Muntu Valdo: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox musical artist |
{{Infobox musical artist |
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== Biography == |
== Biography == |
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Muntu Valdo the oldest of four brothers is from the Sawa community in [[Cameroon]], which occupies the coastline along the Gulf of [[Guinea]]. His Father is from a small village in of [[Dibombari]] 30km west of [[Douala]] and his mother is from the [[Malimba]] Islands out in the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. |
Muntu Valdo the oldest of four brothers is from the Sawa community in [[Cameroon]], which occupies the coastline along the Gulf of [[Guinea]]. His Father is |
||
from a small village in of [[Dibombari]] 30km west of [[Douala]] and his mother is from the [[Malimba]] Islands out in the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. |
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At the age of 8, Muntu played his first notes on and old guitar, which was made out of plasterboard and a fishing wire. It is during this time that Muntu developed his passion for music, a passion which would then keep him out of trouble at this stage in the 80’s when kids didn’t have much to do in the working quarters of [[Yaoundé]] apart from wandering the streets. |
At the age of 8, Muntu played his first notes on and old guitar, which was made out of plasterboard and a fishing wire<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.feileafrica.com/muntu_valdo.htm |title=Plasterboard Guitar|accessdate=2009-05-28 |format= |work=[[feileafrica.com]] }}</ref> |
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. It is during this time that Muntu developed his passion for music, a passion which would then keep him out of trouble at this stage in the 80’s when kids |
|||
didn’t have much to do in the working quarters of [[Yaoundé]] apart from wandering the streets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myspace.com/muntuvaldo |
|||
|title=Muntu Valdo |accessdate=2009-05-28 |format= |work=[[MySpace.com]] }}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.portholeproductions.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=8|title=Porthole Productions profile|accessdate=2009-05-28 |
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|format= |work=[[portholeproductions.com]] }}</ref>.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://worldmusiccentral.org/artists/artist_page.php?id=4831 |title=Muntu Valdo |
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earlier days |accessdate=2009-05-28 |format= |}}</ref> |
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==Career== |
==Career== |
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===Early Career to 1998=== |
===Early Career to 1998=== |
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In the early nineties, set off to study [[Law]] at the [[University of Yaoundé]], this was amidst a climate of huge uncertainty, in a country which punctuated by [[political]] upheavals, and with lack of democracy. Student marches and demonstrations against the government took over the city, but they were quickly and violently repressed by the state. Some of the students were killed by the [[military]] during this time, and many injured including Muntu who was bed ridden for several weeks. |
In the early nineties, set off to study [[Law]] at the [[University of Yaoundé]], this was amidst a climate of huge uncertainty, in a country which |
||
punctuated by [[political]] upheavals, and with lack of democracy. Student marches and demonstrations against the government took over the city, but they |
|||
were quickly and violently repressed by the state. Some of the students were killed by the [[military]] during this time, and many injured including Muntu |
|||
who was bed ridden for several weeks. |
|||
On his return from hospital, Muntu went to live with his parents in Douala, who at the time forbid him from returning to University, which had nearly cost his life. Muntu then spend a year recovering, occasionally offering tuition to young kids. |
On his return from hospital, Muntu went to live with his parents in Douala, who at the time forbid him from returning to University, which had nearly cost |
||
his life. Muntu then spend a year recovering, occasionally offering tuition to young kids. |
|||
After this period, Muntu was determined to move ahead and decided to go back to University in Doula to study Linguistic and History, notably that of Africa |
After this period, Muntu was determined to move ahead and decided to go back to University in Doula to study Linguistic and History, notably that of Africa |
