Armand Biyag, Cameroonian music artist with multi-faceted talent. He plays with the same dexterity of piano, balafon and percussion without forgetting his voice, signature of his originality. He spoke about the opportunities offered following his participation in MASA.
MASA had a good impact on my career
MASA 2016
The artist participated for the first time at MASA in 2016 by integrating the festival’s off program. This was his first participation in an international festival and he was delighted. Indeed, he expresses himself in these words: « I was really amazed and I was able to make contacts with professionals in particular with the « scene d’ébène « , directed by Mr. Tony Mefe, who manages my career nowadays.
« After MASA 2016, I received a sponsorship from the French Institut of Paris to participate in a 3-month creative residency at the ‘Cité des Arts’ in Paris. The MASA was a trigger in obtaining this visa for the creation. This is a project launched by the French Institut of Paris which gives the opportunity to African and Caribbean artists to participate in creative residencies for a period of 3 months in France at the Cité des Arts.
MASA 2018
Delighted by his first participation, Armand Biyag renewed the experience by participating in the MASA 2018. He says: « The MASA 2018 was a very nice edition. As with every event, there is always a bit of a hiccup. However, I am satisfied with the sound equipment, the professionalism of the management and especially the public, which was very warm. «
This new edition has also allowed him to be solicited for a festival in Germany and one in the USA. His team is currently working on these proposals. Thus, the program of the next performances, especially for the summer, is being finalized. In addition, the artist told us that he is preparing for his next album so the release is scheduled for the year 2019.
Finally, the artist has expressed his wish to participate in the MASA 2020 edition, convinced that MASA is a platform of opportunities for artists. He concluded this interview with the following comments: « I will come back with pleasure, if the MASA asks me. It has influenced my career a lot because after a scene like this we come back with more maturity. »
About Armand Biyag
If the general public discovered him with the release of his first Album « Mut Binam » ( human being), the artist already had a long career that started well before the release of this delicious opus. From the choir, the cabarets and even some very popular scenes have seen the smile and good humor of this « man-orchestra » who often leaves his microphone and his synth to go beat the drum or make a solo balafon .
Once released from football, his first passion, Armand Biyag created his first group under the benevolent eye of his mentor at the time, Alphonse Touma. This small musical group will soon attract the attention of festivals and organizers of local shows, Festival Massao, musical, artistic and commercial Fair (FOMARIC), IFC Douala that will open their scenes. But, he is obliged for his group to exist to organize the concerts himself. To make a living from music he played in piano bars, in the cabarets of Douala for three years by walling his projects and browsing the rooms in search of a potential producer. The meeting finally took place in 2010. Providence and talent chose Mrs Audrey Chicot. He dreamed of having a normal album record , but she will offer him more. The tandem will indeed lead to several projects: the production company « YET MUSIC », the opening of a musical studio « CAZA AFRIKA » and the making of his first album.
« Njan », the traces, his second album that will be released in 2016 is a projection of the new ambition of Armand Biyag: the international scene. Carried by an explosive show where technique and emotion merge on a universal music that draws in the rhythms of Bassa forest whose the artist is from.