Celebrated Cameroonian singer, Makon, drops epic EP July 20.

The EP, otherwise known as a mini album, to be dropped July 20, will be available for streaming and downloading across all major digital platforms.

The latest project offers an intimate and unfiltered reflection of Makon’s identity as a black man.

Thematically, the EP, made up of five songs, explores a range of subjects, including love and relationships, as well as personal struggles and triumphs. 

Makon, who spoke to The Guardian Post yesterday, said the new collection was inspired by his journey of self-discovery.

He explained that: “This EP is a combination of love, money and society. In the EP, there are songs like ‘Pretty’ to appreciate the beauty of the woman, the girl child…we have songs which talk about money, power, family and unity and then we have others like ‘Lifestyle,’ which talks about our day-to-day activities, how expensive life is and how we can’t do a lot of things without money”.

“We also have ‘Pepper,’ which talks about two countries, Nigeria and Cameroon…it talks of how we have similar cultures in terms of food and others,” Makon added of the EP.

The celebrated singer disclosed that it took him nearly two years to produce the EP, “because I was working on my EP and also working on my Album, which will be coming up in January 2025”. So, after this EP, next year, in January or February, we will be expecting an album”.

“This EP actually defines my day-to-day activities as a black living in this world. That is why I actually titled it ‘Life of a Black Boy’.  ‘Life of a Black Boy’ is all about the ups and downs, the challenges, the front and back, the good days, the bad days…” he continued.

Stating that the EP was inspired by his struggles as a black man, Makon described music as being the future. 

He was blunt that “Entertainment is actually the future. If you look at so many neighbouring countries, you will realise that music is one of those things that have boosted their economies, especially in countries like Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Ghana. I believe that through our culture, we can be well known out there”.

Quizzed on his future projects in the music industry, Makon said his team is currently planning national and international tours.

“Our tour is to raise money to build community projects back at home, which will empower women,” he disclosed.

Inspiring journey to the top

Born Yong Mark Ndi, Makon, who hails from Fundong, in Boyo Division of the North West Region, walked the path to success through hard work and integrity. 

The singer, songwriter and philanthropist, attended CBC Mutengene, where he completed his primary education.

 After his secondary education, Makon enrolled into the University of Buea, UB, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

He would later embark on his career in the music industry. 

He began his musical career in Buea, before relocating to Douala, in the Littoral Region. It took Makon just a few years to gain fame in the music industry.

Since achieving success, Makon has taken his career into his own hands. He has since created an entrepreneurial and innovative empire, known One Touch Entertainment and Makon Care Foundation, that has sprung forth from his own creativity and hard work.

Known for his music as well as his entrepreneurial and philanthropic strides, Makon is said to have followed the path of his mother, who is also an entrepreneur based in Cameroon. 

He made his first entry into the philanthropic world via Makon Care Foundation, a registered organisation that provides a platform where mothers and children can access medical care, school fees assistance among others.

With over a decade in the  music industry, Makon has featured in songs alongside other heavyweights in the sector, including Mimie, Rich Khasino and Kocee.

Unsung humanitarian hero

Beyond music, Makon, is also an accomplished philanthropist who has impacted communities and families through his humanitarian actions.

In the coming days, Makon, through his Makon Care Foundation, will carry out activities to empower woman and girls in Buea, Douala, Yaounde and other cities. It is dubbed: “Empowering Women Through Arts.”

The series of events to be organised aims to celebrate the power of women and girls in Cameroon. 

Through a combination of workshops, conferences and concerts, the foundation aims to promote gender equality, challenge societal norms, and empower women and girls to take their rightful place as leaders and change-makers in their communities.

Over the next five months, the foundation will be traveling to five cities, including Buea, Douala, Yaounde, Garoua, and Bamenda, taking along with them a message of hope, inspiration and empowerment. 

The events will feature world-class artists, experts in their fields, and ordinary women and girls who are making a difference in their own unique ways. 

From art therapy to entrepreneurship, leadership skills to disability rights, the events will tackle a wide range of topics that are critical to women's empowerment. 

The foundation will challenge the status quo, celebrate achievements, and provide opportunities for participants to connect with one another and build a stronger and more supportive community.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3169 of Monday July 15, 2024