Atna Njock, alias Zekuhl, presents his 4th album, a world jazz universe combining the traditional Bantu sounds of Cameroon with contemporary colors from around the globe. A multi-instrumentalist, singer, excellent guitarist, and master player of the Nkuu, Zekuhl offers us a spiritual invitation to raise our consciousness and unlock the full potential of humanity.

Titled Tòòdana, which means "Wake up," this opus features twelve original compositions sung in French and Bàsàa, his mother tongue, which speak to the awakening of our consciousness, self-transcendence, the imperfect and wonderful human being, and the challenge of living together. Zekuhl transports us beyond borders with a unique and fluid groove, composed of rich rhythmic and melodic arrangements, while maintaining a very accessible and danceable pace.

With his fellow traveler, the Nkuu, an ancestral drum that reproduces spoken languages, Zekuhl transposes the tradition of tone-based language into a modern acoustic and electric orchestration, where the musical movement of each song, played through the phrases and rhythmic codes of the Nkuu, reflects the song's sung message.

A fervent defender of the richness of African music, he masters both on guitar and percussion the playing of various Cameroonian rhythms, including Assiko, Bolbo, Makossa, Bikutsi, Mangambeu, and even the Mpeya of the Baka pygmies, all present on this album. Connoisseurs of the great voices of Cameroon will recognize the participation of Ben Decca and his legendary voice on the track Wàa yī ɓee.

Present on the Quebec scene since the 90s, Zekuhl is one of the precursors of musical diversity in Quebec. The grandson of a traditional chief, Atna grew up in Cameroon, where he was initiated from a very young age into the musical art of several African tribes, including those of his Bàsàa tribe and the Baka pygmies near his village. Subsequently, he enriched himself with contemporary musical varieties from around the world to present an innovative world-jazz style. Atna Njock writes and composes the parts for every instrument.

Album tracks:

1. Dì nyen kii
2. Màa hoya me bèe
3. Temps qui va
4. Lìkàp
5. Ma charmante
6. Wàa yi bee
7. Jàm lini
8. Dì yè màsee
9. Mùt Bìnàm
10. Ù nlol meè
11. Partager
12. Tòòdana

Released on September 13, 2019