Michel Ngue-Awane

Michel Ngue-Awane
Michel Ngue-Awane
Born	1975; Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Nationality	British-Cameroonian
Occupation	Musician

Michel Ngue-Awane (born 1975) is a British-Cameroonian musician and author known for his innovative approach to African music and his contributions to contemporary African literature. His music combines traditional Cameroonian rhythms with modern styles, and he has gained recognition for his distinct sound. Notable works include albums “Le Bien” (2023), “Kacti Kacti” (2021), and singles such as “Yeke” (2022), “Pipo” (2022), “Merci Seigneur” (2023), and Ma'a Mengang (2022).^[1]

Ngue-Awane is renowned for his literary works that delve into African identity and societal issues. He has released two books: “Above the Colonial Subconscious, Africa Moves” (2015) and "Poor Land or Poor Minds: Africa Respond" (2020).^[2]

Early Life and Education

Born in February 1975 to Cameroonian parents, Ngue-Awane grew up in a multicultural environment. He pursued a diverse educational path, obtaining degrees in philosophy, computing, and business administration. Additionally, he earned a doctorate in social work and psychodynamics.

Ngue-Awane initially worked in administrative roles within central and local government in the UK, and served as a Young Advisor to the United Nations Environment Programme. He settled in the United Kingdom in the 2000s.

Career

Musical Career

Ngue-Awane is rapidly emerging as a promising new force in African music. He stands out for his ability to blend traditional Cameroonian rhythms with contemporary sounds,^[3] as well as his distinct style, which creates music that is both authentic to African music traditions and appealing to contemporary audiences. His innovative approach to music has earned him a rapidly growing following, making him an up-and-coming artist in African music.

Ngue-Awane made his debut in 2021 with the album Kacti Kacti, which features eight tracks. Other notable works include Yeke (2022), Pipo (2022), “Merci Seigneur” (2023), and Ma'a Mengang (2022).

Ngue-Awane's music explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural continuity. His music often reflects on the experiences of Africans living abroad and addresses the challenges of maintaining cultural connections in a globalized world. His ability to address significant themes through his music has earned him acclaim both within the African music community and among international audiences. His music is available on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and SoundCloud.

Author

Ngue-Awane has made significant contributions to contemporary African literature with his books Above the Colonial Subconscious, Africa Moves (2015) and Poor Land or Poor Minds: Africa Respond (2020). His writings address themes of self-empowerment and mental liberation, offering critical insights into African identity and societal challenges. Ngue-Awane's literature is noted for its blend of personal experience and broader socio-political commentary, providing valuable perspectives on the continent's progress and issues.

Awards and recognitions

Ngue-Awane received the 2023 African Diaspora Music Award by the Eastern Community.

Personal Philosophy

Ngue-Awane is a proponent of the power of positive thinking and self-empowerment. He advocates for individuals to actively shape their destinies, emphasizing the role of mental and spiritual attitudes in influencing material circumstances.^[4]^[5]