Nikai 2015: How Babungo People Portrayed their Culture

HRH Fon Zofoa III of Babungo

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Hundreds of Youths, Two Whitemen Initiated into Magnificent Culture of the Babungo

By FC Ndi

Initiation into the supreme authority fraternity (Ngumba) of the Babungo people took place on March 14, 2015 at the palace esplanade. The initiation exercise which marks the beginning of a planting season ended up with the famous Nikai dance. The Nikai dance is performed around the palace court yard in two distinct circles. The drummers are found in the middle of the two circles. The first group is made up of youths while the second group is made up of mature men who are accompanied by the royal mascot and other masquerades. The most thrilling this year was the presence of two whitemen who were also initiated into the fraternity. By implications, they have automatically become notables of the Babungo fondom. They have the right to sit and shake hands with notables.

The ceremony that was massively attended by over 5000 people also recorded the presence of over 40 traditional rulers. Amongst them were friendly traditional rulers from the West Region, North West, South West, South, Centre and Littoral.  The Babungo Fondom in the North West Region of Cameroon is a long-established, highly centralized and elaborated fondom with strong tradition that has passed from one generation to another. The Nikai Dance is one of those traditional institutions that make the culture of the people very distinct. It is performed by young boys and men who have undergone initiation into the supreme fraternity (Ngumba). It is a dance that symbolizes unity, fertility and is always performed at the beginning of the planting season. Besides, the people of Babungo commonly known as the Vengo are experts in plastic arts that developed innovative metallurgical process which enabled it to reach an extraordinary level of iron production. Even with globalization, the people have continuously kept their culture and tradition intact. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Unfair Use of Public Media: Presidential Hopeful Takes Biya to the National Communication Council

The self-styled SDF Presidential Hopeful pending primaries, Felix Teche Nyamusa has tabled a complain to the National Communication Council. Here below is is the complete document. 

President Biya

The President of the Cameroon media regulatory body -  the National Communication Council Sir, I write to complain of the biased use of Cameroon Public media :- CRTV Radio and TV, Cameroon tribune newspaper… by president Biya to the disappointment of other politicians which include me Felix Teche Nyamusa SDF 2018 presidential hopeful(pending Primaries). The public media sponsored by tax payers’ money should be equally accessible to all Cameroonians - Politicians, their political parties, Civil Society… But if one person(s), group(s) monopolize(s) this free, it is blatantly illegal and unfair and also robs the public of her right to variety. This unprincipled/biased conduct has so far been the practice of the over 30years on-the-seat President Paul Biya. President Biya and wife, cronies, Biya’s party (CPDM) unjustly use the media - this is common knowledge to Cameroonians – ‘Inside the presidency – Presidence actu’, the French equivalent, CRTV TV Programme for instance on Biya is a total campaign of Mr Paul Biya which opportunity is denied other politicians. The presidency no doubt is a state institution but if the presidents’ works or prescriptions and or interviews are to be x-rayed/passed on public media, it should not be the preserve of CPDM journalists as has been and still is the practice - media professionals from varied media houses should partake.  Mr Biya should be advised to exploit private media or pay for his public relations or campaigns not monopolizing the media which his rivals equally lay claim to. Not only CPDM ministers, CPDM militants but as well Cameroonians from all walks of life including opposition sympathizers should be made to partake as resource persons, on such state programmes to give their own contribution in nation building.  Thus sir, the National Communication Council (NCC) which is supposedly independent, not biased should terminate without more ado such incongruous practices and band deviant journalists and programmes as you have rightly done to others to preempt imminent trouble should it continue. Needless reminding us that injustice breeds war. The discrimination of Biya, CPDM regime awash his reign and are exaggerated!

Sir, we pray your high office be decisive on this complaint!

Thanks

Felix Teche Nyamusa, SDF 2018 Presidential hopeful

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

North West Fons Union Goes Incomatoes Again, Cracks Recorded (Here are the Stakes and Implications)

