Cameroonian singer, songwriter and producer PhillBill is developing a musical identity around Bikossa, a fusion of Makossa, Bensikin and Assiko rhythms with contemporary Afropop and Amapiano.
Born Diyani Bill Munyenge in Buea, PhillBill studied Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Buea before training as a music producer in Nigeria. He spent several years as part of the group Ridimz before pursuing a solo career. As PhillBill Beatz, he has produced music for Cameroonian artists including Blanche Bailly, Ko-C, Daphne and Mimie, and contributed to Locko’s album “Era”, which received Gold certification in France.
Bikossa draws on traditional Cameroonian sounds and places them within contemporary African pop production. PhillBill has described the style as an effort to revive melodies associated with the music he grew up hearing, incorporating rhythms such as Mangambeu alongside Makossa, Bensikin and Assiko.
His 2025 debut EP, “The SoundMan”, introduced the sound through a collection that includes “Tètèri”. Released in March 2026, the song explores self-belief and perseverance, encouraging listeners to remain focused on their own path despite criticism and difficult circumstances. Its official music video has surpassed 2.4 million views on YouTube.
PhillBill’s work has also received international attention. BBC World Service programme “This Is Africa” featured an episode on his career in August 2026. He was named Best Central African Artist at the 2026 Afromada Music Awards, following a nomination at the 2025 TRACE Awards.
Beyond his solo work, PhillBill has production credits on “Paris Fever”, a collaboration involving Senegalese singer Wally Seck and Chris Brown, according to the BBC feature. His work on Locko’s “Era” also forms part of his production catalogue.
For live performances, PhillBill works with a seven-piece band. The launch of “The SoundMan” included a sold-out live concert at the Institut Français du Cameroun in Douala, followed by a headline performance in Essen, Germany.
PhillBill’s work brings together his experience as a producer and his interest in preserving elements of Cameroonian musical heritage within contemporary African sounds.
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