musically?

Thank you! God willing, I will own my own music label for African talents! I have been working towards that like half my life. O' with God´s guidance and support and my fans as well, I will get there.

Is there anyone in your life that you need to say thanks to? Any parting words? 

There are so many people I’ll like to thank. God for being there for me, my parents for teaching me what I know about catching one´s dream, the Hitsmith family and Fonyuy family,  Augustine Ongey, Nji Pascal, Stella Nono, Omar Ayah, The Njinis and the Osagies and Esai Umenei but most especially my fans who connect with my music or myself. They have been so loving and supportive. I wouldn’t have come this far without them. 

Thank you very much for your interest in me and thanks for having me.

      My verdict? Myra Maimoh sound greats and looks good doing it. She is a true artist and a gift. I will urge all music lovers to get the album and open their minds and ears to some real R&B music. Guess what? It makes  a  perfect Christmas gift to a loved one!

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