Unlike prison literature in the United States, South Africa, or Kenya, Cameroon prison literature is yet to be treated as a distinct literary genre. In fact, it is not far-fetched to state that in Cameroonian academic and literary circles, books…
Online Content
Mboko Leak and a New Era of Online Piracy in Cameroon
Music piracy has acquired an almost legal status in Cameroon, with burnt copies of albums on display in various markets countrywide. This has been going on for so long, such that many of those who buy aren’t aware that they…
The Politics of Exile in Inongo-vi-Makomè’s Natives
The last few years have been exciting for Cameroonian writers. At the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2014, Random House signed a seven-figure deal for the North American rights to The Longings of Jende Jonga, a novel by Cameroonian writer Imbolo…
The Uncrowned Queen of Neo Soul in Cameroon
Christening hereself “Makedah” shortly before the release of her Peace, Love and Light LP in 2013, Cameroon’s neo soul queen seeks to walk on the steps of the Queen of Sheba, “…a strong feminine icon, who represents wisdom and the vision of a proud Africa which is independent and royal.”
Negrissim’s Long Awaited Afrofuturist Comeback
When Sadrak and the Sassene brothers (Evindi and Sundjah) decided to form Negrissim’ in 1995, little did they know that they’d created what would become one of Cameroon’s most influential pioneering hip hop crews, which would later win accolades from…
The Minimalist Aesthetic in Ayriq Akam’s New Songs
Ayriq Akam’s experimental hip hop goes from soulful to minimalist Perhaps best known for “Bienvenue au Cameroun”, a hip hop song with a soulful influence released in 2010 to wide acclaim, Ayriq Akam can be considered as a lynchpin of…
Eka Christa and the New School of Cameroonian Cinema
Dzekashu MacViban profiles Eka Christa, showing how her style eschews stereotypical narratives and goes for stories which are simple, delirious, funny, and highly reflective of the Cameroonian society.
Editorial Internships at Bakwa
Bakwa (a magazine of cultural criticism) is accepting applications from undergrads and graduates for its editorial internship program. Interns work on a part-time, unpaid basis for three to five months and receive practical experience in critical reading and analysis, research,…
Afritude
The excerpt below, from Monique Kwachou’s short story “Afritude” [originally published in the Caine Prize anthology To See the Mountain and other stories] is part of #100DaysofAfricanReads (curated by @SisterKilljoy). The story relates how Elizabeth’s life changes the day she…
Le Blanc d’Eyenga 2 and the Burden of a Sequel
Dzekashu MacViban One of the most anticipated movie sequels in Cameroon perhaps delivers as much as it falls short. Thierry Ntamack (middle) The desire to leave Cameroon for greener pastures, an issue which is ingeniously documented in the…
