Sonia Djoumessi, a fast-rising singer and songwriter of Cameroonian descent based in the UK, is confident that African music is on the brink of conquering the global stage. In an exclusive telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Djoumessi shared her passionate conviction that the African music scene is poised for unparalleled international recognition.
Reflecting on her journey, Djoumessi revealed that her musical odyssey commenced at the tender age of 10, when she enthusiastically participated in her school choir, captivating both parents and teachers with her mesmerizing vocals. She emphasized that her musical prowess was honed through her proficiency in local musical instruments such as shakers, hobos, gongs, and xylophones, instilling in her a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of African musical traditions.
Djoumessi’s ardor for music blossomed during her formative years, as she diligently pursued her passion for songwriting, eventually evolving into a multifaceted musician and performer. Despite familial expectations for her to pursue a career in medicine, Djoumessi remained steadfast in her devotion to music, deeming it an innate calling that could not be ignored.
Her academic sojourn at the University of Buea in Cameroon served as a pivotal juncture, where she not only garnered invaluable choral experience but also commenced her foray into studio recordings, guided by the seasoned mentorship of Pastor Rochie Osvalin. Under Osvalin’s tutelage, Djoumessi’s musical dexterity flourished, laying the groundwork for her to craft mesmerizing tracks like “Dancer,” “Bami,” and “Reseaux,” among others.
Balancing a burgeoning music career with her strides in the modeling industry, Djoumessi’s ascent reached new heights when she attained the prestigious title of Miss Summit Productions 2019 in Cameroon and was adorned as the female ambassador of Bright Future Foundation in 2018, a testament to her unwavering pursuit of excellence.
2022 marked a significant milestone in Djoumessi’s professional trajectory, as she unveiled her debut Extended Play (EP) titled “Gradually,” a radiant showcase of her musical ingenuity, featuring soul-stirring tracks such as “Make Moves,” “Loving,” “Tell Them,” and “Gradually,” all meticulously produced and mastered by the acclaimed Marc Eff of Kovapot.
Looking ahead, Djoumessi is resolute in her determination to expand her musical footprint across the global landscape, firmly asserting her aspirations to leave an indelible mark on the international music scene. Notwithstanding her musical exploits, Djoumessi also serves as a Biomedical Scientist at the Nottingham University Hospital, Queen’s Medical Centre, in Nottingham, UK, underscoring her multifaceted prowess and unwavering dedication to both the arts and the sciences.
As the pulsating rhythms of African music reverberate with increasing resonance on the world stage, Sonia Djoumessi stands as an embodiment of the continent’s musical renaissance, poised to usher in a new era of global domination through her captivating melodies and unwavering determination to conquer hearts and minds worldwide.
