CULTURE

CAMEROON: The literary CENE sets up the sponsorship of literary cafes

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4 years .

02/10/2020 à 07:56

Par

The Cameroonian lawyer, Flore Agnès Nda Zoa, founder of the association, the literary CENE will revolutionize things within literary CENE. Now, through their website, people who wish to sponsor Literary Cafés on the continent will be able to do so. An opportunity for volunteers to participate in the popularization of literary culture across the continent. His message through this video below.

Hello, my name is Flora Agnès, I am a lawyer in Switzerland and I am the founder of the association, the literary CENE. What is the literary CENE? It is an association whose goal is the promotion of African and Afro-descendant literature. It is an association of readers, it is not an association of writers, it is an association of readers.

The literary CENE is a literary prize that has been served for five years now regularly every year which is called the “Literary Prize of Africa”. The literary CENE is a literary residence in Cameroon. We welcome writers to come and draw their inspiration from mother earth. The literary CENE is also the literary cafes that I particularly want to talk to you about today. So we have developed within our association, a concept that we call the “Literary cafes of the literary CENE”, what is it?

It is a four-phase concept. The first phase is that we buy several copies of about 20, 30 or 40 of a particular book, it is often the book of the winner of our price Les Afriques or other books which we follow the promotion within our association. So we buy several copies of this book in the second phase, we offer these copies to students, to high school students or even to groups within a literary circle. The third phase, we give them three or four weeks to read the book and when they are finished, we organize the fourth phase which is the phase of giving back what they have read. It is a cultural event that we organize and during which they actually come to tell us how they feel about what they have read and, above all, they come to confront their ideas about the book they have read. This is the concept behind our literary cafes in a nutshell.

Flore Agnès Nda Zoa, founder of the CENE Littéraire association

So you obviously want to ask me what the goal is? There are actually several goals. The first goal of course is to try to stimulate or even sometimes to arouse interest in reading, interest in the confrontation of ideas. The second goal is to promote our literary prize, the person, the writer to whom we award the literary prize, to promote his book and above all to try to sell the copies of books that we have produced of this book on the continent. African. So this is the goal of our Literary Prize, it is in fact to buy the rights to the winning book, to have it produced in Africa, and to try to obtain its copies. The third goal, of course, is to try to participate in the creation or even the strengthening of cultural life in the case of the countries in which we are trying to establish ourselves or we are trying to exist. The fourth goal, which is also one of the most important for our association, is to create workplaces because of course the young people we send into the field to organize these literary cafes, these cultural animators are in fact employees of our association and we allow them to have a place of work so these are the main goals of our Literary Cafés.

You obviously want to ask me the question to know if it works? Yes, it works like a thunder fire as the young people say. It’s been going very well for three years now we organize these literary cafes. You can go to our website, our facebook page, which I will tell you later on under the video, you will see that we have organized dozens of them. We haven’t all put on the site yet and the kids are very interested and it’s going very well. The question that you obviously now want to ask me is to know, if things are going well at the level of the literary CENE and it manages to do that, all alone like a grown-up, why come and ask us? We are asking you for a simple reason, which is that we have seen in the field that young people read less and less and obviously it is a problem of general interest for our countries because who says young people who read less and less means that more intellectual stimuli, more educational stimuli, more cultural stimuli and if there is no more stimuli for all these things, that obviously leaves a dream place for mediocrity but nobody wants to see mediocrity settles in his country, in his town, in his village, in his town, so it is a problem of general interest and which says problem of general interest says collective response. We must find a collective answer to this problem. The literary CENE thinks it has found an answer with the organization of these literary cafes, so they invite you in fact to participate if you want to this solution.

How to do what is planned on our website, if you go there, you will see that we are going to organize a small platform, we are going to set up a paypal account that will allow you who want to accompany us in this action to sponsor literary cafes that we are organizing. That is to say that we have already organized Literary Cafés in the countries where we are currently, we are in Cameroon we are in Senegal, we are in Benin we aim to go to Congo, Burkina Faso and Mali . You buy, we buy the books, we organize the literary cafes, we distribute the books and we put on our website the literary cafes that we have already organized and it is up to you now to buy them up to 100 euros for example which will allow us to fill the financial vacuum that we have created in our fund by organizing these literary cafes. This means that our actions will be much more so we are not asking you to organize Literary Cafés, we are asking you to come and contribute to the organization of the Literary Cafés that we do. It is a problem of general interest. It is a problem that concerns us all. It does not only concern the literary CENE. It concerns everyone who is for a time little interested in the development of their country, the development of these young people by how things are happening around the world with regard to education and culture. This is what I wanted to tell you. Come to our website, come support us, and you will see we will do the work together when you have accompanied a Literary Café. Obviously we will give you back how it went. We will put these young people, if you want, in contact with you who offered them literary coffee.

