The city of Yaoundé has already put on the colors of the end-of-year celebrations. The twinkling garlands illuminate many arteries of the political capital of Cameroon. At nightfall, the city of seven hills settles into the rhythm of the Nativity and New Year celebrations. The same festive atmosphere fills bars, snack bars and supermarkets where there are few people who do not try to get a good deal .
And for this, spaces have been set up for the daily performance of artists, musicians, singers and performers. This is the case in the Mvog Betsi district located not far from the military base of the Presidential Guard in the 6th district of Yaoundé. There, a supermarket welcomes artists who take the stage from 6 p.m. until dawn to perform songs for all tastes and all generations.
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«We are here to give joy to lovers of the good life. During the holidays, the promoter wants this place to be known and frequented by people from Yaoundé as well as those coming from elsewhere. I am invited every evening to perform the songs of young artists like Maléa, Tonton Le Chaud, Prince Aimé and many others. I have an obligation to satisfy visitors», told us an artist we met on site. It’s the same in other neighborhoods where the atmosphere changes from 7 p.m.
Visitors to the place welcome these initiatives and encourage promoters to expand the rooms like this music lover met in a snack bar in the Nkomo district: “this place destresses me. I am very happy to see the artists on stage. What I like the most are the old songs of Manu Dibango. When I listen to its sounds, the beer goes down more easily» she admits.
In these places where the frenzied atmosphere is required, all the musical rhythms are played. Not an evening goes by without the Bikut-si, the Makossa, the Ben-skin or even the new reunion, the Mbolé. Yaoundé is a destination to explore during these end-of-year holidays.
Par Jean-Paul Mbia (Yaounde, correspondence)
12/21/2024 at 11:46 a.m.
