Patricia Essong: From Management Consultant to Musical Artist
From a young age, Patricia Essong was known in her family for her constant singing and dancing. Having spent most of her childhood with her grandmother in Cameroon, Patricia would watch and learn the songs and choreography of Teri Kalam in the film Dedvas. Within her family, her cousins would playfully tease her for her ability to quickly learn dances and sing along to foreign music videos.
When Patricia moved to France, she continued her studies and began a successful career in a management consulting firm. However, she still garnered a passion for music which left her feeling unfulfilled. One morning in January 2013, Patricia decided to get out of her comfort zone and pursue her musical passion.
Inspired by the saying "...the best day of your life is when you decide that your life belongs to you," Patricia enrolled in a Gospel choir school, where she was surrounded by talented musicians and dedicated teachers. During this time, Patricia not only focused improving her talents, but went on a journey of self discovery and confronting her own fears. Patricia's musical career began by performing classic and influential African songs in small Parisian cafés and bars.
Under the influences of Miriam Makeba, Tracy Chapman, and Lizz Wright, Patricia produced her first album entitled "Soul of Nü Bantu" released in February 2016. Patricia's music tells the story of deepest desires and limitless emotions. "The soul of Nü Bantu resides in me, it resides in each of us, children of Africa, because it can change our leaves, but our roots remain," she says.
Patricia choses to take root in reclaiming her cultural heritage "Bantu" embellished with her own sensibility, with lyrics inviting introspection of African values, spirituality, and traditions that were lost. It is a tribute to artists who have marked entire generations that incorporates Bantu languages and a rhythmic journey through regional folk sounds, jazz and blues.
Through her music and her story, Patricia aims to share the message that it's never too late to realize your dreams and that "we must dare to get out of that comfort zone because dreams are meant to be realized and pursued, otherwise it's a nightmare."
Buy the Nü Soul of Bantu on iTunes and don't forget to follow Patricia on Instagram and Twitter.
Also in Latest on MAPP Africa
MAPP Africa launches water quality monitoring business in Zimbabwe
Afropunk – A new force to be reckoned with in South Africa
