By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
In the vibrant world of African music, where tradition meets innovation, Virginia Mbivwong Birlaf known by her artist’s name Princess Vinia is emerging as a beacon of ethno-traditional-folk artistry. From Nso tribe of Cameroon’s Northwest Region, Vinia is garnering international attention for her ability to blend ancestral rhythms with contemporary flair.
Vinia’s musical journey began early in her life. She was nurtured in the church choir and the Nso Bahti women’s association choir during her secondary school years. “I used to sing in the church choir and always followed my mother and aunt to Nso women’s group meetings, where a lot of folk culture is expressed. That’s how my passion for music turned professional,” she said.
Active in the industry since 2018, her discography is already impressive. It includes the album “Lii Wong,” released in 2025; the EP “Kisheri,” featuring Mr. Leo and Kotto Boy, in 2024; and the EP “Lii Wong” in 2024, along with singles like “Allez Dire.”
Her album “Lii Wong” has been described as a “folkloric postcard that blends ancestral music with baroque pleasure and elevating art.” The opening track, “Barbasin,” showcases her imposing voice alongside traditional instruments, including the sonnaille from Cameroon’s Grassfields region, arranged with guitar and bells to serve as a hymn to her homeland.
Other notable tracks, such as “Kidze Feh” and “Nyang Wang,” highlight her use of the Lamnso language, weaving polyphonic folkloric elements into her music.
Princess Vinia’s style features topical lyrics often delivered antiphonally and guided by repetitive, progressive percussive rhythms, soothing bass lines, and rhythmic guitar lines. Her serene vocals resonate through cultural displays and a glamorous stage presence, depicting the true identity of the Nso people and the beauty of human cultural diversity.
When she steps into the studio or takes the stage, Princess Vinia is focused on delivering an exceptional performance. “I just love to perform, so I’m always focused on giving the audience the best possible experience,” she noted.
Her live setups range from a full five-person band to a three-person DJ set with backing tracks, allowing her flexibility for various events. Notably, she performed at the Kintati Arts and Cultural Festival in Yaoundé in February 2023 alongside artists like Chilli Wawaye and Mr. Leo, as well as at the Cameroon Music Evolution Awards, where she emerged as the winner of the Royal City Music Competition in Douala in September 2023.
Despite her successes, Princess Vinia faced challenges early in her career. Lacking formal education in music theory, performance, or business, she enrolled in Lionz Academy’s incubation program. A graduate in music performance from the academy, she credits it with shaping her artistic direction and business acumen. “When I joined, I had no education in music theory or business, and I had to accept that challenge,” she explained.
Her rising profile is reflected in her accolades. Princess Vinia is a nominee for Best Traditional & Ethnic Music at the German Critics Awards in 2025 and the Cameroon Evolution Awards in 2025, as well as Best Folklore Artist at the CIMFEST Awards in both 2024 and 2025. Key performances also include the Lionz Academy Showcase at IFC Yaoundé in 2025, Escale Bantoo in Yaoundé in 2024, Douala Music Art Festival in 2024, and World Music Day at Institut Français Douala in 2024.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Princess Vinia has a background in modeling, winning the Miss Mama Africa contest in 2019 and participating in Ex-Biggy 237 in 2020. For emerging artists, her advice is clear: “Have a vision, be determined, but also make sure to get all the education, information, and mentoring that you need for your vision to come to life.”
As Princess Vinia continues to evolve, her music remains a bridge between Nso traditions and global audiences, celebrating heritage while pushing boundaries. With her work available online, her symphonies of patrimony are poised for wider resonance.
