Annual Show Fashion Week 2014 has started

Cameroon is gradually innovating and establishing itself as the fashion hub of the Central African sub-region. The flagship event of this hub is ofcourse the Annual Show Fashion Week 2014, which is the first fashion festival in Cameroon, aiming at becoming the first sub-Sahara African festival of style and fashion for black models.

In this year's event which has already started, Designers, model and African artists from Abidjan, Dakar, Douala, Yaoundé and France; just to name a few, have started converging in Douala so as to put on a one of kind show. Throughout this week, Douala will experience a buoyancy that will spread even beyond the national borders  via international media coverage.  

The presence of media outlets such as Fashion TV UK, CCTV, France 24, Africa Magic and rfi not to forget bloggers at this years event will propel Cameroon as the centre for the renaissance of Africa fashion strongly influenced by its culture. 

Hosted at the luxurious St. Johns Plaza, the 7th edition of the Annual Show Fashion Week is enhanced by many sponsoring partnerships like: MTN Cameroon, Tangui, Camair-Co; just to name a few. 

Grégroire Piwelé, who is a great supporter and promoter of this event and of fashion in the sub-region, as well as his team are braving numerous challenges so that the festival finally becomes annual just as its name suggest. 

Is Tunisia ready to accept a female president? ..!!

Is Tunisia ready for a female President: well time will tell…! Kalthoum Kannou, Tunisia’s first female presidential candidate was among only three women to dare to practice their constitutional right in running for presidency, but Judge Kalthoum Kannou has recently made history as the first female presidential candidate in modern-day Tunisia, marking yet another milestone for the “cradle” of the Arab Spring country.

A judge in the Court of Cassation, the highest court in the Tunisian judiciary system chiefly responsible for verifying the interpretation of the law, Kannou is Tunisia’s first woman to seek a post higher than that of a parliamentarian.

Aiming to be the world’s first “Tunisian, Arab, Muslim, female president,” Kannou was able to garner more than 15,000 nominations from across the country while fielding her candidacy and is currently touring Tunisia for her electoral campaign competing against 24 men.

Female parliamentary candidates in Tunisia hope the country's impending legislative polls, in which women will account for over half of the registered voters, will improve the image of the role played by women in the nascent democracy.

18 years since the dead of Africa's most brilliant artists from Cameroon

Today we celebrate 18years since Kotto Bass primaturely left us at age 33; this was on the 20th November 1996 right about when the Cameroon's 1972 constitution was amended; allowing SE Paul Biya to run for another term (the 3rd).

NYAMSI KOTTO Auger Théodore aka Kotto Bass is one of the most brilliant artists in Africa of his generation though his star just started to shine. An immense and never-to-be-forgetten talent. 

Unforgetable as his three albums he left to posteriry. From Edith Ndola'a Ngo to Soukous fusion, which continue to be listened these days as well as Edith, Concours de patience, Oke Mado, Papa Promesse, Folo Folo, J'aime tout le monde, and Bamenda. Songs still sung by fans who are still crying the lost of a bassist with a magic and singular touch.

African Union To End Conflict In Africa By 2020

The African Union (AN), has reiterated its commitment to silence guns in Africa and achieve good governance, democracy and sustainable peace on the continent by 2020.

The decision was taken in Dakar, Senegal, recently during the Union's 3rd Annual High Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance in Africa.

The Dialogue held under the theme; "Silencing the Guns: Strengthening Governance to Prevent, Manage and Resolve Conflict In Africa." The AU has set 2020 as its target for silencing guns on the continent in a bid to deepen the post-Cold War Peace dividend  among member State and as part of the African Agenda framework.

Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo

The commitment comes on the sidelines of violent protests in Burkina Faso that have ousted President Blaise Compaore. A situation which Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said was regrettable. "It is a regrettable situation because Africa ought to have passed this situation and it is a real democratic regression for the Burkinabe," stated Obasanjo.

