There are very few out there who can claim not to have heard anything of Cameroon’s female hip hop prodigy and self proclaimed ‘game changer’ by the name OTANG. The little girl got the internet dripping with her first release and her future success seems to be rather eminent. There is no doubt that her youth has played a big part in her success. We as humans are wired to dismiss the shortcomings of the young and in some cases, we even tend to admire them more for their shortcomings.
I have to say Otang is somewhat already living up to her proclamations. We have seen another young talent in the name of Kowan spitting fire as one of the most talked about contestants of the ongoing 237showbiz music talent competition. One has to assume Kowan’s time to shine was made possible in part by Otang, who basically pulled our ears towards the younger generation as viable contestants for Cameroon’s hip hop kings and queens.
I hate that for the sake of fun and our obvious penchant for being derogatory, some people tried and still try to compare these kids with other adult artists who have given more time to game. These kids cannot and should never be compared to any other artist with more responsibilities. First of all, no one is holding the youngings accountable for anything. They have no internal conflict. They are free and have no responsibilities. They do not have to live off their music and no one will laugh at them if they fail. They have the rest of the lives ahead of them and they are not expected to be making any career choices. Youth is the ultimate arena for creativity and the goal for every artist that will become successful is to never grow old.
I remember making a lot of money when I was young just because all the grand freres admired my hustling spirit. They didn’t need what I was selling at the time but they just had to buy. They didn’t fear me having more money than them because we were not competing in the same class. Today, no adult is just trying to give me their money because I’m hustling. I am now their competition just beginning with the fact that we are all gunning for the same women. I’m sure all of Otang’s uncles don’t mind chipping in for her to get a studio session. For them, it is just like sending her for piano classes during holidays. Take your university graduate head and go ask your uncle for money to shoot a video and you will be reminded of your stupidity - most of the time at least. All that to say, don’t make these kids think that they understand life.
So yes they are changing the game but what game?
Young Holiday to me is another game changer. How convenient is the Young part of his name to my theory of the advantage of youth. Young Holiday and his label took the greatest leap towards digital distribution of records in Cameroon. Out of the challenges they faced, Jokwit Distro was born. With Jokwit Distro artists can sell their music digitally using MTN’s Mobile Money platform for payment processing. Tzy Panchak used the platform to sell his last project and Wan Shey is working with them to have his twin EP project distributed. So with this amazing outlet that we have already in place I’m rather disappointed that Otang is trying to change the game this time by rolling us back into technological old school.
I guess we all know Otang the little girl has nothing to do with this, so I am actually directing my concerns here to those managing her brand. I just came across a press release informing the public about her soon to be released EP. First of all, I want to commend her team for how they have managed public opinion especially by refusing to pander in the comparisons between Otang and other established female rappers.
That said, I am trying to understand what is going on with the pricing of that EP. I know we are in the heart of the “Know Your Worth” church sermon but I must ask for the name of the weed and the name of the person who smoked it to come up with the idea of 10,000 FCFA for a 5 track EP. I have a track record of buying Cameroonian music but I am not paying 10,000 FCFA for 5 songs. What is even more annoying is the unprofessional manner in which the transaction is set to occur.
I see clearly the charity arm of the proceeds but you are basically not giving to charity if after giving 50% of the proceeds, your 5 track EP is still more expensive that Drake’s 20+ song album. That means we are the only ones giving to charity while you are making money off the fact that we do care about the victims. Besides this kid should not grow up thinking a 5 track Ep is worth 5,000 FCFA. At least wait let Biya not be president then we can think about that.
If you want to raise money for charity, do that on a separate platform and offer your EP for free to those who donate. This is exactly how we go about making it even harder for people to donate to causes they otherwise should care about.I’m sorry but this is not how you will change the game. It is reminiscent of those people who used to come to Africa, take images with starving children and go collect money from people in other countries in the name of charity. Money which never reaches the children in question.
They claim 50% of the sales will go to charity - Ok. Who is charity? Which non-profit organization exactly?- So we can contact them for proof that they received funds from you? Or we can at least look at their track record of using charity funds. And also to the displaced victims of the anglophone crises - Ok. I know of the Ayah Foundation and their work. Are you giving the money to them? or who? How are you helping. Before you come asking for charity money, you have to have answered those questions and the answers should be included in your press release.
Sell the EP for whatever amount you like but when you start using victims of the anglophone crises to appeal to our wallets, we are going to need more information. And also remember that as you have the right to set your price, we also have the right to protest the price.
Stop pimping that young girl. She is too young to be used like this. By the way, should she have “Parental Advisory Explicit Content” on her EP cover?
P.S If you have any objections to my article, comment with proof that you paid for one or many of the songs. Me I get na only 1,000 FCFA so if i end up pay am like Jk, make wuna no only pick na the wowolest song send am for me.
Magic Music Money for real! Tadaaaa!
- Tino Foy