Originally from Cameroon, singer-songwriter Ballas has settled in Gateshead where he lives with his family; though his heart and mind are never far away from his homeland.
 | | Ballas says STOP! |
Concerned about the problems facing his fellow countrymen and women, Ballas is more than aware of the sacrifices and loss experienced by African people who've had to flee their homes, seeking sanctuary in Europe. Ballas is a pioneer of the new African diaspora settling in the north of England. He aims to engage audiences with his powerful lyrics, aiming to raise awareness and change attitudes towards his long suffering homeland. He recently renamed himself "Le Ballas d'Afrique" (Ballas of Africa). With the support of local music producer (and kindred spirit) Giress M’badinga, Ballas has recorded his UK debut CD. ‘No More’, on Igarka Music, Newcastle’s first African record label. But who are the ‘mosquitoes’? | "Mosquitoes are those politicians who take power mostly by force or by rigging elections" | | Ballas |
On the album track 'No More Mosquitoes' Ballas uses term 'mosquitoes' to symbolise the bad and Machiavellian regimes in parts of Africa and also in other countries around the world. As Ballas explains, “Mosquitoes are those politicians who take power mostly by force or by rigging elections. ‘Mosquitoes’ also refers to people in power who steal their country's wealth for themselves and their families, creating corruption at all levels, from the press to the magistrate.” Ballas refuses to remain quiet on the subject of pan-African politics, and has pledged to the world to condemn these practices by spreading 'insecticide' to end these 'mosquitoes'. Ballas and Giresse have spiced up original musical compositions with the rhythms of the black Diaspora rhythms; from French Antilles to the South African coast.
 | | Ballas : Fly-fighter |
The global appeal of Igarka Music is largely attributed to the rhythmic and poetic quality of the mix of Meduimba and French languages, and the guitar style known as Sebene. Meduimba, the language spoke in the West of Cameroon, is a tonal tongue that has been described as ‘the language that sings by itself’. However, the vital ingredient which generates dance-floor frenzy is the Sebene originated from the Congo - also known as soukouss. In keeping with the Igarka Music vision of integration and understanding through music – local singer Sarah French was invited to debut on ‘No More’ which was recorded and produced in Newcastle. Here's hoping that 'No More' will not be the last we hear of this exciting development in the region's musical multicultural heritage. Ballas - your country needs you! | 
