Far from the global trends of pop, rock and disco, it is in cultural diversity that the Cameroonian music finds its originality. In fact, each region and each ethnic group in the country has its own rhythms that are inspired by its life experience, tradition and ancestral practices. But only some manage to attract record labels and to be promoted in radio stations and nightclubs. Among the most popular rhythms we have:
- Makossa: Being the most liked Cameroon music style; it is popularized by various diaspora Cameroonian artists in France, Switzerland and United States. It is based on the traditional dances of the people of Douala, namely the “Esewe” and the “Kossa”, with significant influences from jazz, zouk, “ambass bay”, Latino music, and rumba. Artists such as Eboa Lotin, Misse Ngoh, Richard Bona and especially Manu Dibango are major figures in the history of makossa. With the new generations, we see artists like Petit Pays, Samy Diko, Longue Longue, Sergeo Polo, Narcisse Prize and many others be on top of the charts.
- Bitkussi: This dance and music is from the Center and South provinces of Cameroon. It is a traditional dance of the Beti ethnic group. The word bikutsi means in Ewondo “beat of the ground” which is materialized by beating the ground with the soles of the feet. One of the emblematic figures of bikutsi in the country and abroad is indeed K-Tino. We also have monuments like Anne Marie Nzie, the band “Les têtes brulées”, Chantal Ayissi, Ai-Jo Mamadou, Lady Ponce, Bisso Solo and many others.
- Assiko: Originally a traditional dance performed in healing sessions, the Assiko has evolved over time into a party dance in itself. Less famous than the first two, this dance is mostly found, in Bassas and Betis regions. The dancers move in small steps swaying sensually. The music is played using guitars and traditional drums. Jean Aladin Bikoko is one of the icons of this musical style, he managed to make a career with Assiko and to bring and perform the music in more commercial arena like discos and nightclubs. Other assiko artists are quite well known: LIMAL Joseph, Mongo Mbea Paul Balomog Samson chaud gars, Kilama Kol Mbogol and Nlella.
- Manga Mbeu Bend and skin: It's a musical style of the western region, especially the Bangangte people. It has been popularized by artists like Pierre Diddy Tchakounte, Andre Marie Talla and the group Kouchouam Mbada.