During the opening ceremony, Senegal's Minister of African Integration and Good governance, Khadim Diop, remarked ; "violence in Africa constitute a new threat for the continent. The theme of this  dialogue shows that the causes of violence in Africa emanate from bad governance," Diop stated.

According to participants, sustainable development cannot be achieved under violent conflicts that generate insecurity and political instability. 

The main objective  of the 3rd High Level Dialogue was to explore the root causes of conflicts in Africa and propose policy measures through which governance systems can be strengthened to address violent conflicts on the continent. 

AU commissioner for Political Affairs Dr Aisha Laraba Abdullahi

According to the AU commissioner for Political Affairs Dr Aisha Abdullahi, Africa has registered the highest number of displaced person and 40 000 others could die as they attempt to sail across the oceans for safety. 

Olusegun Obasanjo said African leaders are very sensitive on issues concerning conflicts evasion. He then suggested that positions should be proposed to former Heads of States in order to prevent them from hanging on to power.

'There are even director position in the AU University where we have chosen to appoint these Presidents while waiting for calm in their countries or find them other jobs in missions" said Obasanjo.

He remarked that the prolonged violent conflicts in Africa have registered a significant loss of live, retarded economic development and environmental degradation and moreover,  slowed  democratisation.

The dialogue  was convened by the African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Africa Governance Institude (AGI), the Government of the Republic of Senegal and supported by Germany through the Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ.

Cameroon new star is born; her name is Daphne

Daphne is her name and yes..!!! a new star IS BORN in Cameroon. This December, she will be sharing the stage with Tiwa Sage, Yemi Alede, Don Jazy and many other big names at a Concert organised by MTN Cameroon. Her very first single Rastafari (below) is one that drove her to stardom.

Today she was on FM 96.0 (Nostalgy Radio); on the show called Genaration 2.0 with Brice Alben. She talked about her new album REFLECTION; the favourite of all those who called up and twitted was indeed BROKEN, the french speaking audience adored the fact that she started singing BROKEN in Douala dialect. It was a not to miss radio show; so many love twitts for Daphne came pooring. It was a win win situation . Sorry Brice Alben for being attacked by Daphne male fans when you gave her that kiss...lol. Congrats girl...

Yve Michel Fotso Pleads Not Guilty

After spending several years in jail already, the former General Manager of Cameroon Airline CAMAIR, Yve Michel Fotso, before the Special Criminal Court in Yaounde on November 6th, still pleaded not guilty.

Fotso pleaded not guilty to charges of froudulently obtaining the sun of FCFA 18.9 billion sometimes between year 2000 and 2002. 

The suit brought against by CAMAIR Liquidation Committee spelled out that the said sum comprised of FCFA 4051209866; FCFA 4606130515; FCFA8934203742, which was compensation for the famous Boeing 747 'Combi' aircraft as well as FCFA 1400000000 that represented the value of the wreck aircraft. 

After consultating both parties, Justice Francis Moukoun adjourned the hearing to December 9th, 2014, to give the Legal Department enough time to serve its witnesses.  When the presiding judge, Justice Moukoun, demanded the list from both parties, the Advocate General, Claude Taghim of the Legal Department, tendered a six-witness list which the civil claimants, Barister Ngango Ottou and Barrister Epassi also adopted. 

However, the defence lawyers, Barristers Martin Achet and Alex Mandeng, prior to this proceeding submitted to the panel of judges (Justice Jean Claude Michel Onana and Justice Yvette Siewethet) a notice stating that the defence will call for no witness throughout the court proceedings.

More on the court decision is to be unfolded as the proceedings continue...

Women in Cameroon Are Adviced To Be Economically Vibrant

The member of Parliament for Fako East Constituency, Gladys Etombi Ikome has urged women in Limbe to think well before engaging in any business. 

