On Wednesday, May 8, the French Institute of Cameroon (IFC), Douala branch, hosted the screening of the film “All the Gold of Kwat”. Directed by Eric Akam, this feature film highlights the aspirations and hidden talents of the youth of Yaoundé through Mbolé music. With a captivating story and endearing characters, the film offers an authentic look at the local music scene and the quest for emancipation of young artists.
A story of passion and rebellion:
“All the Gold of Kwat” tells the story of Frank and Willy, two young people who have failed at school who live with their father and his new partner. Their daily life is punctuated by performances and musical events in the drinking establishments in their neighborhood. However, they dream of freeing themselves from paternal authority by embarking on the practice of Mbolé, a marginal and popular musical register.
The film explores the challenges these young artists face, including conflict with their father who does not understand their passion for music. Their project to break into the local music industry also represents the hope of an entire generation of young people from Yaoundé who share this adventure. Through fiery performances and moments of introspection, “All the Gold of Kwat” offers a moving insight into their journey.
Ayriq Akam: A versatile artist in directing:
Ayriq Akam (Éric Akam), Cameroonian rapper, singer and producer, is at the origin of this film project. Drawing on his twenty years of hip-hop practice and his experience as an independent artist, Ayriq Akam decided to embark on a career as a documentary filmmaker in 2021. “All the Gold of Kwat” is his first feature film .
Ayriq Akam is an artist whose style is distinguished by the quality of his phrasing and his lexical turn. Originally from the slam scene in Yaoundé, he has lived and worked in Douala since 2016. His collaboration with artists from different disciplines, notably the dance group XTREM FUSION, testifies to his desire to explore new forms of artistic expression.
An ode to the hidden talents of Yaoundé:
For Eric Akam, the author of the film, “All the Gold of Kwat” is a reference to all the talents found in the sub-districts of the city of Yaoundé and which need to be revealed. The film provides a platform for these artists looking to make their voices heard and share their music with the world.
By showcasing a generation of young artists passionate about Mbolé, Eric Akam creates a vivid portrait of the local music scene and the social revolution underway in Cameroon. “All the Gold of Kwat” is thus part of a dynamic archiving logic, capturing the energy and aspirations of a youth in search of recognition and artistic freedom.
The screening of the film “All the Gold of Kwat” at the French Institute of Cameroon (IFC) in Douala was a memorable moment for cinema and music lovers. Thanks to the artistic vision of Ayriq Akam, the public was able to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Yaoundé’s youth and discover the hidden talents of the local music scene. “All the Gold of Kwat” is much more than just a film, it is an invitation to explore the aspirations and dreams of an entire generation.
