The Eye Newspaper: Hon. Esther Ngala, Musa Shey Nfor, Chris Mbunwe Thrill Wimbum Community at New Year

Over 10, 000 Wimbum people in Bamenda grouped under the umbrella of the Wimbum Cultural and Development Association-WICUDA gathered at the Wimbum Men Hall at Ndamukong Street to commemorate the beginning of a year in grand style. For years now, the Wimbum community in Bamenda has always staged what analysts say it’s a cultural jamboree. In his New Year message, Chris Mbunwe, President of WICUDA-Bamenda branch used the occasion to caution Wimbum youths on societal ills such as banditry, disorder and the importance of peace. He also cautioned everyone to very vigilant and to avoid housing people they do not know. On the importance of the singing, dancing and masquerade displays, Chris Mbunwe added that the Wimbum culture should be cultivated in order to be relevant to the changing times. On her part, Hon. Esther Ngala Ntalah, Member of Parliament for Donga Mantung Centre cum former President of the Wimbum Women Group-Njuh Mile II added that culture should be propagated positively without sacrificing its true meaning to the everyday life of the people by portraying it as the mirror of the unique soul and character of a people. She also spoke elaborately on the phenomenon of climate change and HIV/AIDS.

One of the main attractions was the presence of a masquerade “Moye”. And the main eye-catching personality of that group was Musa Shey Nfor, BAPCCUL/CamCCUL President. To Musa Shey Nfor, “Culture is the soul of a people. It is a whole package of patrimonial qualities that differentiate and identifies the Wimbum people, thus promoting such values is another way in animating rural development”. Some of the dances that animated the Bamenda cultural fiesta included among others, the nneh of Tabenken, the Mbaya dance group, Njuh, Nfuh and others. It was also a moment for youths to get in touch with some Wimbum cultural and traditional practices.