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Golden Sounds
Golden Sounds
Golden Sounds
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Key Information

Golden Sounds, later known as Zangaléwa, was a makossa group from Cameroon, formed in 1984 by active members of Cameroon's presidential guard: Jean Paul Zé Bella, Dooh Belley, Luc Eyebe and Emile Kojidie. The group is most famous for its song, "Zangaléwa", which was a huge hit in Africa after its release in 1986, and was revived in 2010 when Shakira sampled it for the 2010 FIFA World Cup as Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).

History

[edit]

The Golden Sounds originate from the Orchestra of the Republican Guard of Cameroon's Presidency. Four gendarmes from the orchestra provided comical musical entertainment, often dressing in military uniforms, wearing pith helmets and stuffing their clothes with pillows to appear like they had swollen bottoms from riding the train and fat stomachs from eating too much.[1][2] The song was also popular in Colombia where it was known as "The Military", and brought to the country by West African DJs. The song made its band so popular that the band itself later changed the name of the group to Zangaléwa, which means in Ewondo, a Cameroonian language, "Who Called You?" (Za'nga'lowa).[2]

Two civilians, Robert Kero and the female singer Annie Anzouer later joined the group.[1] In 1993, Annie Anzouer was replaced in the lineup by Viviane Etienne.[1] Etienne also left the group afterwards to pursue a solo career.[1] The group also consists of several other supporting members.

The group disbanded around 2000.[3] Jean Paul Ze Bella retired from the presidential guard in 2002 after 30 years of service, but his song stands as an icon of Cameroonian military history.[4][5][6][7] Ze Bella died from cancer on 15 January 2023 at the age of 70.[8]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Album[9]
1986 Zangaléwa
1989 Casque Colonial
1991 Caporal Grillé
1995 Yélé-Yélé

Singles

[edit]
  • "Zangaléwa" (1986)
  • "Maladie Difficile" (1986)
  • "Un bébé" (1991)

Awards

[edit]
Year Award[1]
1986 Record of the Year (Cameroon)
1993 African Record of the Year (URTNA)

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Golden Sounds

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Golden Sounds, later known as Zangaléwa, was a Cameroonian group formed in the early 1980s by active members of the country's Presidential Guard, blending military-inspired comedy with infectious rhythms to create a distinctive that resonated across . The band originated from the Orchestra of the , with founding members including Jean Paul Zé Bella on vocals and (born 1953), Guy Dooh on vocals and bass (born 1960), Luc Eyebe on solo guitar, and Emile Kojidie on vocals and . Over time, the lineup expanded to include vocalists Annie Anzouer (who departed in 1993) and Robert Kero (who passed away in 2009), allowing the group to evolve its satirical style focused on and . The group's breakthrough came with their 1986 album Zangaléwa, particularly the title track "Zangaléwa (Zamina mina eh eh)", which became a pan-African anthem mocking military pomp through playful lyrics and upbeat beats, achieving widespread popularity in and even reaching . This song's enduring legacy was amplified in 2010 when it was sampled and adapted by Colombian singer for "Waka Waka (This Time for )", the official anthem of the hosted in , leading to official credits and royalties for the original creators under Zé Bella's leadership. Following the hit, Golden Sounds rebranded as Zangaléwa to capitalize on the song's fame, releasing follow-up works like Vol. 2 Casque Colonial in 1987 while maintaining their roots in Cameroon's vibrant music scene that fuses bikutsi and influences. Zé Bella, a career who died in 2023, drove the band's innovative approach, transforming their background into a vehicle for global musical recognition and highlighting Cameroonian artistry on the world stage.

