Witnessing the Transformation from within with JOSEPHINE ATANGA – Performer
What's your story? Tell us in your own words...
Name: Josephine Atanga
Country of Origin: Cameroon
Profile: Artist
Tell us something about yourself.
My name is Josephine Atanga. I am the second child of a family of five. I grew up in the Northwest province of Cameroon and attended secondary school at the Cameroon College of Commerce, Mankon and high school in Government High School, Mbengwi where I was the Senior Prefect girls. I went on to the University of Yaounde where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature before moving to the USA. I come from a family of singers. My grandmother, mother, sisters, cousins and aunts are all singers. I am a mother of three handsome boys. I give God all the glory for the talent He has given me to serve Him.
How did you get into music? What other passions do you have?
I got into music as a calling and as a way to serve God and humanity through my talents. I believe that with the passion that I have for God I will be able to use my voice to impact lives spiritually and financially. By this I mean, part of the proceeds from the sales of my CDs and videos always go towards giving back to the community in the USA and Africa. This is why I created a Non Profit 501 c (3) organization as a means to impact people one life at a time, especially the underprivileged.
I also wanted to become a journalist while back in Cameroon but growing up in an era where it was difficult for me to pursue my dreams, I decided to start my own Gospel Talk show called Gospel Drum as a means to bring to the lime light those who are creating an impact in the diaspora, especially the USA.
Also, to give back to the women in my hometown Bamenda, I came up with a design line called Listar Design to expose and help enhance the skills of these women back in Cameroon who spend sleepless nights doing the beautiful embroidery called “Toghu“. I believe that with the voice I have for singing, I could also be a voice for those women in Bamenda by helping in expanding their market into the western market.
I have won several awards in my music career: winner of 2010 African Gospel Music Award, winner of Best Female vocalist in Philadelphia 2011, recipient of African Leadership Empowerment Award in 2011 for the activities of My Non-Profit organization and my Gospel Drum Talk Show with citation from the United States Senator Ben Cadin, nominee of African Gospel award 2012 in London for Best African Gospel artist in USA and Canada, nominee of Cameroon Best Gospel Artist by Cameroon Entertainment Award.
Founder of Association of African Gospel Musicians and Artists (AAGMA in USA), I have performed for important dignitaries like First lady of Sierra Leone, Ambassadors of Cameroon, County Executives of Prince Georges County, Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, churches, schools, Ambassador of Sierra Leone, etc. I am also the first African to produce a Christmas Album with African Beats (African Dance Carols).
What are the core values that guide you?
My core values are based on the word of God. The Word gives me passion, drive and motivation in whatever I am doing. I believe in seeking wisdom and the guidance of God in whatever I set my energy to accomplish.
What challenges have you faced in life and in your work? How did you overcome them?
My greatest challenges in music is fighting piracy and getting support from my own . Much support is needed from one’s own people in order to succeed . But I have been able to overcome these challenges by setting my eyes on God rather than on people. With the approval from God, studying God’s word and living a lifestyle of prayers.
Who inspires you and why?
Like I said earlier my inspiration comes first from the word of God, family and and even my own challenges inspire me to pick up where I have failed and to see how I can do things differently in order to overcome those obstacles that made me not be where I am supposed to be.
What are some of your greatest achievements so far and where do you see yourself a few years from now?
My greatest achievement is to see lives being impacted positively and being transformed from within by giving back to humanity.
Tell us something you’ll like the world to know about your country Cameroon.
Cameroon is a country that will inspire you to become a power house. When I look around, I have found that Cameroon has been a source of inspiration to me either through my style of music or through my design line. I am out of Cameroon but Cameroon remains in my heart and spirit.
Where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I see myself in future. I see myself touching lives and preaching the word of God more than I have ever done. I see myself moving from glory to glory and becoming financially stable in order to be able to give back more and more to the needy women, girls and Pastors back in Africa. Presently, I am a full time student studying for my degree program in nursing.
Josephine is on Facebook