We will explain on our website, on all our platforms on the net that it is you who helped us to organize it so there will not be at all, how to say, we will not forget you when we will share the information on what we’re going to do. It is a beautiful project that we have been carrying for a while, it would be good if you came with us. Thank you very much and see you very soon bye.

CULTURE

SENEGAL – Bo Diaw breaks silence with “The Village”, an album that celebrates cultural diversity

Publie

3 weeks .

13/11/2024 à 16:12

Par

Morgan Anyango

Montreal is about to vibrate to the rhythm of melodies, which will open up new and inspiring sound spaces by this artist of Senegalese origin, Bo Diaw. On the edge of a musical style that has nothing to envy to others, the artist will unveil, on November 9, 2024, “The Village”. An album that promises to celebrate cultural diversity through mixed sounds and messages of hope. This album is a serene bridge between different cultures. A tangle of melodious notes that question us about ourselves.

“The Village”, a message of unity
This new album by Bo Diaw is the international news, especially in Quebec. The artist is a perfect example of his commitment to a more harmonious world. “The Village” is a true ode to global solidarity and unity. Each song on this album sounds like an invitation to recognize the beauty of our differences and the importance of connecting people. The pieces are linked together in a subtle mix of reggae, afrobeat, dancehall and pop, while paying tribute to the artist’s Senegalese roots. Beyond the artistic work, Bo Diaw really wanted to explore the authenticity and humanism of people. Behind each song, each title, there is a humanistic questioning that questions us.

A multifaceted journey
Born in Dakar, Bo Diaw grew up in an artist family. He was also immersed in the musical world from his childhood thanks to his father Abdou Diaw, member of the Senegalese group “Darray Kocc”. He grew up listening to vinyl and disco. As a teenager, he tried humor and theatre before turning to music. At only 17 years old, this young boy with a sunny smile joins the animation group Mballo Assiko, a musical and theatrical ensemble that will mark his debut as an interpreter. Bo Diaw never stopped digging into her roots while exploring new musical frontiers. Her first single, “This is my blonde!” , released in 2013, became a hit in Quebec. The artist’s musical career is on the rise, and international scenes are smiling at him. Later, titles such as “Hypnotize” in 2015 and “Yaw Lay Weur” in 2017, where he celebrates the African woman, confirm his status as a versatile and committed artist.

An internationally recognized artist Bo Diaw has made a mark not only on his music, but also on his commitment to diversity and the Senegalese culture. In 2018, he was awarded the Dynasty Gala in the category «Best Artist or World Music Group of the Year», a distinction that crowns years of efforts. The artist continues to enrich his musical repertoire by multiplying collaborations with emblematic figures of Senegalese music such as Didier Awadi or the group PBS. In 2021, he signed with “Nuits d’Afrique”, further strengthening his presence on the world music scene.

An evening not to be missed
The launch of this new album, “The Village”, will take place at the Afromusée in Montreal. The choice of venue is not trivial. Indeed, it perfectly reflects the values of diversity and inclusion so dear to Bo Diaw especially since he placed this album under the sign of unity and sharing.

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CULTURE

SENEGAL – At the Curial Centre, Ombre Zion blows everything up

Publie

4 weeks .

04/11/2024 à 10:36

Par

Morgan Anyango

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Centre Curial in Paris, it was a real vocal feast. The Senegalese reggaeman Ombre Zion was live. With a powerful voice, he revisited his repertoire, a reggae mix imbued with African rhythms, with a fast flow and great clarity. The artists who preceded him in the first part ensured, thus preparing the entrance of the main artist, as close to emotions and the public. An unforgettable evening.

Saturday rasta
This Saturday night, by a strange coincidence, the time was reggae. While Kadjeem gave a concert in Abidjan, Ombre Zion was playing intense and fast notes on the grounds of the Centre Curial in Paris. The scene was lit up like a burning chapel. About ten rotating projectors, placed above the stage, flooded with light a drummer, two guitarists, a chorister and singers. That was it. They moved constantly, like pieces of a cut snake looking for each other. In the center of this army of projectors, a direct and motionless spot illuminated the focal point of this night attraction: the artists of the first part and Ombre Zion.

An attendance sustained, without being oppressive
This concert, scheduled on the weekend in the 19th arrondissement and offering a nice range of artists, had everything to attract people. The turnout was not surprising, as a huge communication campaign had been conducted on social networks weeks in advance. The audience came in large numbers to support their artist. Even if we were not at a record attendance, the crowd present recalled that of the popular balls, full of conviviality.