Formation and Background

Origins in the Cameroonian Military

The origins of Golden Sounds trace back to the Orchestra of the , the elite military unit responsible for the security of Cameroon's Presidency during the early 1980s. Under President , who assumed power in 1982, the founding members served as active gendarmes in this presidential guard, a force reformed after the violent coup attempt that targeted Biya and resulted in the execution of dozens of plotters. These musicians, part of the guard's musical corps, began informal performances during off-duty hours, drawing on their shared experiences to create humorous skits and songs that parodied military routines. Key among the founders was Jean Paul Zé Bella, born on July 23, 1952, in Sangmélima, who enlisted in the military in the 1970s and rose through the Gendarmerie Nationale's musical corps before transferring to the under former President and later the restructured Presidential Guard under Biya following the 1984 unrest. As the band's lead vocalist, primary composer, and drummer, Zé Bella's role involved leading ceremonial marches, but his off-duty compositions channeled the absurdities of guard life into satirical lyrics. Co-founder Guy Dooh (full name Eugene Victor Dooh Belly), born December 3, 1960, served as the bassist and provided vocals, contributing to the rhythmic foundation inspired by drill cadences. Guitarist Luc Eyebe and saxophonist Emile Kojidie, born September 5, 1955, in Dschang, rounded out the core lineup; both were fellow gendarmes in the orchestra, with Kojidie adding percussive elements drawn from military parades. Their duties, including long hours of guard posts and ceremonial obligations, fostered a collaborative environment where music became an outlet for critiquing hierarchical absurdities. The socio-political climate of 1980s , marked by Biya's consolidation of power amid and post-coup purges, profoundly shaped their satirical bent. Military life in the Presidential Guard was grueling, characterized by low pay that barely covered basic needs, poor food rations, and unrelenting strict discipline enforced through harsh training and abusive oversight, often echoing colonial-era practices. These conditions—exacerbated by the guard's role in suppressing dissent—inspired the members to infuse their off-duty jams with irony, mocking drill instructors, uniform inspections, and the daily grind of soldiering as a form of subtle against institutional . This creative response to their realities laid the groundwork for the band's formal assembly in 1984.

Band Assembly and Debut

Golden Sounds was officially formed in 1984 by four active members of Cameroon's presidential guard: Jean Paul Zé Bella, Guy Dooh, Luc Eyebe, and Emile Kojidie. These individuals, drawing from their military experiences as the creative spark for satirical themes, assembled the group as a while maintaining their guard duties. The band's early lineup focused on these core members, later supplemented by backing vocalists such as Annie Anzouer and Viviane Etienne to enhance their arrangements. The group's debut album, Zangaléwa, was recorded and released in on the local Sonodisc label, with the title track marking their initial foray into independent production within Cameroon's scene. This self-financed effort emphasized multilingual lyrics satirizing life, aiming primarily for on local radio stations in and to build grassroots appeal. The recording process highlighted their resourcefulness, utilizing basic studio setups amid limited access to professional equipment due to their military commitments. Initial performances took place in nightclubs across and , where the band blended the disciplined precision of their guard training with energetic rhythms, captivating local audiences with humorous skits and live . These early shows often incorporated elements of their background, such as synchronized movements, to underscore the satirical edge of their material. However, the group faced significant challenges in balancing rigorous guard schedules with clandestine rehearsals, frequently practicing at night to avoid detection. The satirical content of their songs, critiquing issues like poor pay and abusive superiors, posed risks of disapproval or disciplinary action from authorities, requiring them to navigate potential carefully.

