The golden jubilee presents a unique opportunity for Cameroon to showcase its cultural prowess.
It is no longer news that Buea will host manifestations marking the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Cameroon’s reunification coming up soon. The town for some days has been experiencing effervescence as preparations for the event intensify.
The buoyancy of the city of Legendary hospitality as Buea is known, is not only noticed by the number of bulldozers, heavy trucks and other heavy duty equipments that criss-cross the town to finalize some infrastructural works for the event, but also by the drum beats, chanting voices and other musical equipments being played as different groups rehearse ahead of their socio-cultural Rehearsal Centre
The University of Buea (UB) is a centre of attraction for many city dwellers and visitors who throng the campus for the past week not the see the beautiful scenery of the institution but to witness the rehearsals of different cultural groups as they prepare for a spectacular performance during the celebrations. It is common to hear sounds of drums and other traditional music equipments.
When CT visited the campus last Friday, three dance groups from the West, Northwest and combined Centre, South and East regions dance groups were busy perfecting their skills to thrill the crowd on the D-day. The Golden Jubilee choir composed of students from the University of Buea, National Institute of Youth and Sports Yaounde and National Centre for Youth and Sports of Kribi are also sharpening their voices for a great performance.
One of the Choristers, a first year University of Buea student, told CT that the song being rehearsed harps on National unity, Peace, stability as some of the hallmarks that have marked the 50 years of Cameroon’s reunification. Blanche Bilongo, an artist from the Centre region on her part, affirmed that they are more than 85 percent ready for a spectacular performance whenever the event is announced.
Among the many cultural dance groups expected in Buea for the historic event, are traditional groups from the six administrative Divisions of the South West region. Reports from the divisions indicate that all is set as the groups and the entire populations are just waiting for the date to be announced.
Cultural Infrastructure
Given that celebrating 50 years of reunification also implies celebrating Cameroon’s cultural diversity with two linguistic cultural blend, cultural infrastructure for the cannot not be undermined. Within this context therefore, the Reunification Monument besides the Governor’s Office and the Open Air Amphi Theatre in Bongo Square were earmarked. While the 10 Meters high monument with ten platforms surrounding the anniversary logo is near completion, the Open Air Amphi theatre is regrettably on a snail pace of execution.
The monument which when completed will add to the splendor of the Governor’s office vicinity stands out tall as a symbol of national unity. Meanwhile, the University of Buea Open air Amphi Theatre is being expanded and given a facelift to host cultural activities.
Traditional rulers of the South West region, who are custodians of the traditions and cultures, have also held several meetings to give the anniversary an impeachable cultural significance. Local musicians like Njume Loko, Tata Kinge amongst others have long released opuses dedicated to the golden jubilee and are bracing up to perform at the gala night to be organised by the Local upport Committee headed by Senator Peter Mafany Musonge to crown the event.
