Gaston Philippe Abe Abe, popularly known by the stage name “Valsero,” is a Cameroonian rapper, activist, and human rights defender who creates politically responsive music. He began his solo career in 2008, in the midst of a heated political climate in Cameroon after President Paul Biya, in office since 1982, dissolved presidential term limits. Valsero’s first solo album, Politiquement Instable, established him as a leading voice for young Cameroonians who opposed the regime’s authoritarian tactics. Although many TV and radio stations avoided playing the album in fear of retaliation, it became such a potent popular force that Valsero’s adoring fans started calling him “Général Valsero.” His lyrics call for greater accountability and transparency from the government and more democratic processes for the country. On January 26, 2019, he was arrested at a political demonstration and held without bail while awaiting trial for spurious charges that could have carried a punishment as grave as the death penalty. He was freed on October 5, 2019, following international outcry.

Living now in Europe where he keeps pointing issues and problems from his native country, he became a symbol for the Resistance. His popularity grew so much that on september the 18^th, 2021, he was able to fill Zenith de Paris (6000) for an unforgettable show !

From the Artist:

“What made me dangerous and what makes many artists in their country dangerous is their capacity to mobilize people. If they manage to rally people around their discourse, if they manage to become a reference upon which people can lean, then they become like fuel.”

First time in the USA next September 2022.