Blanche Bailly has never been scared to do things her way. Since the release of her debut single, 2016’s “Kam We Stay”, the Cameroonian pop star has constantly experimented with influences from dancehall, rumba and dance while tenderly applying her silky voice to balmy instrumentals crafted in the finest Afropop tradition on songs like “BonBon” and “Dinguo”. The sheer power of Bailly’s quietly uplifting lyrics and her powerhouse vocals have made her one of Central Africa’s leading acts. On her debut album Authentik, the singer (born Tatah Larinatte Bailly) shines a light on her journey and her essence as an artist. “Dancia” channels the energy of club raves and chaotic get-togethers, while PhillBill joins for a tender ballad on “Banga”. Still, the liveliest moments on Authentik come when Bailly is luxuriating in the sheer delight of living life and having her way as she cheerily alludes to swapping verses with Nigerian singer BNXN fka Buju on “OMG”.