Lady Ponce

Who are they?

A singer and songwriter born in Mbalmayo, in the Centre region, whose real name is Adèle Ruffine Ngono. Introduced to singing by her mother, she moved to Yaoundé after her mother’s death, singing in the Essos parish choir and then in the capital’s cabarets.

What made them famous

Her song “Le ventre et le bas-ventre” made her a household name and gave its title to her first album. Drawing on the tales of her village childhood, she became one of the leading performers of bikutsi, earning her the nickname “Queen of Bikutsi”.

Key facts

• Made a Knight of the Order of Valour in 2014.
• Her first album won her the best voice and musical revelation awards at the Canal 2’Or.
• She has recorded eight albums, from “Le ventre et le bas-ventre” to “Légende”, released in January 2025.
• She has worked with Manu Dibango, Koffi Olomidé and X-Maleya.