The Cameroonian jazz ensemble Jazzstellation delivered a spellbinding performance at the 10th edition of the Journées Musicales de Carthage in Tunis, captivating audiences with their innovative blend of traditional Cameroonian music and jazz.
The five-member group, named to reflect the idea of individual stars in a “constellation,” is driven by their shared passion for jazz. Their project, Kamer Standards, reinterprets Cameroon’s cultural heritage songs through the universal language of jazz, creating a unique and timeless musical experience.
Led by the talented vocalist Gaëlle Wondje, the group draws inspiration from their roots. “I grew up with Cameroonian music. My father, a guitarist, passed on his passion to me through his record collection,” Wondje shared. “When I discovered jazz, it inspired me to adapt Cameroonian music standards to this universal style.”
Jazzstellation’s leader and bass player, Patrick Tawambe, emphasized the genre’s African origins and its global appeal. “Jazz has its roots in Africa, though it was popularized in the United States. Our goal is to offer a new interpretation of Cameroonian songs that resonate both locally and internationally,” he said.
The group’s multilingual compositions, performed in Cameroonian languages such as Douala, Ewondo, and Bamiléké, resonated with the largely youthful Tunisian audience. One attendee, Abed, praised the performance, saying, “Even if I didn’t understand all the lyrics, the energy was there, and it came through.”
With their 14-track album Kamer Standards already released, Jazzstellation continues to expand its global reach. Following a successful tour of China and concerts in France, the group is preparing for new international performances to share their vibrant music and vision.