Musical Style and Discography

Makossa Genre and Influences

, a vibrant Cameroonian music genre, emerged in the urban port city of during the late and early , deriving its name from the Douala word "kossa," meaning "(I) ." This style originated from the fusion of traditional coastal dances and rhythms with external influences like and Ghanaian , reflecting the multicultural environment of Douala's bustling harbors and post-colonial nightlife. Characterized by upbeat, syncopated rhythms in 4/4 time, makossa features prominent brass sections for punchy horn lines, funky and bass riffs driving the groove, and lively percussion that encourages dancing. Vocally, it employs call-and-response patterns with soulful, rhythmic chants, often layered over infectious beats to create an energetic, celebratory atmosphere. Golden Sounds adapted to their context as members of Cameroon's presidential guard, infusing the genre with march elements, resulting in a disciplined yet danceable sound. Limited by their resources, the band relied on simple instrumentation—primarily guitar, bass, , and percussion—while emphasizing for a structured, parade-like feel that blended tradition with their lived experiences. This adaptation produced tracks with steady, ing cadences overlaid on makossa's core groove, as heard in their debut single, which exemplified the style's rhythmic drive. The band's influences drew heavily from local Cameroonian pioneers like , whose 1972 hit "" popularized the genre internationally and inspired subsequent artists with its fusion of African rhythms and . Exposure to global sounds through presidential guard duties and radio broadcasts—featuring merengue, Latin rhythms, and —further shaped their eclectic approach, allowing makossa's urban roots to evolve with broader African and Western elements. Linguistically, Golden Sounds incorporated and the into their arrangements, alongside French and other dialects, to ensure accessibility across urban African audiences and reflect the multilingual street . This mix, known as , facilitated broad appeal by weaving everyday vernacular into call-and-response vocals, grounding the music in local identity while transcending linguistic barriers.

Key Releases and Singles

Golden Sounds' primary discography centers on two studio albums released via the independent Cameroonian label Ebobolo Fia Production, both issued as vinyl LPs and produced in Yaoundé, reflecting the band's grassroots approach amid limited regional distribution networks across Africa. After rebranding to Zangaléwa, the group continued releasing music, including the 1991 LP Caporal grillé on FOTSO Production (FK 506). The band's debut album, Zangaléwa, arrived in 1986 (DTC 014), spearheaded by the title track that served as their breakthrough single and a local hit in . The LP included additional songs such as "Makrita" (8:40), "Ekang" (5:30), and "Maladie Difficile" (8:40), blending rhythms with satirical commentary on military experiences. Its independent production and vinyl format contributed to modest but impactful circulation in African markets, where it garnered widespread and sales success regionally. Follow-up album Casque Colonial Vol. 2 was released in (DTC 021), continuing thematic explorations of colonial and motifs through tracks like "Zanga Bidouwa" (9:12), "Tromper Tromper" (7:01), "Casque Colonial" (8:32), and "This World." Distribution challenges for such independent releases restricted it largely to and nearby countries, though it sustained the band's momentum with vinyl pressings that emphasized their raw, live-infused sound. In terms of singles chronology, "Zangaléwa" debuted in alongside the album, achieving immediate popularity as a standalone release before a 12-inch on Germany's Z-Records (ZR 1024) expanded its reach slightly beyond . No other verified major singles emerged during this period, underscoring the band's focus on full-length vinyl projects amid the era's regional production constraints.

Career Trajectory

Rise with "Zangaléwa"

Golden Sounds achieved their breakthrough with the release of the album Zangaléwa in 1986, featuring the titular track that quickly propelled the band to prominence across . The song, characterized by its upbeat rhythms and playful -march style, captured widespread attention through radio broadcasts and live performances, establishing it as a pan-African sensation. Its infectious chorus and satirical take on life resonated deeply, turning it into a staple party anthem that inspired impromptu street dances and imitations in urban centers. The track's appeal led to rapid adoption in countries including , Côte d'Ivoire, , , and , where it dominated airwaves and fueled the band's growing reputation as entertainers blending humor with . A , utilizing innovative bluescreen techniques to overlay the band on footage of parades, further amplified its reach, gaining quick traction on African television and contributing to the song's status as a cultural phenomenon. By blending with danceable energy, "Zangaléwa" highlighted the band's ability to critique authority while entertaining crowds, solidifying their breakthrough. From 1986 to 1988, Golden Sounds rode the wave of this success, performing extensively in West and , including high-energy concerts in major cities that drew large audiences eager to engage with the song's lively of soldierly bravado. The period marked the band's peak domestic and regional fame, with "Zangaléwa" serving as the centerpiece of their live sets and cementing their role in popularizing makossa's fusion of and rhythm. Features in African publications during this era underscored the song's innovative staging and broad appeal, helping to elevate the group beyond their military origins.