||
| ⚫ | |||
and ancient [[Egypt]]. This played a major role in Muntus’ move into a Music career <ref>{{cite web |url=http://bspiritmagazine.com/2009/03/prince-of-sawa-blues/ |
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|title=Interview with bspiritmagazine (Prince of Sawa blues) |accessdate=2009-05-28 |format= |work=[[bspiritmagazine.com]] (English Version) }}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |url=http://bspiritmagazine.com/2009/03/prince-of-sawa-blues/2/|title=Interview with bspiritmagazine (Prince of Sawa blues) |accessdate=2009-05-28 |format= |work=[[bspiritmagazine.com]] (French Version) }}</ref>, as his readings opened him up to the world of Spiritual Masters who |
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still guide him to date, transforming him into the man he is today. These include [[Cheik Anta Diop]] to [[Kwame Nkrumah]], via Marcus Garvey, [[Bob |
|||
Marley]], Gandi, [[Jesus Christ]], [[Ari-Krishna]], Mahomet, [[Omram Aïvanov]], [[Mohamed Ali]] or [[Thomas Sankara]], Muntu started to build the illusive, |
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calm, nonchalant and meditative etc. |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
his band. This was Muntus’ first experience as a [[professional musician]]. |
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=== 1998 – 2001 : Creating the Muntu Band === |
=== 1998 – 2001 : Creating the Muntu Band === |
||
Having spent three years under the direction of Eko Roosevelt, Muntu decided to create his own group the [[Muntu Band]] later named [[Mulema]] (meaning the heart). This was in homage to the harmonious and regular rhythm of the heart beat. |
Having spent three years under the direction of Eko Roosevelt, Muntu decided to create his own group the [[Muntu Band]] later named [[Mulema]] (meaning the |
||
heart). This was in homage to the harmonious and regular rhythm of the heart beat. |
|||
During this period he was also had a chance to perform regularly in concerts as well as start recording. In 2000, the Corporation Francaise organized a National tour, which gave Muntu the chance to perform in Cameroons 8 major cities. In this same year one of Cameroons best sound engineers Gilbert Moodio played a recording of one of Muntu’s concerts to a French producer working in Cameroon at the time. One week later Muntu meets the producer and sings to him Di Sibi, an emotionally captivating ballad. The producer is really impressed, and this starts a new chapter in Muntu's Music career, he heads for Europe. |
During this period he was also had a chance to perform regularly in concerts as well as start recording. In 2000, the Corporation Francaise organized a |
||
National tour, which gave Muntu the chance to perform in Cameroons 8 major cities. In this same year one of Cameroons best sound engineers Gilbert Moodio |
|||
played a recording of one of Muntu’s concerts to a French producer working in Cameroon at the time. One week later Muntu meets the producer and sings to him |
|||
Di Sibi, an emotionally captivating ballad. The producer is really impressed, and this starts a new chapter in Muntu's Music career, he heads for Europe. |
|||
=== 2001 – 2005 : Muntu Moves to Paris === |
=== 2001 – 2005 : Muntu Moves to Paris === |
||
When Muntu arrived in [[Paris]], he made [[Belleville]] his new home. He quickly made contact with young musicians, and adopted the areas of Oberkampf and Chatelet. He spent a lot of time playing from bat to bar with his guitar on his back and his harmonica in his pocket. |
When Muntu arrived in [[Paris]], he made [[Belleville]] his new home. He quickly made contact with young musicians, and adopted the areas of Oberkampf and |
||
Chatelet. He spent a lot of time playing from bat to bar with his guitar on his back and his harmonica in his pocket.<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xuiye_muntu-valdo-au-massai-mara-paris_music |title=Muntu Valdo video in france |accessdate=2009-05-28 |format=video |
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He manages to cover almost every bar in Paris, often on his own, but at times with his trio or full group. Muntu also managed to collaborate with other musicians. He was able to share the stage with international stars such as Manu Dibango, Alpha Blondy, Ali Farka Touré, Lokua Kanza, Cheick Tidianne Seck, Tony Allen, Rido Bayonne, Etienne Mbappe, Stephane & Lionel Belmondo or Richard Bona, to name just a few. |
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|}}</ref> |
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. He quite frequently performed in Jam sessions and in concerts. |
