Ndukong Godlove Nfor, (born 24 October 1983, in Douala), known by his stage name Jovi, is a Cameroonian rapper, songwriter, sound engineer, entrepreneur and record producer - under the pseudonym Le Monstre (Jovi the rapper and Le Monstre the producer.) Jovi graduated from Université de SOA Yaoundé II, with a BA Hons in Economics and Business Management.
Jovi's debut album H.I.V (Humanity is Vanishing), was described by Bakwa magazine as “the long awaited arrival of a self-assured emcee very conscious of his abilities, the vacuum in the genre, his audience’s expectations, and the right dose of hustle to assert his place.”
| Jovi | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ndukong Godlove Nfor |
| Also known as | Le Monstre |
| Born | October 24, 1983 Douala, Cameroon |
| Genres | Cameroon hip hop, African hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, Songwriter, Performer, Sound Engineer, Entrepreneur, Record Producer |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Labels | New Bell Music |
| Associated acts | Reniss, Tabu Ley Rochereau |
Music career
Cameroon's music industry has remained conventional for a very long time with genres like, Makossa and Bukutsi. Jovi's first single 'Don 4kwat', followed by 'Pitié', featuring Congolese musician Tabu Ley Rochereau, under Mumak record label, which he co-founded, created a new wave of musical content in Cameroon.“Don 4 Kwat” received heavy airplay on Trace TV and Channel O, his second single, “Pitié” featuring Tabu Ley Rochereau, stayed on the charts for months on pan-African BBC’s Destination Africa hosted by DJ Edu, staying in the top 5 at its peak.
Jovi, produces all his records, and is renowned for his compelling fusion of traditional hip hop, classic Cameroon/ African, sounds and instruments with new contemporary sounds. Jovi's lyrics, as any other Cameroonian musicians, uses the hybrid language francanglais, a fusion of French and English; and Pidgin-English lingo.
Jovi's team consist of director, Ndukong Bertrand Nwang, who is also his younger brother. Nwang owner of February 16 Production Company is responsible for all the art work and videography on the H.I.V album and also Jovi's current projects.
In May 2012, Jovi left Mumak record label to launch New Bell Music, with Rachell Applewhite. The record labels mission statement is, “We love music, and we aim to bring you the most unique artists from Cameroon, Africa, and around the world...“Le trou noir”– There is space for everybody.”.Both Jovi and Applewhite are signed to their label New Bell Music. Other artist signed to New Bell are; Reniss, and Sadrak. Le Monstre (Jovi), produces all the beats for all the artist in New Bell Music as well as for international artist.
Discography
- H.I.V (Humanity is Vanishing) [2012]
- Kankwe Vol. 1 [2014]
- Kankwe Vol. 2 [2015]
