Article: Live in New York City - Kaïssa

This past weekend AfroMuzik had the pleasure of attending Kaïssa’s performance at the Metropolitan Room in New York City. For those of you who are not familiar with Kaïssa’s body of work, she has performed with artists such as Manu Dibango, Papa Wemba, Salif Keita, Jean-Michel Jarre, Cesaria Evora, Sekouba Bambino, Martha Wash, Paul Simon and Diana Ross to name a few. Originally from Cameroun, her music can be described as a fusion of modern African music with elements of Jazz, Blues and Pop.

Kaissa with band members Seth L Johnson and Fred Doumbe.

Kaïssa mainly sings in her native language(s) but you certainly do not need to understand her words to be moved by her music. The audience was treated to a high-energy and engaging performance of several tracks from her albums Looking There & I Am So Happy. The essence of her message is not lost despite any language barriers. When she performed ‘Fanta’ a song condemning the practice of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) she brought the room to silence, you could hear a pin drop.

Kaïssa is currently based in New York City and performs at Zinc Bar every second Friday of each month. Be sure to catch her next performance if you can.

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