Cyprian Josson: Bridging Nollywood, Literature, and AI-Powered Afrobeats from France to the World
Cyprian Josson: Bridging Nollywood, Literature, and AI-Powered Afrobeats from France to the World
Discover Cyprian Josson, the prolific Nigerian-born writer, filmmaker, and Nollywood expert based in France. Explore his innovative journey blending African storytelling with AI-powered Afrobeats on Nollywood France Channel.
In the vibrant intersection of African storytelling, cinema, and modern music, few figures stand out like Cyprian Josson. A Nigerian-born creative force now based in France, Josson is a prolific writer, publisher, filmmaker, Nollywood expert, and innovative AI music producer. As the founder of the Nollywood France Channel on YouTube – a powerhouse for original Afrobeats and premium African entertainment – he's carving a unique niche that celebrates cultural heritage while embracing cutting-edge technology.
Josson's journey is one of resilience and boundless curiosity. His books, available on Amazon, span genres: from the insightful Nollywood: The Billion Dollar Money Zone, exploring Nigeria's booming film industry, to the poignant Stranger Lane about African immigrants in France, his autobiography Break Away, poetic collections like Songs of the Soul, and romantic tales such as Romance à Paris. He's even organized gospel festivals on shoestring budgets and delved into African folklore with Once Upon a Time: The Anthology of African Stories. Through his writings, Josson captures the essence of creativity, love, and cultural identity.
But today, Josson is riding a new wave: AI-generated Afrobeats. In a recent interview, he opened up about his passion for blending tradition with innovation.
"Curiosity is my biggest inspiration," he says. "AI tools have opened new opportunities for creators like me to carve out a niche in Afrobeats – bringing something fresh and positive to the world."
Embracing AI Without Fear
Born with what he calls "creative DNA," Josson approaches AI music with the fearless mindset of a child.
"I don’t fear failure because I’m only competing with myself,"
he explains. Rejection? Not on his radar – he creates for the joy of it. His daily ritual of two hours researching global trends keeps him ahead, turning tools like ChatGPT into allies for efficient, cost-effective creation.
The hurdles? Getting AI to nail emotional, human-like vocals in Pidgin English, Yoruba, or authentic Afrobeats style. Patience and relentless testing are his weapons.
"I spend hours comparing tools until I find the exact sound,"
he shares. One standout example: A complex prompt to ChatGPT for 15 original romantic Afrobeats lyrics in Pidgin and Yoruba, complete with Yoruba talking drums and BPM suggestions. The result? Tracks like "Baby, Will You Come Back to Me, I’m Sorry" (BPM 103, with soft shakers and light guitar riffs), where lines like "Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ ẹ, I love you truly" evoke raw emotion.
Why love songs?
"Audiences crave sweet, emotional moments – and love is universal,"
Josson notes. His channel's biggest viewers in the USA agree.
The Secret Recipe: Roots and Innovation
Josson's Afrobeats draws from giants like Fela Kuti (the godfather of Afrobeat), Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Tiwa Savage. Rooted in traditional "Kokoma" rhythms, Highlife, and Ghanaian influences, his "unique recipe" adds Pidgin English and Yoruba for that irresistible sweetness.
Influences extend beyond Afrobeats – from gospel (he ran a 10-year International Gospel Festival in France) to jazz, blues, and Indian music. Living serenely in France fuels his output, alongside his Nollywood expertise – he's interviewed stars at Nollywood Week Paris and teaches about the industry's global rise.
A piece is "finished" when... well, it's never perfect. "I’m never fully satisfied,"
Josson admits, often tweaking during walks with his dog Pilou. But subscriber feedback – over 4,500 strong – keeps him going.
Afrobeats, to him, is pride and resistance: ancestral rhythms resisting boredom and stress, inspiring joy. His channel boasts the largest Afrobeats catalogue on YouTube (hundreds of videos!), fueling a movement in France.
"Be happy, enjoy life, and let Afrobeats move you,"
says the man himself. Dive into Cyprian Josson's world on the Nollywood France Channel. Check out this curated playlist for a taste of his AI-crafted magic: Afrobeats Playlist by Cyprian Josson
Subscribe, groove, and celebrate the heartbeat of Africa – innovated from the heart of France!
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