Since the opening of the 4th edition of the Bia So Mengong festival, this small town in Southern Cameroon, with 49 villages, seems to have changed its face. So much so that one could say, without exaggeration: Mengong no longer belongs to himself.

The city opened its arms — and its arteries — to an event whose name alone evokes a deep attachment to the native land. Bia So Mengong, literally "we come from Mengong", "we are from Mengong", is part of an assumed desire: to promote the local culture, federate energies and attract attention beyond borders. Besides, the theme does it well.

 

A transformed city, a lively daily life

Gone is the almost deafening calm of ordinary days. The streets of Mengong are full of activity, life and presence. Stands, giant posters, alleys full of people, cascading smiles: the city is celebrating.

Here, a food vendor, initiator of a fast food outlet, attracts customers. There, a street vendor adds a touch of effervescence. Further on, basket makers, couturiers, craftsmen of all disciplines offer unique works of art.

Rostand, a student and occasional restaurateur, is delighted: "When there is a festival like this, there are more customers. I sell a little more.

Even the youngest have sniffed out the opportunity. Émilie, 12, criss-crosses the sites of the Mengong high school and the Cocam stadium, a basket of donuts on her arm. The festival is also an opportunity for her to win a few coins.

 

 

Every day, a surprise

As the days go by, the highlights follow one another, often unexpected. One of the highlights is undoubtedly this improvised mini-concert on July 13. A suspended moment, born of spontaneity... and the prestige of the guests.

 

Distinguished guests, shared moments

This is also what Bia So Mengong is all about: a meeting place for residents, artists, the curious... and personalities. And this year, the festival has already displayed names as prestigious as they are warm:

• Mr. APOMBI Eugène, Director General of the Agency for the Supervision of Aviation Safety in Central Africa (ASSA-AC)
• Mr. NKODO Thierry Boniface, Director of Training at ASSA-AC
• Mr. Geremie Steeven MENDJALA, Head of the Civil Aviation Training Center of Cameroon
• Mr. ENGAMBA Charles Lambert, Head of the File and Statistics Department at CDI Bafoussam
• Mr. Stéphane EBALE MBOLO, Deputy Director of Book Economics at MINAC
• Dr ATANGANA NKOUROU Bernard, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs at the NSIF
• Prof. Steve-Felix Belinga, CEO & Founder of The Belinga Clinic and the Belinga Foundation.

 

 

All these personalities took part in a choreographic performance on the podium which, the day before, had already welcomed Mr. the Technical Advisor N°1 of the MINAC representing the Minister of Arts and Culture who came to launch the festival.

Having them among the festival-goers was an honor, seeing them sing and dance with the audience was a privilege.

 

And it's not over...

The festival continues, full of unexpected moments and shared experiences. In Mengong, every day of the festival is a celebration, a celebration of identity, openness and living together.

 

 

Because in this season, Mengong no longer belongs to himself. It belongs to all those who love it, celebrate it and make it shine. It belongs to the fans of emblematic artists such as Vanister, Mathematik de Petit Pays, Amina Poulloh, Nyangono du Sud... programmed to offer a unique warmth to lovers of art and culture.