She was speaking at the Botanic Garden during a workshop dubbed "Empowering Women Summit" which brought together women from several women's groups. Throughout the workshop, ideas on conservation and business, improvement and importance of ICTs were discussed.

Hon. Etombi during her presentation on the motivation of setting up a business, told the women that as Cameroonian in general, and Limbe in particular is preparing to host the African Cup Of Nations. AFCON 2016 and 2019, stakeholders should begin charting how best to make the big sporting event memorable, while keeping the city more beautiful, attractive and entertaining. She added that women should know that the Government cannot do everything for them and so they must be economically vibrant and contribute to nation building.

Nominees for 2014 African Player of the Year was recently unveiled.

The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF)  announced the nominees for the 2014 African Player of the Year and the 2014 African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) on Thursday, 6 November 2014.

Twenty-five  players have been nominated for the topmost Player of the Year, and 20 for the Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category.

The nominees are:

African Player of the Year

1. Ahmed Musa (Nigeria, CSKA Moscow)

2. Asamoah Gyan (Ghana, Al Ain)

3. Dame N'doye (Senegal, Lokomotiv Moscow)

4. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo, Tottenham)

5. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Cameroon, Schalke 04)

6. Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Tunisia, CS Sfaxien)

7. Ferdjani Sassi (Tunisia, CS Sfaxien)

8. Yao Kouassi Gervais 'Gervinho' (Cote d'Ivoire, AS Roma)

9. Islam Slimani (Algeria, Sporting Lisbon)

10. Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana, Juventus)

11. Mehdi Benatia (Morocco, Bayern Munich)

12. Mohamed El Neny (Egypt, Basel)

13. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon, Borussia Dortmund)

14. Raïs M'Bolhi (Algeria, Philadelphia Union)

15. Sadio Mané (Senegal, Southampton)

16. Seydou Kieta (Mali, As Roma)

17. Sofiane Feghouli (Algeria, Valencia)

18. Stephane Mbia (Cameroon, Sevilla)

19. Thulani Serero (South Africa, Ajax)

20. Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, Porto)

21. Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria, Lille)

22. Wilfried Bony (Cote d'Ivoire, Swansea)

23. Yacine Brahimi (Algeria, Porto)

24. Yannick Bolasie (DR Congo, Crystal Palace)

25. Yaya Toure (Cote d'Ivoire, Man City)

Cameroon News: Gervais Mendo Ze arrested and taken to Kodengui prison

The news circulated throughout the day of November 12, 2014 before being confirmed in the evening. Prof: Gervais Mendo Ze was taken to the central prison Kondengui after a day in the Special Criminal Court services.

No official source gives detailed guidance on the matter at the heart of the legal proceedings regarding this former member of the government, who will be 70 years next December 25th.

Minister Delegate to the Minister of Communication, between December 2004 and October 2007, Gervais Mendo Ze enters the public space when leading at the start of the 80s a television project, in its capacity as Special Adviser to the President of the republic. Appointed General Manager of CRTV, in December 1998, he left office Jan. 26, 2005.

Since then rumors have circulated about potential lawsuits in connection with the governance of the public company.

Although retired, Gervais Mendo Zo remains a popular university. He joined the teaching staff of the Faculty of Arts of Yaounde in 1974 he was only 30 years old. It was after his doctorate in 1984, he ended the masterful rank of magistrate. 

He has published numerous essays and plays. He also helped write the choral singing in popular music through the choir "la Voix du Cénacle ."

Cameroon News: Hang on to power for more 32 years..!!?

Militants of the Cameroon Pleaople's Movement, CPDM, in Fako III, have appealed to Presodent Paul Biya to rule for another 32 years. This appeal was made during the ceremony that marked the 32nd anniversary of President Biya saccession to power. To mark this momment, theme for this years event was: "All behind President Paul Biya in the fight against insecurity for the protection of territoral intergrity, preservation of peace and the consolidation of national unity"

Speaking during the ceremony, is the Fako III WCPDM Section Presindent. Hannah Etonde Mbua said; We continue to thank the heavens for the one we have had as pressindent for the past 32 years, and, as women, we can only pray that Allah continues to bless him with wisdom to pilot us in ceaseless peace and security."

