JULES NYA UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. (KAMER ENTERTAINMENT INSIGHT)

I hardly ever get a heartbeat when interviewing or talking to people but this piece kept me on my toes right up to “it’s been a pleasure”.  Jules Nya or “Iglo” as commonly called by friends is a very key and influential person in Kamer Showbizz Scene. He is the brain behind Mumak and equally mentors a lot of artists behind the scene. It was a great conversation, perhaps one of the best I have ever had. While talking to him after the interview he had this to say:

“Cameroonians tend to dwell a lot on peoples issues rather than ideologies. I am a solution guy rather than a complaining or problem kind of guy but a lot of people always misconstrue me because I am very business minded. Artists don’t usually like business minds because they function with emotions whereas I like objectivity and reason to thrive. At the end of the day, the difference between me and many others is just time, skills and experience.”

I hope this interview enlightens you as it did I and feel free to leave your input on the matters discussed in the comment box below.  

 

Aboki: First up thank you for granting this interview...

Jules Nya: My pleasure

Aboki: You are quite famous among entertainers but can you briefly introduce yourself to those who don’t know you?

Jules Nya: I'm Jules Nya.CEO and A&R of MuMaK. One of Kamer's rising urban music labels

Aboki : Over the last couple of years MuMak has produced quite a couple of artist and songs.... but the question that keeps bugging me is why has the Mumak rooster almost emptied out?

Jules Nya: Lol ...we are a record label. We sign and develop acts. They come and go. We don't expect them to stay forever. A lot has happened lately yet we still do what we know how to do best...i.e. making good music in a proudly Cameroonian way.

Aboki: Nothing short of what I expect, but don't you think nearly the entire artists leaving the label in that space of time is a little too much? There must have been disagreements to cause that exodus.

Jules Nya: People disagree to agree if that's what you wanna hear. The label underwent some restructuring and since we bounced back with Mr.Elad's "Chakara" many who thought we were out of business now understand that we are a force to reckon with and MuMaK is a brand that has come to stay.

Aboki: Well put... Magasco has continued to remain one of Kamers biggest urban acts with one

single each year. What do you think makes him rise above others?

Jules Nya: The kid is super gifted, focused and hardworking.

Aboki: Other kids are... but they don’t remain at that same level.

Jules Nya: Talent ain't enough bro reason why I added the other pivotal virtues. Not everyone is built to succeed in this business. Those who come with an added value like Magasco, Jovi or Mr.Elad will always out edge their fellow compeers simply because added to their enormous potentials they are workaholics.

Aboki : Does Stanley Enow happen to fit into that list?

Jules Nya: Everybody mustn't fit in that list. It's not an exhaustive one bro. If Stan is where he is today he's definitely an outstanding act. Gotta give respect to hustle pa. Game  recognize game as the Americans would say. Now it's up to him and his team to have a good sustainability plan. For now he's done a massive job.

Aboki: Tumbo boss isn't as nearly successful as Hein Pere. Do you think it was a wrong decision to make a similar sounding song as a follow up single?

Jules Nya: Well let's give it some time bro. One thing I know is songs like Hein Pere are classics and it's usually very difficult to surpass such a masterpiece in an artist's lifetime. Like i said he's gotta surround himself with competent hands so as to sustain what he initially started and even take it to a whole other level.

Aboki: Why do you think Jovi wasn't nominated for awards such as MTV and AFRIMAMA despite his huge talent and handwork?

Jules Nya: Jovi has a fast growing loyal fanbase. His time will come trust me. There is no doubt about that.

Aboki: I think he has a larger fan base than the likes of Gasha but yet he wasn’t nominated... I don't seem to understand why.

Jules Nya: Every Award has its own defined criteria. Maybe for now he doesn't fit with what they want. Reason why I said his time will come. In as much as awards may seem objective in their nominations, many people have to understand there is a very high degree of subjectivity in the so called objective selection criteria.

Aboki: You are very close friends with Jovi so you probably understand him more than anyone. As a fan I think the Kankwe Tape wasn’t received well and people got over it quickly. Do you think the Kankwe tape was necessary at that point?

Jules Nya: That's for him and his record label. I'm not here to assess his label. That won't be

professional. We all have a long way to go in this game. So I think we should focus on the big picture. MuMaK, EMPIRE or New Bell Music are all doing a fantastic job that needs to be lauded by people like you.

Aboki: Well we do applaud and promote it but we also often in the dark so we tend to ask these questions to understand the artists and their choices.

Jules Nya: Well good question, wrong person lol

Aboki: What do you think of Buea in connection to the urban music scene?

Jules Nya: Buea harbors some of the finest talents of urban music in Kamer. Now what they need to incorporate is the business angle to their music .With that, they'll go places!

Aboki: Why do you think virtually no one has been able to break into the urban limelight despite this enormous talent found there?

Jules Nya: Artwork without business minds behind has no value. Music is different from music business. Music is all about vibe and transferring emotions whereas music business is motivated by the sole aim of profiteering. If Buea acts put on their business caps I think the sky is going to be their limit!

Aboki: Nothing short of brilliant. What do you think of Renisse as an artist?

Jules Nya: Great potential yet to attain her full potential. I think with persistence and a hit song at her disposal Kamer will be one day proud of her.

Aboki: I don't feel the identity is clear, given the fact that she came out as a gospel act but the songs she has featured on so far doesn’t brand that image. What is your view on this?

Jules: My view is important but not relevant here. I am not in a position to assess her label's decisions or activities. Maybe you can but you have to understand the nature of my position as per other label activities !I think we have more pertinent issues to worry about rather than dwell on an act or a label's decisions.

Aboki: Where do you see Kamer music in the next five years at this rate?

Jules Nya: Things can only get better.As the years go by our industry will be on the rise.I see Kamer acts topping most african music charts and grabbing most awards.

Aboki: Should we expect a Chakara music video?

Jules Nya: Of course! The song had a great feedback reason why we are about to shoot it.

Aboki: We are looking forward to it. Any final words to the up and coming artist, producers,

directors and all those involved in showbiz?

Jules Nya: Persistence, perseverance and the right partnerships. Master your brand, understand your environment and network as much as you can because talent isn't enough.

Aboki: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me. I would certainly reach out for follow up questions. I wish you all the best in your business endeavors.

Jules Nya: The pleasure is mine.

SALAM MA LEKUM!