Meet Libianca, The Cameroonian Singer With The Relatable Hit Record "People"

Photo: Libianca/Instagram

By Kinyua Mwangi

Subscribe and Download Exclusive DJ Mixes on MDUNDO

American-born Cameroonian singer Libianca is the latest West African music landscape sensation following her latest, release ‘People’. 

People is an entrancing and timeless masterpiece punctuated by a charming afro-soul melody. The thought behind ‘People’ and the basic inspiration for this song is the realities of life. Ideally, she tackles a societal subject where many people put up a facade to the rest of society while they hurt deep inside.

Libianca paints a picture of a troubled soul and all she does is drink endlessly. Sadly, no one calls to check on her, not even when she appears to the public with bloodshot eyes, yet she doesn’t smoke marijuana with a reputation for making the eyes turn red. 

“Ohhh I've been drinking more alcohol for the past 5 days Did you check on me? Now did you look for me? I walked in the room eyes are red and I don't smoke banga did you check on me? Now did you notice me? Nobody will know the paranoia cuz I put a smile on my face,” her starting lyrics go. 

Libianca subtly passes a witty message about the realities of life and how putting up an appearance makes it seem like all is well. But the sad truth is things are terribly flawed and you could be hanging by the thread but they will never know. 

Admittedly, Libianca wrote ‘People’ at a time she felt unheard and unseen. She is glad that many of those who’ve heard it relate to the outpouring of emotion through the song. It is more than just a song because she intends to offer reprieve to troubled souls. 

“I wake up with so much gratitude and want this comment section to be a safe space for you all to tell your stories, for you all to be seen!” she says urging people to always check on their loved ones. 

The messaging in ‘People’ is simple but powerful, so much so that award-winning Nigerian crooner BNXN formerly known as Buju covered the song. He adds to the song's charm with his melodic but melancholy-ridden voice. 

BNXN captures the image of a man drowning in thoughts and emotions. His only companion is alcohol to help him suppress his thoughts. On the flip side, he says things could be different if there were someone checking up on him. His call amplifies Libianca’s thought process which is all about the silent battles people go through in silence and eventually slip into depression and become functioning alcoholics. 

But who is Libianca the incredible ‘People’ singer? She was born in Minnesota, US 22 years ago. Her parents named her Libianca Kenzonkinboum Fonji. She gained amazing mastery of her instrument prowess in more than 10 years of practice. Music was everything she loved since she was a young kid which led her to participate in The Voice 2021 competition where Blake Shelton served as her coach. Her vocals were so good that Ariana Grande, John Legend, and Kelly Clarkson all gunned to coach her but she chose Shelton.

And before long, Libianca flexed her musical muscles with a Colors video performing her most recent hit, "People” and her whole charisma and vibe draped all over. The R&B and Afro Soul singer first got into the music scene in 2020 with ‘Revenge’ and ‘My Place’. She then released ‘Special Lovin’ and ‘Thank You’ in 2021. 

People, however, look to be the start of something great for Libianca who have garnered over two million views on YouTube in just under one week of the release of the song's official video.