Translation of the article in Cameroon Tribune # 3463

Date of edition : Tuesday, December 31, 1985

Music John Simons,creator of "Broken Heart" Tonight at the Mvet Club of the Hôtel Des Députés.

He's called John Simons. A name that reminds of an American or British star. For over a month, listening to his tune called " Broken Heart " over the national and international radio waves there has been no question on this subject of the origin of the artist. This funk music, recorded in a very good environment in studio Marcadet (32 tracks digital) in Paris constitutes, once again, a product bound to conquer all havens. This is by the way the intimate wish of this John Simons, young Cameroonian musician " exiled " in France for five years and who is, at this occasion of the Saint Sylvester, going to perform tonight at the " Mvet " club of the Hôtel des Députés in Yaoundé.

In this sumptuous club that just opened, the Saint Sylvester night will be particularly swinging. A hand of other artists will be sharing the stage with John Simons, among which is Angela Dean, whose tune called " Love " had a certain airplay some few years back. To the latter as well as to John Simons, the preoccupation over the conquest of the international market is present, obstinate.The creator of "Broken Heart" doesn't blink even when criticized on his extroversion.

"The international market has certain rules, he says. When you come from Africa, it's hard to make it. Africa is not represented. To enter this huge field, I think one should use the same equipment as do the Westerners." "Promotion is fundamental, John Simons continues. The name you choose must be easy to remember and to accept by everybody. The sound must be pleasant and it is out of question to be close minded."

John Simons has become a different man; a man from elsewhere. With his dreadlocks and his vivid eye behind his fine framed glasses, who would recognize this young man born thirty years ago in Douala and engaged in a music carrier since 1971? Who would recognize ,with only six years gap, the one who in 1979 published two 45 rpm under the pseudonym of Samory Sighe? One will remember from that era a tune rooted in the national mind and written for the Samory of the time by Djoumbissié Gérard : "Pay me my money".

From Saint Michael high school of Douala to l'Ecole Normale de Musique of Paris, where he has been accepted in 1982, John Simons has moved along. His vision of the world has changed. Well rooted in the national background and now well familiar with the western context, he doesn't bother with labels to characterize his current production : "One has to feel the Music within and let it expand without. When I grab my guitar I do not define what kind of music I'll play. Music is too big to be confined to the limits of definitions."

John Simons who has performed several nights at the Mvet club, since the Christmas night on December 24, sings in a play back and also live with his guitar. In his writings and his arrangements, he is preoccupied by the precision of the sound and the mix-downs. Against any "quick done production" John Simons praises the American artists who take a long time to come up with good products. Perhaps is it why he is wary of any hurry. At this moment, preoccupied by the promotion of "Broken Heart" which has on the B side a slow song "A Heart in Love", the young musician is contemplating another maxi 45 and a 33 rpm, but, with no hint to hurry. "Broken Heart" , notably, is a product of a Production Company started by John Simons "Victory Records" (37 Square Albert Schweitzer, 77350 Le Mée-Sur-Seine, France)

David Ndachi Tagne.