|||
He manages to cover almost every bar in Paris, often on his own, but at times with his trio or full group. Muntu also managed to collaborate with other |
|||
musicians. He was able to share the stage with international stars such as Manu Dibango, Alpha Blondy, Ali Farka Touré, Lokua Kanza, Cheick Tidianne Seck, |
|||
Tony Allen, Rido Bayonne, Etienne Mbappe, Stephane & Lionel Belmondo or Richard Bona.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.serious.org.uk/event_info.cfm?ref=2018 |title=Richard Bona & Muntu perfomance at the Brewery arts centre |accessdate=2009-05-28 |format=|}}</ref> |
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, to name just a few. |
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=== 2005 – 2008 : Debut album === |
=== 2005 – 2008 : Debut album === |
||
[[Image:GodsAndDevilscover-300.jpg|frame|left|''[[Gods & Devils]]'', Muntu Valdo's 2005 debut album.]] |
[[Image:GodsAndDevilscover-300.jpg|frame|left|''[[Gods & Devils]]'', Muntu Valdo's 2005 debut album.]] |
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On hearing his demos, Manu Dibango was seduced by Muntu’s soaring melodies, inventive harmonies and insightful lyrics and was one of the driving forces |
|||
On hearing his demos, Manu Dibango was seduced by Muntu’s soaring melodies, inventive harmonies and insightful lyrics and was one of the driving forces behind encouraging him to produce his debut album. Boosted by this support, Muntu manages to clinch the financial support of the Sacem for the release, in 2005, of his first album “Gods and Devils – Moiye Na Muititi”. The album resonates with a sensual, and spiritual music, both delicate and powerful, a synthesis of Muntu’s many musical influences. But Rather than hybridism, Muntu prefers the concept of reconciliation: blues, bossa nova, jazz, afro-cuban, soul, funk, all have their origins rooted deep in the heart of Africa. The quality of this album, as well as his spellbinding live shows enable him to travel across Africa, Europe and Asia playing in prestigious festivals and concert halls from The [[Queen Elisabeth Hall]] (London) to New Morning [[Paris]], Womad (Carceres, Charlton Park, Singapour) to Théâtre de la Petite Reine (Tbilisi), The Sage (Newcastle), Festival Plein Sud & Festival Africolor (France), Fespam [[Congo]], as well as tours in France, Cameroon, Uk, and Ireland. (Quote site). |
|||
behind encouraging him to produce his debut album. Boosted by this support, Muntu manages to clinch the financial support of the Sacem for the release, in |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
2005, of his first album “Gods and Devils – Moiye Na Muititi”. The album resonates with a sensual, and spiritual music, both delicate and powerful, a |
|||
synthesis of Muntu’s many musical influences. But Rather than hybridism, Muntu prefers the concept of reconciliation: blues, bossa nova, jazz, afro-cuban, |
|||
soul, funk, all have their origins rooted deep in the heart of Africa<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.alphablondy.info/article.php?aid=269 |title=Debut Album review on the alphablondy website |accessdate=2009-05-28 |format= |
|||
|}}</ref>. |
|||
The quality of this album, as well as his spellbinding live shows enable him to travel across Africa, Europe and Asia playing in prestigious festivals and concert halls from The [[Queen Elisabeth Hall]] (London) to New Morning |
|||
[[Paris]], Womad (Carceres, Charlton Park, Singapour) to Théâtre de la Petite Reine (Tbilisi), The Sage (Newcastle), Festival Plein Sud & Festival Africolor |
|||
(France), Fespam [[Congo]], as well as tours in France, Cameroon, Uk, and Ireland. (Quote site). |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
In January 2008, a new adventure beckons for the prince of “Sawa Blues”, as he changes country yet again. This time he chooses London, attracted by the |
|||
city’s dynamic cultural scene, perfect for cultivating fresh ideas and new material. This change heralds the beginning of a brand new project for Muntu, a |
|||
second major turning point in his career and a chance to take a fresh new look at his originality and that of a whole new generation of young Africans. For |
|||
this he invites everyone, whether shy or curious, audacious or cynical to come and discover live on stage this mysterious new formula, as a taste of |
|||
exciting things to come!!<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portholeproductions.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=8|title=More to come in |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
UK|accessdate=2009-05-28 |format= |work=[[portholeproductions.com]] }}</ref> |
