Armand’s experience spans three continents and many musical styles. From the time his uncle gave him a guitar at age 4, he has been composing music. Armand began performing at age 8, when he played with his father’s orchestra at a bar called “La Concorde” in Eseka, Cameroon. At the same time he was going to school, Armand was learning different musical styles, reggae, rumba, cha-cha-cha, salsa, as well as popular Cameroonian “assiko”, “makossa” and “bikutsi” beats. When he was 18, Armand mysteriously developed partial paralysis in his right forehand, ending his chance as a guitarist. It wasn’t until five years later that Armand discovered his singing talent.

Armand sang in various clubs in France and later back in Cameroon. At age 23, he performed at the well-known African club “Farafina” in Paris and at “Le Vieux Négre” in Douala, Cameroon.

Although Armand temporarily interrupted his musical careers to pursue business interests, music always remained his first love. Armand returned to the stage after several years’ absence performing at “Il Canasta,” “Roxy,” “Pacific Palisades” and “Le Senat” – all popular clubs in Douala. During this time, Armand formed the group “Longue Djam” with his friends, Gerome and Ruben Bissay. In 1996, Armand was hired on long-term contract at the “ZigZag Club” in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. In his club engagements, Armand has performed popular African songs as well as jazz.

Since arriving in the U.S. in 2000, Armand has been collaborating with numerous artists as well as creating new musical compositions, which will be featured in an album due out in 2003. In 2001, Armand performed as guest artist on an upcoming album by Shahin produced by Higher Octave (released in October 2002). Over the last two years, he also produced musical themes for Georges Collinet Productions.

Earlier this year, Armand began collaborating with some Washington, DC jazz artists and a group was born. On May 2, 2002, “Armand Ntep & The Afro Jazz Explosion” gave their debut performance at Twins Jazz in Washington, DC. They now perform there regularly.

Armand now makes his home in Washington, DC with his wife Kat.