The Demise Of Anglophone Cameroon Showbiz: Is There A Way Forward?

After the visit and stage performance of Nigeria’s Davido in Douala, Cameroun, there has been a lot of hype about the ‘recognisability’ of Cameroonian showbiz artists to the outside world in general and most especially in Nigeria which is the closest neighbor of our country. Why is there so much concern about Nigeria and their recognition of Cameroonian artists and or music? Of course, this is because of the recent onslaught of Nigerian music into the Cameroonian market, nightclubs, snacks and local pubs from the onset of the 2000s.

At times, it appears as though we in Cameroon consume more of Nigerian music than we do our own. In fact, this statement isn’t wholly untrue. It is not uncommon to visit a Cameroonian club and here the DJs mix Nigerian jams the whole night. Sadly, I often ask myself where are all the talented Anglophone guys making an effort to write our name on the hip-hop map of Africa and the world? Apart from the already big Anglophone names in the 237 showbiz known worldwide like Jovi, Mr. Leo, Magasco, Daphne, Pascal, Reniss, Blanche Bailey, Tilla, Stanley Enow, MD Lyonga and others, it will appear that most of the other talented Anglophone showbiz actors aren’t given enough exposure as they should. There is no denying the fact that there are just so many young talented Anglophone guys who deserve a spot in the lime light of the 237 showbiz stage. Unfortunately, it is clear that these young guys ain’t got enough connections to get there shit appreciated within the national territory and beyond.

It’s a shame that the corruption of the nation, the “bad belle”, backbiting, backstabbing of Anglophones against Anglophones has eaten deep into the fabrics of the very young and tender Anglophone 237 showbiz arena. Quarrels and beefs erupt on a daily basis between artists and artists, artists and producers, artists and companies, artists and bloggers etc. in my opinion; we are still too young to invest our time into squabbles of this nature.

Rather, artists must dedicate their time in making hit bangers and mind blowing singles as well as collaborating with each other. Producers must search for talent and make sure they are ready to support and make them grow rather scamper off when they make a little profit. Bloggers and content developers must be given the chance to contribute their own quota to game if we want to take over the showbiz territory of Cameroon or even venture into other African countries.

As earlier intimated, Anglophone Cameroon showbiz scenario can boast of so many talents. Albeit, these talents are still 100% untapped. The towns of Buea and Bamenda are flooded with enormous talents in youngsters looking for a means to explode. We all sure will agree that these guys need just the right exposure for this to happen. In addition, we as Anglophone Cameroonians must be ready to accept and consume the showbiz culture of Africa in general and that of Cameroon in particular. If this is done, then, there is a good chance for us to move ahead. Lest I forget, Anglophone Cameroonians should get off their high horses and settle down to constructive or descriptive criticism. Standing out from the periphery destructively criticize when you can’t even open a link sent to you, like a song sent to you, like a simple Facebook Page not because you don’t find anything interesting there on but simply because it’s from someone you know from the neighborhood or someone whom you under look is a canker worm that should be crushed from our mentality if we are to move ahead.

To the actors in the Anglophone showbiz arena of 237, your duty is not only to showcase your talents through good music and all. Music artists, models, designers, talent search agencies, bloggers and social media content creators must be able to propagate a culture of unity, self-respect and respect for the hustle of each other. In any given social related enterprise of the world, there must be beefs, disses and fights but these should not overshadow the goal we all have in mind: that of pushing our culture, music, art etc forward. Gone are the days of gang bangers like 2 Pac, Biggie Smalls, Big Pun, 50 Cent, and the rest. Now, all they want is to make that money and this can only be done if we can count and hang on each other.

This is the 21^st century and we are in 2018, the world has changed and we as Anglophones must change with it if we want to forge ahead in the trend of show business. We must change our “bad belle” mentality. We must change from our tribal tendencies and recognize quality and talent no matter where it comes from. Showbiz and urban culture is all about business, culture and social relationships built around our representation of who we are, what we do and what we are able to offer our people and those from outside. This sad, our brothers and sisters in the game must be ready to make each other grow because you cannot climb the ladder alone. If you do, the day you fall, it will be a big and loud fall.

ALL ABOUT THE VIBES