|||
In January 2008, a new adventure beckons for the prince of “Sawa Blues”, as he changes country yet again. This time he chooses London, attracted by the city’s dynamic cultural scene, perfect for cultivating fresh ideas and new material. This change heralds the beginning of a brand new project for Muntu, a second major turning point in his career and a chance to take a fresh new look at his originality and that of a whole new generation of young Africans. For this he invites everyone, whether shy or curious, audacious or cynical to come and discover live on stage this mysterious new formula, as a taste of exciting things to come!! |
|||
== Musical style and performance == |
== Musical style and performance == |
||
Muntu Valdo is the father of the style known as Sawa Blues. Some call him the [[Prince]] of Sawa Blues, whilst Some call him the [[king]] of Sawa |
Muntu Valdo is the father of the style known as Sawa Blues. Some call him the [[Prince]] of Sawa Blues, whilst Some call him the [[king]] of Sawa |
||
Blues.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feileafrica.com/muntu_valdo.htm |title=Prince of Sawa Blues |accessdate=2009-05-28 |format= |work=[[feileafrica.com]] |
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}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
||
| ⚫ | |||
== References == |
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| ⚫ | |||
Revision as of 17:46, 29 May 2009
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Muntu Valdo |
|---|
Biography
Muntu Valdo the oldest of four brothers is from the Sawa community in Cameroon, which occupies the coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. His Father is
from a small village in of Dibombari 30km west of Douala and his mother is from the Malimba Islands out in the Atlantic Ocean. At the age of 8, Muntu played his first notes on and old guitar, which was made out of plasterboard and a fishing wire[1] . It is during this time that Muntu developed his passion for music, a passion which would then keep him out of trouble at this stage in the 80’s when kids
didn’t have much to do in the working quarters of Yaoundé apart from wandering the streets.[2] [3].[4]
Career
Early Career to 1998
In the early nineties, set off to study Law at the University of Yaoundé, this was amidst a climate of huge uncertainty, in a country which
punctuated by political upheavals, and with lack of democracy. Student marches and demonstrations against the government took over the city, but they
were quickly and violently repressed by the state. Some of the students were killed by the military during this time, and many injured including Muntu
who was bed ridden for several weeks. On his return from hospital, Muntu went to live with his parents in Douala, who at the time forbid him from returning to University, which had nearly cost
his life. Muntu then spend a year recovering, occasionally offering tuition to young kids. After this period, Muntu was determined to move ahead and decided to go back to University in Doula to study Linguistic and History, notably that of Africa
and ancient Egypt. This played a major role in Muntus’ move into a Music career [5] [6], as his readings opened him up to the world of Spiritual Masters who
still guide him to date, transforming him into the man he is today. These include Cheik Anta Diop to Kwame Nkrumah, via Marcus Garvey, [[Bob
Marley]], Gandi, Jesus Christ, Ari-Krishna, Mahomet, Omram Aïvanov, Mohamed Ali or Thomas Sankara, Muntu started to build the illusive,
calm, nonchalant and meditative etc. Whilst at University, Muntu performed with the University Orchestra, where he met the musician Eko Roosevelt who then took Muntu on as a guitarist in
his band. This was Muntus’ first experience as a professional musician.
1998 – 2001 : Creating the Muntu Band
Having spent three years under the direction of Eko Roosevelt, Muntu decided to create his own group the Muntu Band later named Mulema (meaning the
heart). This was in homage to the harmonious and regular rhythm of the heart beat. During this period he was also had a chance to perform regularly in concerts as well as start recording. In 2000, the Corporation Francaise organized a
National tour, which gave Muntu the chance to perform in Cameroons 8 major cities. In this same year one of Cameroons best sound engineers Gilbert Moodio
played a recording of one of Muntu’s concerts to a French producer working in Cameroon at the time. One week later Muntu meets the producer and sings to him
Di Sibi, an emotionally captivating ballad. The producer is really impressed, and this starts a new chapter in Muntu's Music career, he heads for Europe.
