02/09/2025
The call of the East was a siren song we couldn't ignore. It was time.
Our journey was a tapestry woven from the diverse landscapes of Cameroon itself. We gathered from the cool, misty highlands of Bamenda, our spirits as high as the altitude. The road became our ribbon, winding through the breathtaking Bamboutos Mountains that cradle Bafoussam, then descending into the sprawling, administrative heartbeat of the nation—Yaoundé, the city of seven hills. With every kilometer, the air grew warmer, the vegetation denser, until we finally crossed into the land of the rising sun: the East. Our destination was Bertoua, a town perfectly nestled in nature’s embrace, a vibrant threshold where the southern rainforest gently gives way to the northern savanna.
We came with a dual mission: to immerse ourselves in the rich, rhythmic cultures of the Gbaya, Baka, and Maka people, and to share our own stories—the raw, powerful verses of our "Bruises" spoken word project on Gender-Based Violence.
The pilgrimage was an epic in itself. Leaving Bamenda at dusk, we watched the sunset paint the sky, only to be greeted by the dawn's early light in Yaoundé at 4 a.m. A mere three-hour respite, then we were off again, weaving across the city to a bustling van park. The final leg, an eight-hour symphony of changing landscapes and bumpy roads, delivered us to Bertoua at 4 p.m., weary but buzzing with anticipation.
Our first stop was the cultural space, Espace Culturelle Pole ArtCam, right opposite the Language Center. After a warm meeting with the incredible management team, we retreated to rest, but sleep was a difficult competitor to excitement. By 8 a.m., we were back, our voices echoing in the space during sound checks, fine-tuning the rhythm of our message.
A midday stroll through Bertoua revealed its soul—the vibrant energy, the infectious smiles of beautiful girls, and the incredible aroma of local cuisine that we just had to taste. We fueled up on good food and great vibes, storing it all as energy for the evening ahead.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the space transformed. By 7 p.m., the stage was alive. The evening erupted with performances from unbelievably talented local artists based in Bertoua, each act a testament to the region's creative heartbeat. Then, it was our turn. We took the stage, our poems and spoken word pieces no longer just words, but living entities, given breath and pulse by the accompanying percussions and live music. It was a conversation, a sharing of souls.
The connection was electric, the evening, absolutely unforgettable. It was more than a performance; it was an exchange, a moment of pure, shared humanity.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Njock of Pole Artcam, to the wonderfully hospitable people of Bertoua, and to the Cameroonian Cultural Network and Partners for the priceless opportunity to share a piece of our hearts with a new and diverse audience.
This is the power of poetry and spoken word. This is what brought Mottanni, Ayeah Leonette Mag Bila official , Ronaldo Shiengho, Lanjo Neindefoh Lanjo Yembe Nfor , Ngek Lois to the East. This is the journey of "Bruises." And this is a memory we will carry with us, always.
Dressed by Noel of Kreativ Design and Loveline
