Recently, a song by Cameroonian artist Prince Aimé titled “Viviane” has re-emerged into the spotlight, largely due to Ivorian singer Debordo Leekunfa’s remix performance from a 2017 concert. Debordo not only shared a video of the remix but also announced plans to release it officially, claiming copyright ownership.
Originally released by Prince Aimé in 2004, “Viviane” was a major hit in Cameroon, becoming a widely cherished anthem. However, its legacy was reignited after Debordo’s remix—performed alongside a female artist—began to gain traction online. The song’s revival has sparked a heated debate regarding its ownership and origin, with many Cameroonians urging their fellow musicians to defend Prince Aimé, fearing that Debordo may end up receiving undue credit for the track.
Cameroonian Artists Rally Behind Prince Aimé
Dynastie, a prominent Cameroonian musician, voiced his frustration on social media:
“Ivorians are encouraging their brother Debordo Leekunfa to release a remix of Viviane by Prince Aimé, while the Cameroonians are denigrating their own brother, Prince Aimé, who made the sound! Question: do you know that the world is watching us? After so many years in the shadows, Prince Aimé deserves a smile too. And what about the image of our country?”
Many people outside of Cameroon mistakenly associate “Viviane” with Debordo’s 2017 rendition, not realising that Prince Aimé originally sang the song in 2004. The track now gains international attention, with its most iconic line, “Viviane c’est toi qui m’as fait comme ça…” featuring in viral challenges on social media platforms like TikTok.
A United Effort to Reclaim the Song’s Legacy
In response to the song’s newfound popularity, several Cameroonian artists have come forward, pledging to remix “Viviane” with Prince Aimé to ensure he receives the recognition he deserves. One of them, Maahlox, passionately stated:
“You love it when Cameroonian artists suffer, don’t you? I’m going to get 5 of the game’s biggest stars together, and we’re going to do a remix of ‘Viviane’ with Prince Aimé, and we’ll see how he doesn’t benefit from his song!”
Maahlox’s post gained significant traction, with support pouring in from various Cameroonian artists, actors, and bloggers, all expressing their willingness to provide financial, material, and moral backing for the remix.
Criticism of Opportunism Amid Sudden Support
However, not everyone has welcomed the surge of support. Some bloggers have criticized the sudden interest in Prince Aimé, accusing the artists of being opportunistic. One blogger remarked:
“See opportunists, where were you guys for the past 20 years when Aimé was down, depressed, and hungry? Now that a stranger has revived his career, all of a sudden, you guys are showing him fake love because you want to milk from his music.”
Prince Aimé’s Journey and Struggles
Prince Aimé, best known for his 2004 hit “Viviane,” has had other notable songs, such as “Merci Papa Ndzongan.” In 2016, he moved to France to further his music career, but by 2020, he posted a video revealing his struggles and hardships while living abroad. He has since returned to Cameroon, hoping to revive his career and reconnect with his fans.
A Second Chance for Prince Aimé?
As “Viviane” experiences a resurgence, many of Prince Aimé’s supporters are hopeful that this moment could be his chance to reclaim the spotlight after years of adversity.
This revival represents both an opportunity for Prince Aimé to rebuild his career and a challenge, as debates over credit and ownership continue to swirl.
