An interview with Yankity

We delve into Yankity’s world as a music artist. Growing around music in the town of Tobin-Kumbo, in Bui Division of the North West Region of Cameroon, he easily became a fan and later developed the passion to craft his own sound.

INTERVIEWER:

Who is Yankity?

YANKITY:

My name is Yannick, and I am a Cameroonian Singer, rapper and songwriter based in Douala, Cameroon. I perform under the stage name Yankity and I am also known as YO TARA.

INTERVIEWER:

You started doing music at the age of 12, what inspired you back then?

YANKITY:

My inspiration truly began in the halls of the minor seminary. At the age of twelve, I was introduced to music as a formal subject, covering music composition, solfa notations, transposition, and instrumentals. It was there that I built a foundational understanding of the fundamentals of both sacred and secular music.

I particularly want to highlight Rev. Father Marcel Banseka, who was the inspiration that sparked this deep love of music in me. During that phase in the seminary, music influenced every aspect of my daily activities, and over the years, this foundation is what has kept me grounded and inspired.

INTERVIEWER:

Was there a moment you felt your dream was to become a music artist?

YANKITY:

I grew up in Tobin, Kumbo, in the North West Region of Cameroon. In my generation, it felt like every guy held a mic; I was constantly surrounded by music through my home, church, and school. Tobin provided the perfect environment for me to enjoy and immerse myself in that world.                        

While I have always created music for the pure love of it, I never seriously considered becoming a professional artist until 2020. That year was a turning point for me where my passion converged with a new dream to pursue music as a career.

Working on several demo records with Mettod J, one of Cameroon’s finest sound engineers, made it clear that I was meant to be behind the mic. He truly understood the specific sound and vibes I wanted to achieve. This shift marked the beginning of what I call the "Black & White Era: On Purpose."

INTERVIEWER:

You’re a legal practitioner by profession now, at what point did you think you needed to start putting your music out there despite the demanding nature of your job as a lawyer?

YANKITY:

Music, both as an art form and a business, requires a significant amount of paperwork and structural diligence. As a legal practitioner, working within this space while creating music has helped me deeply appreciate the value of my own creative output.

 I have reached a point where I feel it is time to start putting my music out into the world, aligning this pursuit with my purpose and the right mindset. This transition represents the moment I became truly intentional about my music—shifting the paradigm from a passive hobby to being fully present and intentional about the entire process.

 INTERVIEWER:

What expectations do you have? Do you place yourself as other full-time music artists?

YANKITY:

I am excited to share that "The Memories" is my first official music release. My primary expectation is to connect with music lovers everywhere, and I believe the rest will follow from there.

 INTERVIEWER:

What can you say will give you fulfilment when your music is out there? What will you consider an accomplishment?

YANKITY:

Finally doing what I love and focusing on my musical craft. To me, the true accomplishment lies in the opportunity for others to listen and connect with my work in one way or another.

 INTERVIEWER:

Let’s talk about the type of music you do. How can you describe your music?

YANKITY:My music is a blend of diverse sounds from Hiphop, RnB and Njang Melodies. I will describe my music as minimalistic and unique with groove ambiance.

INTERVIEWER:

What topics do you find interest in to talk about in your songs?

YANKITY:

My interest is all about Social issues cutting across diverse topics and themes, which I think people can connect to.

INTERVIEWER:

Can you talk about your debut single “The Memories”? How significant is it to you and your music journey?

YANKITY:

I see this work as a deep reflection and a way to reconnect with myself—bridging my past and present to pave the way for a new chapter in my music journey.

INTERVIEWER:

What should fans expect after “The Memories”?

YANKITY:

Following the release of "The Memories," what is next for my fans and listeners; certainly should expect more tunes, good music, and good vibes, as I have many sweet melodies currently in the works.

END