Artist Listening Party ~ Kaïssa

This is our Extra Effort Forum Side B. With special guest international, Cameroon borned renowned recording artist Kaïssa. About the Artist When an original voice rises up, music lovers are moved to listen. Now Kaïssa is the one motivating a fast-growing audience, connecting through her soaring vocal talents and the irresistible African-inspired rhythms of her songs. Kaïssa’s voice is a unique instrument – an electric mix of character and clarity, strength and fragility, total control and unbridled joy. Besides captivating audiences, her peers have taken notice as well, winning her a steady stream of work around the world with luminary artists such as: Manu Dibango, Papa Wemba, Salif Keita, Jean-Michel Jarre, Cesaria Evora, Martha Wash, Paul Simon, David Byrne, Diana Ross , and many others. Born in Cameroon and raised in Paris, Kaïssa is now New York-based, surrounded by a group of world-class musicians that are building on her vision. Her debut album, LOOKING THERE was released in March 2004 by Sony Music South Africa and received rave reviews for its highly engaging vocals and pulsating African/Western rhythmic backdrops. Success breeds success, and LOOKING THERE has led Kaïssa to the next level, with featured slots on three Putumayo compilations including GLOBAL SOUL, WORLD REGGAE and WOMEN OF AFRICA. Her riveting performance at the XVI Africa Festival in Würzburg Germany in May, 2004 led critics to dub her “…one of the future great voices of Africa". Behind the beauty, however, there is always a message, with Kaïssa’s poignant lyrics talking frankly about the human condition, speaking out against war and injustice, and calling gloriously to her native Cameroon for its love of life and the human spirit. With a new album in the works, this unforgettable artist continues to expand her sphere. Rest assured, Kaïssa’s voice is original, and it is being heard.