The New Creation; Mottanni & Yi Contri Pipo Band
The Mottanni's Bruises Spoken Word Tour on gender based violence has been phenominal. Totally splendid and has led to the birth of a band of artist of different talents with one goal; to empower first themselves, then their community and the world at large forstering deep understanding of culture and enhancing development in their community and the world. The Band comprises of
Tanni Desmond Awa aka Mottanni
Mottanni, born Tanni Desmond Awa, is an acclaimed spoken word artist and poet from Bamenda, Cameroon, recognized for his impactful stage presence and dedication to the craft. Since his debut in 2015, he has become a leading figure in the spoken word scene, performing locally and internationally across digital and live platforms. His influential work has earned him multiple awards, including Spoken Word Artist of the Year honors and an international Silver Medal at the 2024 Golden Door Awards in Singapore. Driven by a conviction to use poetry as a tool for social and community shaping, he has released spoken word albums such as DarkLight and Bruises. Mottanni holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics and continues to leverage his art to inspire change, solidifying his role as a cultural architect in Cameroon and beyond.
Ayeah Leonette Mbunayo
Ayeah Leonnette Mbunayo is an acclaimed Cameroonian singer and cultural entrepreneur from Bamenda, recognized for her music deeply rooted in tradition and a nomination for Best Traditional Music at the 2020 AFRIMA awards. Her artistic journey, which began in her youth, is intrinsically linked to her work as a social innovator, being the founder of Nini Billionette Recycling and the ECO-KIDS initiative. As an artist creating in a region affected by conflict, her music has evolved into a powerful vessel for storytelling, healing, and embodying her community's resilience. Her entrepreneurial ventures in sustainability and youth education earned her the Women’s Entrepreneurship Award in 2023, demonstrating a holistic approach to community impact. Ultimately, Ayeah Leonnette Mbunayo's legacy is that of a cultural architect who uses her art and actions to document the present while actively building a more hopeful and sustainable future.
Tsakeng Dongmo Diane
Tsakeng is a spoken word artist and poet from Nkwen, Bamenda, rooted in her Bamileke heritage. A nursing sciences student by day, she powerfully merges the empirical world of science with the expressive realm of art. Her work draws its strength from the resilience of her community in Northwest Cameroon, echoing their voices and finding beauty amidst adversity. Since her official stage debut in 2024, he has used her platform to chronicle the human spirit. Tsakeng's creed is a simple, powerful call to authenticity: "Be you, because you are the only you and everyone else is taken."
Forkumlah Magloire Bila(Mag Bila)
Forkumlah Magloire Bila is a multi-talented artist and leader with over a decade of experience. He expertly combines his skills as a percussionist, dance coach, and singer-songwriter into a cohesive artistic practice. As the Team Lead of the Bamenda Dancers Troupe (BADAT), he provides artistic direction and mentorship. His creative work includes releasing original music on various online and offline platforms. Through his leadership and multifaceted artistry, he continues to shape cultural performances and inspire audiences.
Yahje Medine
Yahje Medine is a spoken word artist and poet from Bamenda, Cameroon, whose work is forged in the resilience of her community. A natural wordsmith, her art transforms personal and collective struggle into a powerful tool for healing and motivation. Grounded by her studies in Literature, History, and Economics, her performances serve as a sanctuary and a defiant witness to crisis. She masterfully uses rhythm and clarity to advise on humanity and peace, insisting, "despite all, we are a family that never gives up." Yahje's voice is a vital testament to the power of art as a lifeline and a force for change.
Keshiel
Keshiel is an experienced Folklore artist, singer, and instrumentalist. His music celebrates the greatness of Africa and a universal love for humanity. He has released tracks like "Mami" and "Infinite Love" with more unreleased songs in his catalog. Keshiel also serves as the emcee and technician for the Mottanni Yi Contripipo band. He has performed at major events including the New Breed Africa's Celebrity Award and the Abakwa Reggae Festival.
Achere William(Sound Mind)
Achere William, known as "Sound Mind," is a pioneering Cameroonian beatboxer with over a decade of experience, celebrated for his innovative fusion of traditional rhythms and modern vocal percussion. His artistic philosophy centers on using disciplined creativity to transform the human voice into complex, cultural soundscapes. A respected performer and community mentor, he cultivates the next generation of artists across Cameroon. For his proposed residency project, "The Vocal Archive," he aims to reinterpret Cameroon's rich rhythmic heritage through beatboxing and technology. Sound Mind seeks to create a groundbreaking performance piece that bridges ancestral sounds and contemporary global music.
Lanjo Neindefoh Lanjo
Lanjo Sidonius Neindefoh aka Coach Lanjo is a creative director and Creative Arts Therapist from Bamenda. He evolved from an actor and filmmaker into a mentor who coaches artists and directs performances.
Formally trained in Performing Arts and Therapeutic Theatre, he repurposes art for community healing. Living through conflict, his work focuses on helping youth and vulnerable groups build resilience and recover from trauma.
He champions the belief that art is a powerful, therapeutic tool for personal and social change.
Yeika Desmond (De Preacher)
Yeika Desmond, aka "De Preacher," is an award-winning spoken word artist from Bamenda. A five-year veteran of the stage, he has won most of Cameroon's major poetry competitions. He is known for his multilingual performances in English, French, Pidgin, and his local dialect. A music director, he uniquely blends singing with his powerful poetry. He is currently preparing to release his debut poetry album.
Nfor Yembe Carl Lesly
Yembe Carl orchestrates the visual rhythm for Mottanni & Contri Pipo Band. As lead marketer and photographer, he captures the band's vibrant energy through his lens. His strategies build the stage that turns audiences into devoted fans. From behind the camera to the front of the campaign, Yembe shapes the band's iconic identity. He is the architect of both their image and their reach.
