Bijoux is a Little Rock, AR based artist who uses her musical gift to bring joy to people all over the world. She’s made a name for herself singing covers of many of the most popular songs of all time and she will soon be known for her original music as well!
Attending a live show featuring Bijoux is an experience. Her interpretation of jazz, R&B and pop songs is soulful and melodic. Her bright smile lights up the room. Her diction is precise. Her presence is energetic and regal. Bijoux is basically a goddess so it’s no wonder so many people refer to her as, “Her Royal Dopeness.”
Background
The Little Rock native is the daughter of immigrants from Cameroon, located in Central West Africa. She credits her love of music to her parents, who stressed the importance of excellence, creativity and artistry. She notes that her mother is also a gifted singer.
Even with a background rooted in the arts, Bijoux admits that she kind of stumbled upon singing as a passion of hers. When she was in the 9th grade she joined the school choir and nothing was the same. “I had an extra elective that year and I didn’t want to do anything that would be too hard, so I picked choir.” She soon became a featured soloist (smart move by the choir director).
As a college student at the University of Arkansas, she continued singing by joining the Inspirational Singers (legendary campus gospel choir). It was during this time that she truly fell in love with gospel and jazz music.
When questioned on who her greatest musical influences are, Bijoux immediately states Ella Fitzgerald as one of her favorites, “She was such a prolific vocalist and storyteller.” She also looks to Brandy, Toni Braxton and Anita Baker for inspiration.
Her Artistry
One of the most impressive things about Bijoux’s artistry is her versatility. Most of her catalogue contains incredible covers of classic songs from a variety of genres. “I love doing covers! Original music is fun, it’s great and it definitely has it’s own allure and sentimentality but I love covers because they’re memories for people,” she says. You can catch her interpreting punk rock classics such as, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by the English band Tears for Fears to jazz standards like, “God Bless the Child” by the legendary Billie Holiday.
Also, due to her Cameroonian roots, she has the ability to sing in French. Even if you don’t have an understanding of the French language you believe whatever she is saying to be true because of her mere stage presence.
In late 2019, she released a single entitled, “Dit-Moi” (Translates to, “Tell Me” in English) with a feature from fellow Cameroonian hiphop artist, Liinx. The song has a catchy Afrobeat vibe to it, with Bijoux requesting that her partner, “Dit-moi — if you want me, baby. Dit-moi — if you feel me, baby”.
She is currently in the process of putting the finishing touches on her first formal project. It’s set to be released soon. She initially planned on releasing the EP at an earlier date this year but decided to do some “additional polishing.”
“You can’t rush art. It doesn’t matter what timeline you have. You’ve got to give these projects time because that’s exactly what they deserve.”
What’s Next
“You know what? I’m excited about my upcoming EP! For awhile, it was actually a fear of mine to write original music. Live shows and cover shows are all about vibes and energy. They’re organic and specific to what’s going on in that moment so this is new and exciting for me,” she says.
“I’m not doing this for the cash grab, I’m all about being 100% authentic as an artist and producing content that is impactful.”
Visit her website for booking information and follow her on the socials– Facebook/Instagram/Snapchat/Scope: @iambijoux
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mel Clayton is a native of Pine Bluff, AR and an alumnus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the University of Arkansas-Clinton School of Public Service. He went to law school for a semester and a half at the University of Arkansas but he hated that shit.
Mel is an avid lover of music and has dedicated his life to sharing authentic Black stories and experiences through his research and writing. He hopes that everyone who reads his publications will be impacted on a spiritual level.
He lives his life according to the mantra, “Trust yourself and follow the energy.”
Instagram: @melclayton_92 | Twitter: @melvindc1
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