The Prime Minister, Head of Government, officially launched the National Festival of Arts and Culture today, 8 November 2016 at 2 p.m. Philemon YANG was accompanied by many members of Government and artists at the esplanade of the National Museum.
Cameroon’s arts and culture is showcased at the Yaounde National Museum. The former presidency is hosting the 8th edition of the huge gathering of artists that started yesterday, 7 November 2016. A huge crowd turned out for this solemn and highly symbolic moment. Eight years after Maroua, Yaounde is hosting this huge gathering that aims to develop, promote and disseminate Cameroonian culture. Several members of Government, the Diplomatic corps, authorities from all walks of life and traditional rulers were also present. The colourful ceremony was presided over by Philemon Yang, personal representative of the Head of State.
The carnival started at 2:05 p.m. and the public was held spell-bound as it discovered the exhibition of talents from the four cultural areas of “Africa in Miniature”. From the Beti-Bulu-Fang to the Grassfields, through the Sawa and the Sudano-Sahelian, the ten regions were represented. One after the other, they exhibited the artistic and cultural know-how of their reference area. To set the cultural base of the event, the local traditional authority performed some rituals. Traditional rulers and patriarchs of Mfoundi also participated in the festival in their own way. Supported by the emblematic initiatory dance “Essani”, they performed a patrimonial rite to sanctify the FENAC site as an expression of their total support to this beautiful initiative celebrated in their city 8 years after Maroua, in Far North of Cameroon.
“I declare open, the National Festival of Arts and Culture Yaounde 2016”
In the multi-sequential protocol phase, decorations were a highlight. 200 artists saw their talents recognized and rewarded by the Head of State. Some of the recipients Manu Dibango, Calixte Beyala, Salle John, K-Tino, Charlotte Dipanda, François Bingono Bingono, Bum Akor, Mballa Elanga Edmond VI, Pabe Mongo. Under the watchful eye of Philemon Yang, the team of Ministers led by Professor Mouelle Kombi Narcisse, tootk turns to pin, “in the name of the Head of State, and by virtue of the powers vested in us ...”, a medal on each recipient’s chest. Several medals were awarded: Grand Officer of the National Order of Valour, Knight of the National Order of Valour, Commander of the Cameroonian Order of Merit, etc. They all expressed their satisfaction and profound gratitude to President Paul Biya. The merit is worth the candle.
After the decoration ceremony, other statements were made after that of the Government Delegate at the Yaounde City Council, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna in his welcome address. In his own statement, the Minister of Arts and Culture thanked the Head of State and encouraged artists to remain the light that will lead Cameroon towards emergence through culture. Before visiting the Stands, Philemon Yang declared FENAC 2016 officially open and proceeded to the cutting of the symbolic ribbon.
FENAC 2016 will hold from 7 to 13 November 2016 under the theme “Culture and Emergence of Cameroon”. 1000 artists are expected. The programme includes exhibitions, vernissage, a canoe race at the Municipal Lake, the fantasia at the University of Yaounde I football stadium, projections and entertainment at various points of the city and especially at the FENAC site. The event is shaping up to be a nice one. It is worth stopping by.
