Salatiel: Pastor's son becomes star

Salatiel is a household name in the music industry in the country particularly when it comes to Afro Pop songs. Born in 1987 into a Christian family with his father being a Pastor, this young Cameroonian, whose name is Salatiel Livenja Bessong has chosen his own path in life; that of becoming an international Afro Pop Star.

It all started in 2005 when he created a band called "Sales Band" with his friends at the University of Yaounde I. In that group, he was lead singer and drummer. While in Yaounde, he mostly directed church choirs as well as wrote songs for the choirs. Later, Salatiel started learning how to play a guitar. His love for music made him drop out of medical studies and decided to pursue a degree in Zoology.

In 2007, he moved to the University of Buea and started working with a college choir, "Break through Voices", as music director and song writer. After his first musical record with the college choir in a gospel album entitled "Lord I Am Sorry", his desires to become a producer arose. Over the years, he has produced about 100 albums, more than 3000 songs for over 300 artists.

At the beginning, Satatiel did mostly self-written songs and gospel albums of all genres. This broadened his scope and helped him develop himself as a specialist in music fusion. His first solo appearance was in 2009 for Mutzig Star music contest but he did not make it to the top.

In 2010, he formed the group "Da Thrill", went for Nescafe African Revelation and won 1st place in Cameroon and 2nd at the Pan African finals in Senegal. He produced 90 per cent of the album "New Dawn" which was released in 2012 with the hit single "Je Te Yah Moh".

He has also won the "MTN Make the Music" contest and had the opportunity to perform in iFest 2014. Within three months, Salatiel has been able to make a strictly afro pop album, entitled "I Am Salatiel" featuring artists such as Skales, Minks, Duc Z, Locko, Mr Leo, Dynastie Le Tigre, Lè Featurists amongst others.

His 2016 album "Ça Se Passe Ici" has generated a nostalgic feeling in the hearts of many especially as it is a mixture of some old Makossa hits and new hits from local artists.