Ben Decca, born Benjamin Decca on February 23, 1958, in Douala, Cameroon, is an iconic musician, singer, and composer renowned for his distinct contribution to Makossa music. He is one of the major Makossa stars of the 1980s and 1990s, with a career spanning over four decades. From a musical family, he is the elder brother of fellow Makossa singers Grace and Dora Decca, and his style is characterized by his silky voice and typical Makossa rhythms. Though he initially studied and worked as an automotive expert in France, he began his music career in the late 1970s with the help of his cousin, Joe Mboule. He released his first solo album in 1981 and has since released over 20 albums.
Throughout his prolific career, Ben Decca has cemented his place as an emblematic figure of Cameroonian music. His discography includes celebrated hits like "Souffrance d'amour," "Yetena Oa" (1985), "Espoir" (1988), "Amour à sens unique" (1988), and "Saphir" (2002). He has also collaborated with his sister Grace Decca on songs like "Bwanga Bwam." Affectionately known as "Papa Ben" by his fans, he celebrated his 40-year career with a live performance at the legendary Olympia concert hall in Paris. His enduring popularity is a testament to his musical verve and his success in democratizing the traditional musical rhythm of the Sawa people of the Cameroonian coast.