With intense lyrical optimism and groovy beats, Wise Atangana’s latest album Messimba encourages Ottawans and Canadians to exhibit intentional mindsets. Atangana, an Ottawa-based artist originally from Cameroon, is set to debut his album at the Gladstone Theatre on March 25.
Atangana said the debut concert will be a primary step in sharing the message behind his new music.
“All my music is about motivation. Behind Messimba is the idea of positive vibrations. It’s a whole philosophy I am developing and promoting,” Atangana said.
The force behind Messimba focuses on positioning your mind and using your surroundings to stay positive, according to Atangana.
“Even if you have a lot of challenges in your life,” Atangana said. “My album focuses on how to create happiness.”
Atangana said he developed ideas and topics for his songs that branched off the overarching theme of positivity.
“The album is diverse,” Atangana said. “It’s hip-hop and afrobeat. It appeals to a very large audience but also attracts a lot of youth. That’s the crowd I’m connecting the most with.”
From the message about expanding your potential on Think and Grow Big and the catchy vocals of Tiens moi par la main, Messimba is an album whose name also holds great significance to Atangana.
“In my mother tongue, in Cameroon, Messimba means miracle,” he said. “And positive mental vibrations are a sort of miracle.”
Atangana said in the face of negativity, he strives to stand up for positive change.
“I am here to bring change and to help people live differently,” Atangana said. “This is a new generation. There’s a new way to think, a new way to act.”
During the pandemic, he said he faced unique challenges as an up-and-coming artist, especially since he couldn’t perform at in-person venues.
“As an artist, because the National Arts Centre sponsors me, my project has a national aspect. This includes tours and media interviews,” Atangana said. “Those get a bit complicated with the pandemic.”
Atangana said he is thankful for those who have believed in his vision throughout the creation of Messimba.
“I’m really lucky to be in my studio,” Atangana said. “I was lucky to be able to produce an album, as a lot of resources go into doing that.”
Gratefulness is a mindset Atangana said he regularly taps into.
“I always have music, writing and creativity,” he said. “Those are therapy to me. Sharing my happiness with people helps me wake up every day.”
Atangana also recognizes the complexities of life and how this can impact people’s mindsets.
“When I say ‘Be happy,’ I don’t negate hard times, sadness and pain,” he said. “To keep yourself positive is a challenge. To stay negative is even more challenging. I choose positivity.”
Those interested in seeing Atangana perform Messimba live can purchase tickets for the March 25 show at the Gladstone here.
Featured image by Wise Atangana.
