Elevating African Voices, One Opera at a Time: Spotlight on Bertrand Kouekieu

In an era where African music is commanding global attention, Cameroonian opera singer Guy Bertrand Kouekieu is carving out a unique path one that harmonises tradition, classical artistry, and cultural identity to transcend borders.

Living and working in Ghana, Kouekieu is not only redefining opera within an African context, he is also using his voice to amplify the continent’s rich musical heritage on the global stage.

“When you're called a musician, you must act like a soldier,” he says a mantra that fuels his disciplined approach to his craft and his mission.

At a recent performance held at the British Council in Accra, Guy Bertrand Kouekieuled a captivating musical story one inspired by The Pearl Fishers, blending operatic tradition with themes of love, brotherhood, and reconciliation.

“We wrote a story about two men pursuing the same woman,” he shared. “In the end, they chose friendship over rivalry. That’s the kind of message we want to send unity over division.”

But it wasn’t just the storyline that stood out. The performance showcased a medley of styles, from classical arias to Ghanaian folk songs rendered with operatic flair. K’s belief is firm: African stories deserve global stages, and African voices can master and own even the most Western of art forms.

“People often think opera is music for white people,” he notes. “But when they see us doing it—Africans they realise: this is our space too.”

Beyond Borders: Music as a Movement

Guy Bertrand’s journey spans over two decades. Having started his career in Cameroon, his path eventually led him to Ghana, where he has devoted himself to training and mentoring young musicians.

“I’ve trained many singers, and seeing their growth is part of my mission,” he explains.

Last year, he released his debut album Njala Ghana, which garnered attention across social media and included performances in the United States. His goal is simple, yet profound: to showcase African excellence through classical music.

“We want the Western world to see what we can do with our traditional songs,” he says. “We improve them, perform them operatically so the world sees our culture not just as history, but as evolving art.”

Building a Cultural Bridge

For K, music is a cultural bridge a way to connect Africans across regions, and a tool for cultural diplomacy. His performances are as much about entertainment as they are about preserving and innovating African traditions.

“We have to stick to our roots. When we know what our forefathers did, we can adapt it and share it with the world.” This philosophy is what powers his work not only on stage, but also behind the scenes where he tirelessly advocates for institutional support and funding for the arts in Ghana and beyond.

“There’s no formal institution supporting classical music here. We use our own resources. But with support, we can do more. We can take this to the world,” he said.

Beyond the stage, Guy Bertrand’s influence is deeply felt by those around him. Known for his humility and discipline, he’s inspired a new generation of African vocalists many of whom see him as a mentor and father figure.

“If you're invited to perform and there's only one person present, sing as if there were hundreds,” he often tells his students a quote that reflects his values of excellence, respect, and professionalism. As a Leukaemia Ambassador in Ghana, K is also recognised for his charitable work, using his platform to support patients and raise awareness a testament to his heart as much as his talent.

Africa's Voice, Reimagined

In a global music landscape dominated by Afrobeats and hip hop, Guy Bertrand K stands as a reminder of Africa’s diverse sonic possibilities.

His voice—trained, powerful, and unmistakably African calls us to listen deeper and dream bigger.

“We’re ready to hit the world,” he says with quiet confidence, adding “If the public embraces us, Africa will not only sing but soar.”