Nda Chi

Nda Chi: The Men Shí of African Music

Opening the Gates of the Divine Through Music

Nda Chi, whose name means "Only God", is a rising star of African music, a visionary artist who fuses tradition and modernity to create a unique musical experience. Born Armand Noel Ntoungchi Kamtchoua in Baleng, Cameroun, Nda Chi is much more than a talented musician. It is a "Men Shí", a bamiléké term designating a spiritual child and messenger of the ancestors, acting as a bridge between the visible and invisible worlds.

Origins and Training:

Initiated from an early age to the secret society Nelong'o, Nda Chi bathed in the cultural and spiritual richness of the Bamiléké people. This deep immersion in ancestral traditions has shaped his artistic identity and nourished his music with a rare authenticity. His royal heritage, descended from a line of notables and queens, adds a mystical dimension to his scenic presence and artistic message.

His academic career is atypical, combining studies in law and political science with training in performing arts, testifying to his intellectual curiosity and his desire to master all facets of his art. Dancer, choreographer, model, and in 2024, stage coach, set designer, and choreographer for the national Mutzigstar song competition, Nda Chi has explored various forms of artistic expression, enriching her creativity and her ability to offer enchanting stage performances.

Music and Style:

Nda Chi is the creator of the "LESSA Groove", a musical style that defies traditional categories by fusing the ritual trance of LESSA music, deeply rooted in the traditions of his Baleng village, with a wide palette of modern influences. This unique style is characterised by:

- Traditional Rhythms: The heart of the LESSA Groove rests on the ancestral rhythms of LESSA, a style of music known for its hypnotic percussion and spiritual songs, where each beat is a tribute to the ancestors and the earth.

- Modern Influences: Enriched by elements of funk, rock, pop, reggae and gospel harmonies, the LESSA Groove becomes a captivating sound and visual experience, where spiritual ad-libs rub shoulders with electric guitar solos and contemporary percussion.

- Spiritual and Cultural Experience: Nda Chi's performances are far from a simple fusion; they are an invitation to a deep spiritual and cultural experience. Each concert is a dance between the visible and invisible world, where the audience is transported into a celebration of the African heritage, awakening the senses and the soul.

- Authentic Instrumentation: Playing balafon, mbira, and various African percussions, Nda Chi adds a layer of texture and depth that anchors his music in cultural authenticity, while allowing a bold sound exploration.

- Vocality and Multilingualism: His voice, unique, expressive and powerful, capable of touching the depths of the soul, transcends genres and borders. He sings in several languages, including local languages such as NEGHAPELONG and MVUH (a sacred language reserved for a secret society), as well as in French and English, adding a rich and authentic cultural dimension to his music.

Career and Impact:

Nda...