Fin Zofoa and Fon Chafah

The Writtam-pen

Country people, I salute everyone. At last your writtam-pen is back with latest gossips around the globe after several months wallowing in the gutter like the North West Fons Union-NOWEFU. Have you heard that the kingpins of the Kaduna mafia (Fon Chafah and Fon Teche are at each other’s throat over?) The long accumulated tension finally exploded at weekend in Bamenda during a showdown with Lele Lafrique. Matters came to a head when the Secretary General of NOWEFU, Fon Zofoa III in an interview vomited that Fon Teche Njei was nursing plans to hijack and spin-doctor NOWEFU constitution to extend his stay in office. The issue we gathered started two years ago when Fon Teche (Ngen-Muwah) as fondly called by his peers outsmarted his colleagues during a royal begging mission in Yaounde. The occasion we gathered was to hand a gift to the Secretary General at the Presidency. Fon Teche allegedly sneaked out with a few fons to meet the SG at the Presidency without informing others who travelled with him from Bamenda for the mission. It is alleged that even Simon Achidi Achu (Ngem-Muwah’s partner in misdeeds and self-proclaimed adviser) was also outsmarted in the deal. The gombo that was given was hurriedly shared among the few while others including Achidi were blocked from entering the Presidency. This is how NOWEFU has functioned under Fon Teche. The only legacy has been the prostitution of titles, gifts and scanning pockets. In fact, a begging tool to satisfy the ego of the few who could call him senator. Plans by Fon Teche to buy the consciences of Donga Mantung Fons with few banknotes hit the rock with the timely intervention of NW Governor, Adolph Lele Lafrique. NW Governor said the meeting in Nkambe was unconstitutional and would not hold.

The outgoing President of NOWEFU is accused to have held the association hostage. Fons are glamouring over the management of funds raised for the construction of the secretariat in April 2012 barely a month after he was elected. Since then, NOWEFU has had only one executive meeting and no general assembly whereas the constitution provides for at least one general assembly every year.

Donga Mantung Division which is expected to produce the next President of NOWEFU has been caught in a mad rush. With the union divided into two factions, expectations are high at that at least two candidates will emerge. Fon Ibrahim Jabfu Nfor, is popular candidate for the post of President. He has served the union in various capacities. He served as treasurer under Fon Anneng, and currently vice President under Teche. His candidature was recently endorsed by the Teche faction. Indicators are rife at that the Chafah faction may in the days ahead endorse another candidate. The difference is that while Fon Teche is relying on the support of the Momo fons, Fon Chafah and Zofoa enjoy the support of the big fons (Bafut, Nso, Kom, Mankon). Last year, the big fons saw it coming and setup the council of the wise to handle fon Teche, but he slipped out. This is surely payback time for him. This will make things difficult for the Teche led faction who enjoys the support of Achidi but handicapped by the fact that NW Governor had warned him not to mix political issues with union activities. 

Fon Mbunwe of Mbot, clan head of the Warr clan is also another heav weight whose dexterity cannot be neglected. He is one of the Organizing secretaries under Fon Teche yet has not declared where he belongs. He is dynamic and endowed with undisputable leadership qualities.

The fon of Nkanchi is another potential candidate. Fon of Ndu is also a big challenger yet has been mute over NOWEFU issues. He is learned and clan head of the Wiya. He could be a big boost in the race. The fon of Bih, Ngarum, Kungi, Nwa and Akwaja have also been consistent in union activities. The Ako Fons union is the most vibrant in Donga Mantung Division. They could equally spring surprises.

Fon Benchep of Binka is learned and has the characteristics of a leader. He has been in NOWEFU since creation and held several positions in the exco. His last attempt was for the post of treasurer where he was defeated by the fon of Nkambe. He is likely to stage a spectacular comeback.

Following the trends, issues are becoming more complicated as to who would emerge given the stakes. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Ghanaian Woman Takes Second Husband For Sex!

After having spent 15 years of marriage with her first love, husband, a Ghanaian woman has taken a very controversial decision to get a second husband. “It wasn’t an easy decision for me,” said Puseletso Motselebane (44). “After 15 years of marriage I love my husband as much as I ever did, but I needed more action in the bedroom than he could provide.”

But, said Puseletso, she hated the idea of cheating on her husband. So she decided to find herself a Ben 10 and move him into the house with her and her customary husband, Petrus Moshawa (51). “People told me it was a bad thing and called me names, but I believe this is better than cheating,” she said.

“Because of some chronic disease he couldn’t satisfy me in bed. I felt guilty about my boyfriend so I decided to tell Petrus about Kagiso.”

She said at first Petrus was not happy about Kagiso Monnamoncho (34), but in the end he understood. She said they are all living together in an RDP house in Khotsong kasi, Bothaville, Free State. “We are living together as one happy family,” said the smiling Puseletso.

Now the mother of four children is planning to get married to Kagiso, who joined the family a year ago.

“We are still trying to raise money for our wedding,” said Puseletso.

She has three children with Petrus and a one-year-old with Kagiso. Kagiso is unemployed and Petrus gets a disability grant from government and works as a full-time gardener. Puseletso is a shebeen queen and she doesn’t like what she sees happening around her.

“Most women I know in my kasi cheat on their husbands but they do it in secret. I decided to live with both of my men faithfully.”

The two men have separate rooms.

Petrus said he is not completely happy with the situation but he has accepted it for the sake of his children.

“Although I have become the laughing stock of our kasi I have to accept things the way they are for the sake of my kids.”

