By Walter Wilson Nana
Cameroonian-born artist from Manyu Division, Southwest Region, Bate Nico and his band are warming up for a US tour.
According to a release from the artist, Bate Nico and band jet into the US in July and are expected to perform in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Washington DC.
Bate Nico, Cameroon Artist
Besides the aforementioned stopovers, Bate Nico will be guest artist at the 22nd Annual Manyu Elements and Cultural Association, MECA – USA 2012 Convention slated for Atlanta. Like in the past Bate Nico will entertain music enthusiasts with his Ache-Manyu musical genre.
Born some 29 years ago, Bate Nico started as a storyteller in primary school. He will follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, all deceased, who were singers. To his credit are seven albums. These include; If Man No Die, Ei No Go Rest, I Want Go School, I Go Married After, Nkim (circumcision), Wube Bizi Ebha (beware of adultery), Olecge (gossip) and Mon Aremon (a child is a child no matter the sex).
In his music, Bate Nico is making a call for unity within the Manyu people and mankind in general. He has also joined the fight against Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, an ongoing practice in some parts of Manyu Division, Southwest Region. “I am also preaching the message of sending the girl child to school,” he noted.
Since 1987, Bate Nico and wife, Regina Nkongho, who is part of his band, have been at the forefront of promoting the Manyu culture in and out of Cameroon. Nkongho does not only give emotional support, she is contributing to their artistic success as a composer and singer.
After his maiden US tour of 2010, Bate Nico’s August 2011 tour took him to Atlanta, Arizona, Washington DC, Houston and Dallas. In the latter trip, he was guest artist at the MECA – USA Convention and the National Organisation of Manyu Advancement, NOMA – USA, which took place in the State of Arizona. At the NOMA 2011 Convention, the artist was awarded for his promotion of Manyu cultural folklore and the African culture in general.
The father of four and Mutengene-based artist is meticulously preparing his troupe for his third US tour.
