By Sylvain Kwambi
Thousands of people gathered to celebrate in the evening air in Yaounde, with a mix of feelings and memories. Petit Pays, whose real name is Adolphe Claude Moundi, was marking 40 years of a career that changed Cameroonian music.
Known by nicknames like “Rabbit”, “Effatta” and “Omega”, Petit Pays is more than a simple musician, he’s a legend.
He stood in front of the cheering crowd, feeling both honoured and proud, wearing a white outfit like the lively costumes from his shows in the 90s. It was more than a concert, a real cultural celebration.
“This isn’t just about me; it’s about the love we’ve shared together for four decades,” an emotional Pays said during the concert.
From Bonadibong to the world
Born on June 5, 1967, he began his musical career in the Douala neighbourhood of Bonadibong in the early 1980s.
His rebel and preacher parts made him unique. While many of his peers focused on traditional Makossa music Pays mixed it with pop, Soukous, Zouk and Ndombolo, creating his genre: “The Makossa Love”. Always full of passion, honest thoughts and emotion, his daring lyrics sometimes caused debate.
He quickly became famous and one of the top-selling artists in Central Africa. With many hits like Ancien Parigo, Frotambo and God Go Pay” he sold millions of albums across Africa and abroad.
He funded his band Les Sans-visas, helping to launch the careers of several well-known musicians like Samy Diko, Njoreur, Mathematik, and Zavier Lagafe.
A Memorable Night
Pays celebrated his four decades in the business this year, the concert at Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex bringing fans of all ages and from all over the world together.
The event allowed him to revisit his great classics, with the same energy. Between songs he talked about his past, his challenges, his errors, and his growth.
“I’ve been misunderstood,” he said. “But I’ve always been true to my art. That’s what kept me going.”
Video messages from African stars like Fally Ipupa and Alpha Blondy followed, and many younger artists like Tenor and Salatiel joined him on stage, showing that his impact reaches across generations.
“Being here is like reliving my youth.” said Huguette Ngando, 48, a fan from Paris. “Petit Pays is not just a singer, he’s been a background music to our lives.”
The legacy lasts
Pay’s influence extends beyond music. He was among the first artists to popularise bold music video, unique fashion, and direct interaction with fans in Cameroon. His albums often discussed topics people usually avoided: cheating, corruption, religion, and political satire.
“By doing so, he created new opportunities for artistic expression in a traditional society,” said Roland Macaire, a Cameroonian cultural journalist who hosts O Cafe Prime on My Prime Media TV. “He gave a voice to the everyday people. Before Petit Pays, Makossa was more formal. He made it for everyone.”
Despite controversies and sometimes media bans, he never stopped recording. His mind stayed sharp even as he got older, and his songwriting remained powerful.
“I want to write, mentor and give back,” said Pays recently, mentioning possibly retiring or stepping back from performing.
Looking ahead
Back in Yaounde, as the crowd sang along, it was clear: whether loved, criticised, or misunderstood, Petit Pays has secured his sport in history.
The man who once said “they don’t understand me, but they listen to me” remains both an enigma and a melody, a rebel with rhythm, a legend with soul.
As Cameroon celebrates this achievement, one question remains: Who will carry his legacy?
Featured image: Cameroon musical icon Petit Pays still commands centre stage. Photo: Petit Pays/Facebook