“I won’t comment on our sex life, but as long as my wife is happy I am satisfied.”

Kagiso said he isn’t worried that his girlfriend is married.

“When we first met I didn’t know she was married but then we decided to take our relationship to the next level,” he said.

“Puseletso told me she had spoken to her husband and he didn’t have a problem with me moving in. I didn’t have a problem either, so I moved in. I’m a happy man.”

By  Modiri Michaels

Source: Dailysun

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

How African Youths are Initiated as Custodians of Tradition (Nikai 2015) PhotoNewsI

The Babungo Fondom in the North West Region of Cameroon is a long-established, highly centralized and elaborated fondom with strong tradition that has passed from one generation to another. The Nikai Dance is one of those traditional institutions that make the culture of the people very distinct. It is performed by young boys and men who have undergone initiation into the supreme fraternity (Ngumba). It is a dance that symbolizes unity, fertility and is always performed at the beginning of the planting season. Besides, the people of Babungo commonly known as the Vengo are experts in plastic arts that developed innovative metallurgical process which enabled it to reach an extraordinary level of iron production. Even with globalization, the people have continuously kept their culture and tradition intact. Pictures below demonstrate how the youths are prepared as leaders of tomorrow as well as guardians of costumes and tradition.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

How African Youths are Initiated as Custodians of Tradition (Nikai 2015) PhotoNews

The Babungo Fondom in the North West Region of Cameroon is a long-established, highly centralized and elaborated fondom with strong tradition that has passed from one generation to another. The Nikai Dance is one of those traditional institutions that make the culture of the people very distinct. It is performed by young boys and men who have undergone initiation into the supreme fraternity (Ngumba). It is a dance that symbolizes unity, fertility and is always performed at the beginning of the planting season. Besides, the people of Babungo commonly known as the Vengo are experts in plastic arts that developed innovative metallurgical process which enabled it to reach an extraordinary level of iron production. Even with globalization, the people have continuously kept their culture and tradition intact. Pictures below demonstrate how the youths are prepared as leaders of tomorrow as well as guardians of costumes and tradition. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

The Enthronement of a Queen Mother (Babungo, Cameroon) PhotoNews

By FC Ndi

The coronation of the Queen Mother, Nchio Mayani at Babungo Palace.

 There was euphoria when the supreme regulatory fraternity of the Babungo fondom in Ngoketunjia in the North West Region of Cameroon summoned all the queen mothers to line up facing the sacred forest for the unexpected. It was at this point that one of the queen mothers from among the queens was chosen. She was placed on a stool and robbed with cam wood. A red feather and a porcupine quill was placed on her head and a special walking stick handed to her. While members of the secret society were performing the coronation, the other queen mothers chanted in approval of the decision. Two other queen mothers and two princesses are also chosen carryout errands for the Nchio and rob her with cam wood for some days.

The colourful coronation rite which was performed by the Babungo “Ngumba” (supreme regulatory fraternity) was a mark of honour and recognition to the most loyal, faithful and dutiful wife of the fon. Nchio in the Babungo dialect we were told means Fon’s Mother who has been enthroned by the Kwifon or Ngumba and who deserves the same respect like the fon. Traditionally, when the fon is enthroned, the mother of the fon must one day be enthroned as queen mother. This was exactly what transpired today at the Babungo Palace. In the Babungo traditional setup, the queen mother is automatically the administrator of the Royal family and she wields the same powers like the fon. She is equally the adviser of the fon and is responsible to settle minor cases between the queens, princes and princesses. The queen mother also has a front role to play during the marriage of princesses. In the absence of the fon, she is authorized to receive royal gifts and keep them for the fon.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Nikai 2015: New Queen Mother (Nchio Mayani) Crowned in Babungo

By Fai Cassian Ndi

The making of the Queen mother

There was fanfare in Babungo Fondom today March 14, 2015 as thousands gathered at the palace esplanade to witness the coronation of the Queen Mother, Nchio Mayani. Excitement escalidated when the supreme regulatory fraternity-Kwifon or Ngumba summoned all the queen mothers to line up facing the sacred forest for the unexpected. It was at this point that one of the queen mothers from among the queens was chosen. She was placed on a stool and robbed with cam wood. A red feather and a porcupine quill was placed on her head and a special walking stick handed to her. While members of the secret society were performing the coronation, the other queen mothers chanted in approval of the decision. Two other queen mothers and two princesses are also chosen carryout errands for the Nchio and rob her with cam wood for some days.