The guests and the public are all excited
Before entering Ombre Zion, several artists heated the room. At the top of the list, in order of passage, was Aboubakrine Fall. He was welcomed as the principal artist. The audience, overflowing with joy, howled with emotion under the mesmerizing notes of his bright red guitar. There was no pre-defined set list: each artist performed his or her own song in their own way. Smartphones were quickly taken out of the bags to immortalize this almost historic moment, with flashes rivaling spotlights. Same enthusiasm when other guests took the microphone: young rapper Nayah John, committed and feminist artist Dieya, seductive Astou Seck with breathtaking choreography, and finally Mystery. Then, the highlight of the show: Shadow Zion.

Ombre Zion electrifies her fans
H-Time. When Shadow Zion came on stage, bathed in a fiery glow, extreme agitation seized the audience. The fans were in delirium, almost in trance. If it was thought that the artist would be tired after the performances of the guests, it was nothing. Surprised by the atmosphere, he chained his songs in an afroswing style that only he has the secret. The intensity has never ceased to rise until the interpretation of “Calendar”, eponymous song from his EP released in 2023. At that time, the fusion between the artist and the public was complete, they were one. The atmosphere was so overheated that it was difficult to distinguish all the words. But Ombre Zion, focused and professional, continued without any interruption. At the end of the concert, an emotional fan said: “It will be one of my unforgettable memories: seeing Ombre and touching him.” A total success!

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CULTURE

SENEGAL – Mame Balla Mbow smashes everything at the Daniel Sorano Theatre

Publie

4 weeks .

04/11/2024 à 08:14

Par

BAMBA SIAKA DOH OUATTARA

Every year for the past four years, the Daniel Sorano Theatre in Dakar has become a capital of humour. Also, this evening the day after Toussaint, the Theatre was full. Dressed in royal grey with a yellow shirt, Mame Balla Mbow has once again amazed the fans who came to laugh. The laughter was loud, and the topics discussed were sensitive. In an overheated room, he proved that he was more than a comedian: he is a true master of Senegalese comedy.

Mame Balla Show: laughing while thinking
This show, organized by SHAHEIM Suarl, a renowned communication and event agency, was staged with high quality. Beyond the laughter, the Mame Balla Show is also an invitation to reflect. Throughout the evening, the artist skillfully blended humour and social criticism. He has approached the themes of daily life in Senegal with finesse, while highlighting universal truths. The audience, from all walks of life – young executives, mothers, young people from the suburbs, deans – saw themselves in the often funny situations, the naughty characters and the anecdotes he staged. The public was not mistaken: the Mame Balla Show is much more than a simple comic show; it is a mirror stretched to Senegalese society. With her verve and keen sense of observation, Mame Balla has shed light on the absurdities of our daily lives and has taken a critical look at the dysfunctions at the top of the state as well as the social challenges facing Senegal.

Mame Balla Mbow @Sholes

Mame Balla Mbow, a vitriolic humor
Although he is not yet 30 years old, Mame Balla Mbow has the appearance of an experienced comedian. Originally from Boune, in the Dakar suburbs, he is followed by thousands of people on social networks. Unlike many young people who are starting this profession, he graduated in law from the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (UCAD), where he became known for his positions on social issues. His committed humour is distinguished by its freedom of expression, unlike the majority of Senegalese humorists. Mame Balla rejects the “watered-down” comedy that favours aesthetics and exaggeration; instead, he proposes a unique approach inspired by great international comedy names such as Jamel Debbouze, while adapting his style to Senegalese realities. “I chose to do comedy to raise awareness, not just make people laugh,” he says.

From Dakar to Paris, very soon
Every year, it is packed. Normal. He has this sincere and precise look at a current event that he transmits in a kind of compassion, embarrassment and pity that instinctively causes laughter. Proud of his success, Mame Balla Mbow has great ambitions for his artistic future and is not limited to Senegal. That’s why he plans to conquer Paris in 2025 with a new show that will make a date. A challenge that this determined artist seems ready to take on. Judging by his show on November 2, one thing is clear: the artist is more than motivated to make people talk about him outside of Senegal.

The Mame Balla Show or laughing at everything
The Mame Balla Show is not just an annual show; it is also an event – let’s say a pretext – that allows the artist to denounce, through humor, and to defend values such as justice and truth. Mame Balla Mbow is undoubtedly redefining the contours of the Senegalese humorous universe. His show, which inspires other young talents, proves that you can laugh while raising the debate. Meet in Paris for a new adventure!