Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
I sing with the intention of renewing souls and giving hope. Which is why I am very purposeful with each song I write. In a world full of tragedies, chaos, unsolved issues that last decades, we need hope to keep on going. I am happy to play such a role in my community. I therefore really do not limit myself to a particular type of vibe although my music is mostly inspirational. I’m just the type of girl who can vibe to any music genre as long as it aligns with my values.
When did you start performing?
I started performing around the age of 15 and got a little more serious about it at 17 when a group of friends and I formed a band back then. Our very first song was “Haiti”, a msg of hope following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The entire school loved it, to our best surprise! The school’s principal then wanted us to perform that song in different school’s events.
I was loving it, literally feeling like “yes I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do!” – Because I desired to someday become a singer even as a child, and I remember my dad looking disappointed when I was asked what I wish to become, and I gave that answer.
My dad sort of knew the insights of the show business industry, so he didn’t find it appropriate for me to be part of an industry he called “dirty” – Mind you, I was not into Christian or inspirational music back then. I guess my dad was feeling so disappointed that he had to buy me a toy stethoscope, because he so much wanted me to become an MD(*laughs).
Well, his wish came true when my band separated once we graduated high school. At the time I started working on songs that I will call draft, because I never released them professionally. My life got so busy, and I couldn’t find the time needed for my music.
Fast forward, here’s that girl experiencing life as an adult. You know it hits different experiencing life when you’re no longer under your parents and having to own your responsibilities and mistakes. A lot has happened, and I just consider myself a whole testimony.
I never got to find a bigger way to express my testimonies and gratitude, but my mind went back to what I’ve always loved, singing. Here I am!
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
I consider “Limbe” as my hometown (*smiles) – that’s where everything, literally, started. My first supporters were right there as well. Limbe is a beautiful and calm small city in the Republic of Cameroon.
I think Cameroonians or Americans who don’t know me personally and are familiar with Limbe could tell by the tone of my music and even speech; The calm that comes with Limbe is palpable when you hear me (*laughs).
Back in my hometown I loved seating at the beach, singing and writing songs while admiring the nature. Every song I wrote at the beach brought a sense of peace to me; Which really, is what my music is all about.
What performers have been your inspiration?
Sinach’s music is very inspiring. I’ve been following her for the longest so much that as worship leader, my pastor knew that I admired her talent and person so much that he used to encourage me to make her part of the musicians that I study. (*laughs).
Apart from Sinach there are some other artists like Michael Smith, but I must mention Cece Winans! I love this woman’s demeanor in her music and her humility is simply admirable.
What do you base your success on?
Am I successful yet? (*smiles) Well I base myself on my consistency, continuous learning and desire to keep improving to attain success.
What was your latest musical release?
My latest music release is “Rivers in The Desert” which is inspired by my faith and daily life experiences in general.
I think as adults, one of the hardest things to do sometimes is to successfully zone out of our realities. For example, your doctor tells you that you have 3 months to live due to cancer – Your brain will have you thinking about that MD report on a daily, keeping you in sadness.
“Rivers in The Desert” is a song that says “yes I can feel the pain or symptoms from the situation, I’ve heard the negative reports, words and I my eyes could see them too; But I’ve also read and know what the Word of God says.
God being the supreme one who has authority over me, His Word is the final say in any situation and turns any situation around. So we can be at peace, fearless, courageous when we go through tough times because God is always with us.
Do you have any news to share?
Yes! My new song “Rivers in The Desert” is already released like I said earlier, for those who didn’t know. Go ahead and stream it on any music platform. We’ve got a lot more singles cooking, so stay tuned!
How can fans find you?
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/2G1gi6XNrn5DX4O2Ha0m3F
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC60zcDlk1z-e-RFlpY3haYg
Instagram: www.instagram.com/just.one.girls.opinion/ or www.instagram.com/officialpashibelle/
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/pashibelle
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/pashibelle
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
I just want to say thank you for this interview and to everyone who supports and contributes to my music. I hope my music does give you hope, encourages you and makes you happy every time you play it.