Later Developments and Name Change

Following the breakthrough success of "Zangaléwa" in 1986, Golden Sounds released their second album, Casque Colonial, in 1987, which featured continued influences but did not replicate the prior hit's widespread acclaim. As active members of Cameroon's presidential guard, the band faced reduced touring opportunities due to military duties, alongside internal shifts such as lineup changes that affected cohesion. In the late 1980s, the group adopted the name Zangaléwa, drawing directly from their signature song to leverage its enduring popularity across and beyond. Under this moniker, they produced additional works, including the 1991 album Caporal Grillé, though commercial momentum waned amid these transitions. Band members occasionally ventured into solo endeavors, exemplified by vocalist Annie Anzouer's departure in 1993 to pursue independent projects. The band's decline was exacerbated by members' return to full-time guard responsibilities, the absence of robust international management to sustain global exposure, and broader transformations in the African music industry during the , including evolving production and distribution challenges. By the early , Zangaléwa had informally disbanded following leader Zé Bella's retirement from the military in 2002, though sporadic reunions occurred, such as a 2014 digital reissue of earlier material. Zé Bella remained active in music until his death from cancer on January 15, 2023, at age 70.

Legacy and Impact

Global Revival through Sampling

In 2010, Colombian singer released "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" as the official anthem for the hosted in , prominently sampling the chorus of Golden Sounds' 1986 track "Zangaléwa." The song, produced by John Hill in collaboration with , features South African band and incorporates kwaito-inspired rhythms alongside the sampled elements, creating a fusion that celebrated African musical diversity for a global audience. Performed at the World Cup , it gained massive exposure through broadcasts, reaching an estimated cumulative audience of over 3 billion viewers worldwide during the tournament. "Waka Waka (This Time for )" achieved extraordinary commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time with millions of units sold globally and over 2 billion streams on alone as of 2023. It topped the charts in 15 countries, including , , , and , where it held the number-one position for extended periods, such as 17 weeks on Spain's Singles Chart. This performance not only marked Shakira's biggest hit but also propelled the sampled "Zangaléwa" into renewed international prominence, with the original track's streams on platforms like surging in the years following 2010 as listeners discovered its roots. Beyond Shakira's adaptation, "Zangaléwa" has influenced other musical works and , further amplifying Golden Sounds' reach. For instance, it was sampled in tracks like Magic System's 2011 song "La Danse Des Magiciens" and BB DJ's 2009 release "Enfant Poli," extending its presence in African and international pop. In the 2020s, trends featuring side-by-side comparisons of "Zangaléwa" and "Waka Waka" went viral, introducing the original to younger generations in and the and sparking renewed interest in makossa music through user-generated dances and historical context videos. This digital revival helped bridge cultural gaps, exposing non-African audiences to Cameroonian rhythms and fostering appreciation for the genre's vibrant heritage.

Recognition and Controversies

Golden Sounds received no major international awards during their active years, though their music earned local acclaim in for blending with satirical military themes, making them a household name through broadcasts on the Cameroon Radio and Television Corporation (CRTV). Following the death of lead singer Jean Paul Zé Bella on January 15, 2023, at age 70, the band garnered posthumous recognition in Cameroonian media, including obituaries and tributes highlighting his role in pioneering humorous, guard-inspired that critiqued authority subtly. These honors underscored Zé Bella's lifetime contributions to Cameroonian music, positioning Golden Sounds as cultural icons despite their military origins limiting broader accolades. In 2023, memorial tributes to Zé Bella extended to re-releases of Golden Sounds' originals, such as "Zangaléwa," on global streaming platforms, reviving interest in their catalog amid discussions of their enduring legacy. This renewed availability highlighted the band's influence, though no formal memorial events were widely documented beyond media coverage. The band's global exposure through the 2010 sampling of "Zangaléwa" in Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time for )" sparked significant controversies over royalties and rights. Surviving members, including Dooh Belley, pursued claims in the , leading to negotiations and an out-of-court settlement with an initial $400,000 advance payment to the group. Under the agreement, Golden Sounds were credited as co-composers, receiving 33.33% of publishing income shared among Zé Bella, Dooh Belley, and Emile Kojidie, resulting in millions in royalties disbursed every three months over the subsequent decade. Despite this, band members have described the compensation as minimal relative to the song's massive revenue—generated from billions of streams and sales—emphasizing inequities in how African artists benefit from international adaptations. In August 2025, further controversies emerged regarding the song's charitable intent. "Waka Waka" was originally positioned to support FIFA's "20 Centers for 2010" initiative, building football centers across , with proceeds pledged to charity. However, Shakira retained 39.34% of publishing and master rights income, and John Hill 23.33%, leading to questions about whether funds were donated after the centers' completion in 2014, as no transparent accounting has been provided. Overall income from and is estimated at around $9 million, with minimal of charitable disbursement. Additionally, , who received only 4% of publishing (0.57% per member), publicly demanded answers from and on missing royalties. Ethical debates surrounding the sampling centered on cultural appropriation versus revival, with public discourse critiquing the initial lack of credit and fair pay for Golden Sounds while praising the exposure it brought to . Band members expressed mixed feelings in interviews, with some, like Dooh Belley, noting satisfaction over the legal agreement and global revival of their work, though others involved in the highlighted ongoing frustrations with compensation disparities.