2001 – 2005 : Muntu Moves to Paris
When Muntu arrived in Paris, he made Belleville his new home. He quickly made contact with young musicians, and adopted the areas of Oberkampf and
Chatelet. He spent a lot of time playing from bat to bar with his guitar on his back and his harmonica in his pocket.[7] . He quite frequently performed in Jam sessions and in concerts. He manages to cover almost every bar in Paris, often on his own, but at times with his trio or full group. Muntu also managed to collaborate with other
musicians. He was able to share the stage with international stars such as Manu Dibango, Alpha Blondy, Ali Farka Touré, Lokua Kanza, Cheick Tidianne Seck,
Tony Allen, Rido Bayonne, Etienne Mbappe, Stephane & Lionel Belmondo or Richard Bona.[8] , to name just a few.
2005 – 2008 : Debut album
On hearing his demos, Manu Dibango was seduced by Muntu’s soaring melodies, inventive harmonies and insightful lyrics and was one of the driving forces
behind encouraging him to produce his debut album. Boosted by this support, Muntu manages to clinch the financial support of the Sacem for the release, in
2005, of his first album “Gods and Devils – Moiye Na Muititi”. The album resonates with a sensual, and spiritual music, both delicate and powerful, a
synthesis of Muntu’s many musical influences. But Rather than hybridism, Muntu prefers the concept of reconciliation: blues, bossa nova, jazz, afro-cuban,
soul, funk, all have their origins rooted deep in the heart of Africa[9].
The quality of this album, as well as his spellbinding live shows enable him to travel across Africa, Europe and Asia playing in prestigious festivals and concert halls from The Queen Elisabeth Hall (London) to New Morning
Paris, Womad (Carceres, Charlton Park, Singapour) to Théâtre de la Petite Reine (Tbilisi), The Sage (Newcastle), Festival Plein Sud & Festival Africolor
(France), Fespam Congo, as well as tours in France, Cameroon, Uk, and Ireland. (Quote site).
Music from this albun can be downloaded from MondoMix
2008 : Move to London
In January 2008, a new adventure beckons for the prince of “Sawa Blues”, as he changes country yet again. This time he chooses London, attracted by the
city’s dynamic cultural scene, perfect for cultivating fresh ideas and new material. This change heralds the beginning of a brand new project for Muntu, a
second major turning point in his career and a chance to take a fresh new look at his originality and that of a whole new generation of young Africans. For
this he invites everyone, whether shy or curious, audacious or cynical to come and discover live on stage this mysterious new formula, as a taste of
exciting things to come!![10]
Musical style and performance
Muntu Valdo is the father of the style known as Sawa Blues. Some call him the Prince of Sawa Blues, whilst Some call him the king of Sawa
Blues.[11]
Discography
- 2004: compilation Auto-prod Jazz produced by LA FNAC (paris)
- 2005: Gods and Devils Produced by Muntu Valdo
Notes
References
- ^ "Plasterboard Guitar". feileafrica.com. Retrieved 2009-05-28.
- ^ "Muntu Valdo". MySpace.com. Retrieved 2009-05-28.
- ^ "Porthole Productions profile". portholeproductions.com. Retrieved 2009-05-28.
- ^ "Muntu Valdo earlier days". Retrieved 2009-05-28.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help); line feed character in|title=at position 13 (help) - ^ "Interview with bspiritmagazine (Prince of Sawa blues)". bspiritmagazine.com (English Version). Retrieved 2009-05-28.
- ^ "Interview with bspiritmagazine (Prince of Sawa blues)". bspiritmagazine.com (French Version). Retrieved 2009-05-28.
- ^ "Muntu Valdo video in france" (video). Retrieved 2009-05-28.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Richard Bona & Muntu perfomance at the Brewery arts centre". Retrieved 2009-05-28.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Debut Album review on the alphablondy website". Retrieved 2009-05-28.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "More to come in UK". portholeproductions.com. Retrieved 2009-05-28.
{{cite web}}: line feed character in|title=at position 17 (help) - ^ "Prince of Sawa Blues". feileafrica.com. Retrieved 2009-05-28.