Cameroon is a nation located in West and Central Africa, renowned for its varied landscape including abundant tropical rainforests, arid deserts and towering mountains. The country is home to more than 250 ethnic groups and has French and English as its official languages. Agriculture and petroleum form the backbone of its economy, while coffee, cocoa and rubber are some of its major exports. Cameroon boasts a rich cultural heritage, showcasing a thriving music and dance culture.

 

Books

1

3.8/5

Mission to Kala

by Mongo Beti

2

3.8/5

Your Madness, Not Mine

by Juliana Makuchi

3

4/5

Days Come and
Go

by Hemley Boum

4

3.6/5

Dog Days

by Patrice Nganang

5

4/5

Behold the
Dreamers

by Imbolo Mbue

Mission to Kala (Mission Terminée) is a powerful comic novel set in late colonial Cameroon that won the esteemed Prix Sainte-Beuve in 1958. The story follows Jean-Marie Medza, a young Yaounde-educated man who has recently failed his Baccalauréat exam and returns home expecting humiliation. To his surprise, he discovers his status of being an educated scholar is held in high esteem, and he is asked to perform a task: travel to the obscure village of Kala and secure the return of a woman who had escaped her husband’s oppressive laziness.

The stories in Your Madness, Not Mine provide an insight into the yearnings and vision of an Anglophone woman, who has been shaped by the minority status of her people within the postcolonial nation-state of Cameroon. They focus particularly on the day-to-day experiences of Cameroonian women, their struggles to exist and empower themselves through patriarchal expectations and oppressive circumstances. The narrative delves into a variety of challenges they face, including maldevelopment, unemployment, as well as the allure of Western culture for young Cameroonians.

Anna, Abi and Tina are the three generations of women whose lives intersect in Days Come and Go, a remarkable story of beauty and tension in a rapidly-changing Cameroon. Through these three characters, author Boum explores a variety of issues such as love, politics, tradition and modernity.

Dog Days is a vivid and vibrant depiction of the seething tensions of a society yearning for freedom. Through the author’s eye, readers are offered a window into the bustling energy of Massa Yo’s bar, the chaotic noise of the marketplaces, and the increasingly powerful political demonstrations that embody hope for a brighter future for Cameroon.

Jende Jonga had come from Cameroon to Harlem, New York aiming to give his family a better life. In the fall of 2007, he was lucky enough to get a job as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, an executive at Lehman Brothers who had high expectations for punctuality, loyalty and discretion. Jende strived to meet those expectations while embracing the new opportunities with gratitude. His wife Neni was even given temporary work by Clark’s wife Cindy at their summer home in the Hamptons. This made it possible for them to imagine a brighter future in America—one that would be full of possibility and prosperity.

Movies

Play Video

1

3.7/5

Sisters in Law

Play Video

2

3.8/5

Hidden Dreams

Play Video

3

3/5

The Eagle's Nest

Play Video

4

3.5/5

Silent Forests

Play Video

5

3.1/5

Saving Mbango

Set in Kumba in the South West region of Cameroon, “Sisters in Law” is a story that revolves around cases of adultery, rape, and abuse, all presided over by a female judge.

When the teacher and young scout ventured into a primal village, they were surprised to meet a talented young girl with no schooling. However, the traditional customs of the village become a barrier in her future, as the girl was chosen to be the new wife of the village.

SILENT FORESTS is an inspiring cinematic work that follows the struggles of conservationists and activists to protect forest elephants in the Congo Basin region of Africa. After a study revealed that more than half of the central African forest elephant population had been lost to poaching within a decade, these passionate individuals have taken it upon themselves to fight for their survival. Through an assortment of captivating characters such as Cameroon’s first female eco-guard, grassroots wildlife law enforcement groups, Congolese biologists studying elephant behaviour, reformed elephant poachers and Czech-led anti-poaching sniffer dog teams, this film will shed light on the complex yet critical mission to save these endangered animals.

Silent Forests is an inspiring cinematic work that follows the struggles of conservationists and activists to protect forest elephants in the Congo Basin region of Africa. After a study revealed that more than half of the central African forest elephant population had been lost to poaching within a decade, these passionate individuals have taken it upon themselves to fight for their survival. Through an assortment of captivating characters such as Cameroon’s first female eco-guard, grassroots wildlife law enforcement groups, Congolese biologists studying elephant behaviour, reformed elephant poachers and Czech-led anti-poaching sniffer dog teams, this film will shed light on the complex yet critical mission to save these endangered animals.

Saving Mbango is an emotionally-charged drama that follows the life of John, a young man who, despite his own ambitions, finds himself thrust into the role of breadwinner for a struggling and dysfunctional family. Despite his chaotic background and tumultuous home life, John still dreams of a brighter future and finds himself captivated by Mbango, a village girl with whom he develops a strong romantic connection. However, Mbango’s life is far from simple; her own struggles prove to be much more than John ever expected or imagined. With his family constantly pressuring him – from his alcoholic father’s abrasive behavior to the irresponsible antics of his older brother and unmarried sisters. John soon finds himself in an extremely difficult situation as he strives to protect both his family and the love of his life.

Music

Cameroon music is a dynamic and varied genre that highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage. The genre includes a broad spectrum of musical styles, including traditional folk music, pop, and hip-hop. Cameroonian musicians frequently blend African beats and instruments such as the balafon and mvet into their compositions, producing a sound that sets them apart from other African music. Over time, Cameroon music has grown in popularity both in Cameroon and around the world, with many musicians being recognized for their exceptional abilities and imaginative works. Cameroon’s music scene remains dynamic, making it a crucial part of the country’s cultural identity.

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