When the voice of the street finds the path to salvation: the Respondent by Yves Akini

With his signing to Apéro Gospel and the release of his "Répondant" video, Yves Akini has embarked on a bold new stage in his musical mission, blending faith, mbole and generational commitment.

1. Your signing with Apéro Gospel marks a turning point. What does this partnership mean to you, spiritually and artistically?

Yves Akini: I thank God for this partnership. I'm one of those people who believe that when God wants to do you good, He leads you to people. This collaboration is an answer to my prayers, because to do great things for God, you need to be accompanied, and I'm with an elder in the faith with whom we share the same burden. On an artistic level, Jean-Paul Ndongo is an important figure in Cameroonian gospel music, and I could benefit from his experience to bring my career to fruition.

2. Your new video "Répondant" plunges into the mbole style, typical of the Cameroonian ghetto. Why did you choose this aesthetic to carry your gospel message?

Yves Akini: Mbole is a musical style that many young people identify with today, and this message is for this generation

3. Some people think that gospel music should remain "serious" and are wary of urban styles. How do you respond to those who might criticize the use of mbole to sing Jesus?

Yves Akini: This question is the subject of much debate, and I hope to contribute to a discussion on the subject. Firstly, I believe that the urban style is the one that wins over the most young people. As long as the message is salvation through Jesus Christ, urban music is not inserious. David Okit received Jesus through a song by the rapper B-Right. Secondly, I'd talk about conviction. Singing Jesus through mbolé can help us win souls.

4. In "Répondant", you seem to call upon a God who acts quickly, who is not deaf. What personal experience or revelation lies behind this title?

Yves Akini: I'd say I'm calling out to a God who watches over his Word to bring it to fulfillment. The song encourages soulwinners to persevere in this mission.

5. How do you manage to bring together the codes of the ghetto and those of the Kingdom in your lyrics, without distorting the message?

Yves Akini: By the grace of God, I take pleasure in meditating and listening to the teachings, and under inspiration I have no difficulty in blending the codes with the gospel. The aim is to make the message easier to grasp.

6. What has the Fadiese Academy experience taught you about the responsibility of a gospel artist today?

Yves Akini: I'd already like to thank Pst Jarod, who took me under his wing right from the start. It was the first meeting that confirmed my call to sing for the Lord, and I'd like to thank De Jésus Franck who introduced me to Pst Jarod. The Fadièse Academy is a platform for detecting artistic talent, with the aim of turning it into a ministry. At Fadièse, we focus on the burden of souls, and as a Gospel Artist it's vital to have this in mind. I've come to understand that a gospel artist is a worker in the harvest, just like my brothers in Christ who walk the streets to proclaim God's free gift.

7. With this signature and this video, you're sending out a strong message. What is your vision for the future: for young people, for the urban gospel scene, and for the nation?

Yves Akini: As far as I'm concerned, I had already perceived this shift in spirit, but the higher you go with the Lord, the more demanding He is in terms of consecration. I have to stay focused and available for God's service.

Cameroon's youth is in the grip of a fierce struggle, with the current situation and the challenges of life, the ease of compromise that is offered, we must proclaim and intercede for young people. I myself am the fruit of my mother's intercession, and we artists must not stop at singing, but also at praying for our generation.

The urban gospel scene is too interesting, I subscribe to several Artist accounts and share their releases with my entourage and on social networks. We really do have a lot of talent, and I pray that the light of this talent will shine and that its brilliance will grow to reach all strata of society. And even Cameroon will not be indifferent to this generation of Christians who are rising to shine in the spheres of society. God is certainly introducing us to a decisive phase in his plans for our country.

For Camfaith - Jean-Paul Ndongo