Smith CJ, born Smith Jordan Ndento, is a Cameroonian artist, musician, lyricist, and producer. His music is the result of an intimate journey between heritage and modernity, where makossa, afroswing, amapiano, and urban culture converge to create a unique energy.
Shaped by diverse influences such as Manu Dibango, Fela Kuti, Angélique Kidjo, Michael Jackson, and Kanye West, Smith CJ has crafted a hybrid and powerful universe. His writing and voice act as bridges-connecting generations and weaving a dialogue between cultures.
At just 20 years old, he opened his first music studio and founded his independent label ICONIC DYS, asserting his ambition to build his own artistic vision. A year later, his track Dibango caught the attention of Sarah Harrison (aka LadyInTheTrap), a British DJ and radio host known for The Sarah Harrison Show on The Beat London 103.6 FM. She recognized Smith CJ’s raw potential and featured him in international playlists on Audiomack. Shortly after, he released his debut EP ORIJIN, sketching the first shades of his musical palette.
In 2023, driven by the will to expand his horizons, Smith CJ left his native Cameroon to settle in Paris, carrying on his journey with the same fire: to make his art resonate in a universal language. On stage, he has already made a strong impression, performing at Butterly Fest and Youth Fest. Now, he is preparing to take the next step with the release of his first album.