 The colourful coronation rite which was performed by the Babungo “Ngumba” (supreme regulatory fraternity) was a mark of honour and recognition to the most loyal, faithful and dutiful wife of the fon. Nchio in the Babungo dialect we were told means Fon’s Mother who has been enthroned by the Kwifon or Ngumba and who deserves the same respect like the fon. Traditionally, when the fon is enthroned, the mother of the fon must one day be enthroned as queen mother. This was exactly what transpired today at the Babungo Palace. In the Babungo traditional setup, the queen mother is automatically the administrator of the Royal family and she wields the same powers like the fon. She is equally the adviser of the fon and is responsible to settle minor cases between the queens, princes and princesses. The queen mother also has a front role to play during the marriage of princesses. In the absence of the fon, she is authorized to receive royal gifts and keep them for the fon.

Queen being enthroned

As earlier hinted, the queen mother is honoured by both men and women. She is never shake hands with commoners and doesn’t share seats with them as well. She is also entitled to a special staff and drinking calabash.

History holds it that the most recent queen mothers in Babungo palace are the mother of Fon Sake II who was known as Nchio Minkee, the Mother of Fon Zofoa II-Nchio Mafuan and the newly enthroned the mother of Fon Ndofoa Zofoa who is now known as Nah Mayani.

Reactions:

Zofoa Dorothy (from Nigeria)

I was very impressed and in fact I am very satisfied with the way things unfolded here today. The massive turnout of youths is a clear testimony that the future is assured. I am also happy that our culture and tradition has remained intact and I have observed that foreigners as well as tourists are becoming more interested in what is happening here. I think the future is bright for Nikai and our tradition.

Deaconess Susan Okolo (Nigerian)

Zofoa Dorothy and Susan Okolo

It was thrilling. In fact I personally enjoyed the way the kids danced and how they were doing it. The masquerade display was fantastic. In my country we have similar feasts but there is just a light difference. When I was told of the Ngumba I thought it is the one that women do not see, but my fears were washed when I was told that it is for the public. It was fantastic and I will have a lot to tell my family and friends in Nigeria when I return. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

North West Fons Union: Kaduna Mafia Collapses as Fon Teche’s Plan to Extend Mandate Flops

Launching of NOWEFU with fon Chafah on high table(where was Fon Teche?) 

By FC Ndi

The North West Fons Union-NOWEFU, a one-time enviable and lobbying force is wallowing in the gutter after the kingpins of the famous Kaduna mafia have disagreed.  This is so because of late, NOWEFU President Fon Teche’s obnoxious plans to extend his mandate at the helm of the union have met stiff resistance. The Kaduna mafia has been responsible for dictating who should be elected at the helm of the association for long and at last, Fon Teche and Fon Chafah have disagreed leading to a split. 
At moment, NOWEFU is in two factions, one faction led by Fon Chafah and Fon Ndzofoa and another led by Fon Teche and Achidi Achu (non traditional ruler). 
North West Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique is said to have warned that the constitution should be respected and that any attempt will not be tolerated. It is reported that during the meeting, North West Governor also warned that the meeting which was scheduled in Nkambe by the outgoing President should be annulled. I say reported because 99% of the hints have confirmed it. Besides, the governor also warned the outgoing President to make a clear distinction between political issues and the associative life of NOWEFU given that it has been used as a tool to hijack and destroy the association.  

However, Fon Teche is allegedly hocked reasons why he is planning to stage-manage an elective general assembly in November. When contacted, Fon Chafah Isaac of Bangolang, one of the initiators of NOWEFU cum Secretary General of the Traditional Rulers Forum declared that Fon Teche’s mandate expires by midnight on March 16, 2015. Fon Chafah expressed gratitude to North West Governor for rescuing NOWEFU from suffocating under the pangs of Fon Teche. “Fon Teche should organize the elective general assembly with immediate effect”, he added. Allegedly, Fon Teche is being task to present a balance sheet of the funds raised barely a month after he took over office to complete the construction project. The outgoing is being accused for prostituting titles and also to have brought in non-traditional rulers like Rt. Hon. Achidi Achu as advisers into the union. Allegedly, the union has been pocketed by Achidi Achu and Fon Teche, both of them senators.

With the crack, Donga Mantung Division is likely to present more than two candidates. Fon Teche however confirmed yesterday that he faction is supporting the candidature of the fon of Nkambe as next NOWEFU President. But it is not yet clear whether the fon of Binka, Mbot, Nkanchi, Misaje, Rom and or Nwa will also declare their candidatures. Given that the position of President rotates, this is the turn of Donga Mantung to produce the next President.

It should be recalled that NOWEFU crisis resurfaced when the Fon of Babungo raised an alarm on the looming plans to hack the constitution. It is even alleged that Fon Teche had planted a scam to collect signatures from Donga Mantung fons to use in the future to extend his stay. Fon Ndzofoa of Babungo punctured the move.

(Up next: How Fon Teche would be remembered as NOWEFU. Exposing the untold) 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)