References

  1. https://www.musiques-afrique.net/cameroon/art-goldensounds.html
  2. https://afropop.org/articles/anatomy-of-a-song-zangalewa-from-african-protest-into-multiplatinum-pop
  3. https://bakwamagazine.com/online-content/commentary-undermining-african-intellectual-and-artistic-rights-shakira-zangalewa-the-2010-world-cup-anthem/
  4. https://theconversation.com/jean-paul-ze-bella-the-cunning-cameroonian-soldier-who-became-a-global-music-legend-199799
  5. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2876521-Jean-Ze-Bella
  6. https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/47701/all
  7. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/efe34367-9fde-4523-b0a6-5edb46144615
  8. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/zangalewa
  9. https://www.discogs.com/master/615638-Golden-Sounds-Zangalewa
  10. https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/couching-political-criticism-in-humor/220123
  11. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/makossa-music
  12. https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/pop-makossa-analog-africa
  13. https://www.africanmusiclibrary.org/genre/Makossa
  14. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1169117-Golden-Sounds
  15. https://www.discogs.com/label/176643-Ebobolo-Fia-Production
  16. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/golden_sounds/zangalewa/
  17. https://www.discogs.com/master/615643-Golden-Sounds-Vol-2-Casque-Colonial
  18. https://www.natari.com/cameroon.htm
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/5914549-Golden-Sounds-Zangalewa
  20. https://afrocaribbeanbeats.com/en/zangalewa-golden-sounds-1986/
  21. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/36364/Shakira-Freshlyground-Waka-Waka-%28This-Time-for-Africa%29-Golden-Sounds-Zamina-Mina-%28Zangalewa%29/
  22. https://genius.com/Shakira-waka-waka-this-time-for-africa-lyrics
  23. https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/shakira-world-cup-music-queen-waka-waka-1235178183/
  24. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/771550-most-streamed-fifa-world-cup-song-on-spotify
  25. https://www.whosampled.com/Golden-Sounds/Zamina-Mina-%28Zangalewa%29/sampled/
  26. https://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/the-african-song-that-inspired-shakiras-waka-waka-is-back-thanks-to-instagram-reels-37216
  27. https://www.cameroonconcordnews.com/2023/01/page/5/
  28. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSR_zA-_SpA2bdmgCllqC8w
  29. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/magazine/firms-no-longer-get-singers-ip-for-song-they-splash-the-cash-4788960
  30. https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/waka-waka-scandal-shakira-and-producer-john-hill-made-millions-from-song-meant-for-charity/articleshow/123391422.cms
  31. https://www.capetownetc.com/entertainment/freshlyground-seeks-answers-on-missing-waka-waka-royalties/
  32. https://www.ensafrica.com/news/detail/10673/where-did-the-waka-waka-royalties-go/
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