According to Paul Meoto Njie, only wicked people will say Biya has not done some thing for Cameroonians. He made a comparison of Buea 32years agoand now, concluding that is worth celebrating Biya's rule.

According to Meoto, youth unemployement is not only in Cameroon. but all over the world . As such, the blame, he said,  should not be shouldered  by Biya alone.

Movie Review: The dramatic movie “FAR”

Premire Review: 

On the 1st of November 2014, Far the movie was premiered for the 2nd time at BOJ, Bonanjo Douala. This was a glamerous event pulling people from different proffessional background. 

It was an event full of inspiring fashion choices, outrageous outfits, and memorable moments on the red carpet. Details proved to be key with Cameroon celebs embracing trends like peplums, cut-out accents, capes, sheer paneling, ruffles, and other distinct forms of embellishment.

Punk was given the unique opportunity to go hand-in-hand with glamour as demostrated by Brenda Shey the most powerful woman in the Cameroon film industry, while peplums and sheer accents still managed to find traction. 

Movie review: 

The dramatic movie “FAR” is a co-production between Cameroon and Nigeria. Directed by Nigerian Ikechuwu Oyaka and produced by Cameroonian Agbor Gilbert Ebot. Far the movie is base on a poignant true story of how far a couple is willing to go in their desperacy to start a family.

It features a starring ensemble cast from Africa and USA: which includes Multiple awards winning Dakore Akonde and Jim Iyke from Nigeria; the USAfrica International Heritage Actress and NAFCA awards year 2012 Merlisa Determined; Cameroonian Quinta Eyong Ashu, Sende Bende, Solange Ojong, Epule Jeffrey Jeff, Memba Lucie and Ian van Ivan.

Without giving too much away, there is a lot I liked in the movie FAR. It is the most perfect iced with the cast working well together in a believable way. There are many cries with quite a few melodramatic twists. It becomes believable at times, with the slow plot revealing itself as though it was an investigative story:- making the movie interesting. In my opinion, this movie could easily have been like  a"CSI" investigation.

I am pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed FAR the movie. The expectations of Merlisa Determined was well delivered and I strongly believe such performance was well leveraged with other strong contenders: Dakore and Epule Jeffery. 

With this, it is no doubt all involved in this film making thrived on directing such a big cast in a high wire, and deceitful family story. The marination between Merlisa Determined and Epule jeffery were a hoot. This movie is a smooth big screen transition for all Cameroonian actors cast who may have struggled with other movies in the past. However I strongly felt Jim Ike wasn't fully utilised as he should have; myself and others who attended the premiere shared the same feelings. To my shock, my favourite performance (it caught me off guard) was Epule Jefferey from Cameroon. He was the husband handling various issues and at the centre of a contagious deceit. People who deal with the drama of conspiracy from families will surely appreciate this movie. 

Reaction from the crowd at the premiere: 

At the premiere, there were half a dozen applause moments from audience as the crowd really got into it. The laughter was consistent and not forced. This movie is perfect and I’m only giving this a marginal recommendation based on how much I liked it. FAR is a movie that will draw a continuous division between audience and critics; as it is a story dealing with sensitive issues…just like the dysfunctional family gathering together and having to decieve all so as to put up with each other.

According to the director Agbor Gilert, Far the movie will be launched in Beau soon, South West region of Cameroon.So watch out for another mind blowing red carpet momment.


For the past two months Cameroon has experinced series of movie premieres between the political capital Yaounde and economical capital Douala. This has indeed created awareness of the Cameroon film industry nationally and beyond.

I will like to say thank you to the Agbor Gilbert, Brenda Shey and others for working so hard in making sure our film industry transcend international recognition.