Célia
Kameni

"I am moved by the voice, by an intangible echo: the shape of sound." These are the words that come to mind when speaking of Célia Kameni. A continuous breath that cuts through our own. Faint notes, deep and powerful outbursts, all take form and inhabit a space. The air vibrates. And we vibrate with it.

Blessed with a sumptuous, deep, and hypnotic voice, Célia Kameni was noticed early on by several mentors who encouraged her to pursue music studies. Born into a family of Cameroonian origin, young Célia was immersed in many musical styles, from opera, jazz, African music, rock, to Caribbean rhythms. She was admitted to the Lyon Conservatory and began classical vocal studies before turning to contemporary music, jazz, and improvisation.

A radiant artist who never fears taking risks, Célia Kameni has been invited to perform alongside some of the biggest names on the international scene, such as Sting, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sandra Nkake, Cécile McLaurin Salvant, and Liz McComb. Like a free spirit guided by her aspirations and inspirations, she has participated in numerous musical projects of varied colors, including the renowned group Bigre!, which subtly blends French chanson with Cuban music, and the Amazing Keystone Big Band, with which she won a Victoire du Jazz in 2018 for "Group of the Year." Additionally, she tours the world with her jazz quartet, composed of musicians from diverse backgrounds, such as Alfio Origlio, Zaza Desiderio, and Brice Berrerd.

Among her albums—all praised by the press—she has also recorded with rapper Afu-Ra, in a style combining hip-hop, soul, and funk. In 2022, Célia Kameni was nominated for "Vocal Artist of the Year" at the Victoires de la Musique and performed across Europe with her various projects. In 2020, she met singer Yael Naïm, with whom she began imagining and building her first personal album project. The first lines took shape, and the Méduse project was born in 2023.