So we procrastinated
so many times about starting work on this list before the year ended so it
would be up as usual just after midnight but we failed!! We failed this time
because we had so many other things to juggle and only spent yesterday working
on all the 50 names and bios.
We would like to thank
all those who took the time to send in their nominations, we ended up with so
many names so much so that we had to in the end choose the 50 we believed have
shown progress last year and are bound to give us even more of themselves this
2014.
And to the talents
below, many thanks for working so hard and showing up strong. Many thanks for
flying the green red yellow flag and we pray you all continue in this light.
Happy Reading!
MEDIA & FILM
Mbufung Seikeh – a
University of Buea graduate with a Bachelor in Linguistics. She worked with the
UB theatre for three years before embarking on screen acting by 2008. Ninah's
Dowry was her big role that came next with its own challenges enabling her to
understand the acting field. So far she has won 6 best actress awards for the
film. Not bad eh!
Yibain Emile-Aime
Chah – Douala based Yibain aka Ancestor is also a product of the University of Buea. A
native from Fundong a small commune near Bamenda, he has worked on films
including award winning Ninah’s Dowry and yet to be released VIRI. He also won an
award for best cinematographer during the Sonnah Awards a few days ago. Keep up the
great work!
Alenne Menget –
Alenne Menget is a name you will hear so often around the entertainment and
film production scene in Cameroon. He is a distinguished actor who recently won
an award at the Sonnah Awards as well as the founder of ATS Production. A
production company that focuses on exposing socially conscious issues in
Cameroon. We salute you!
Nkanya Nkwai –
Nkanya is a name you need to know of for his revolutionary vision and foresight
will be recognised and will cause a shake up in the Cameroon Film Industry.
Nkanya has extensive experience as an actor as well as a writer and film
producer.
Stephanie Fonachi –
Bestowed with beauty and also the talent that is needed in her profession,
Stephanie has the potential to become one of the top actresses in Cameroon.
Catch her early 2014 in the film VIRI.
Agbor Gilbert Ebot
– he is one of the lead men in developing the face of the Cameroon Film
Industry into an industry that is recognised and one which adequately
represents and sells the Cameroon culture. As a producer, his films include FAR
& Pink Poison.
Akim Macauley –
Film producer cum Sonnah Award lead man Akim has just proved that determination
and the right vision is the key to changing things for the better in the
Cameroon entertainment industry. The Sonnah Awards, the first to be held at the
Hilton hotel and the first English awards to be shown live on CRTV caused quite
a stir 2 days ago. We are hopeful for change with such initiatives and minds
like Akims. Wishing you luck.
Francoise Ellong –
The film W.A.K.A caused a stir last year at the Cannes Film Festival and it
has not even been released yet! Shot by director Francoise with a cast that
includes Patricia Bakalack, Lucie Memba and Celine Fotso it shows the lengths
at which a mother will go in order to raise her child. We hope to be able to
support the release.
Amy Banda – Amy is
a TV presenter at Spectrum TV aka STV who is greatly interested in issues that affect the
society as well as promoting culture. Through her Good Morning Cameroon slot
and Voice Of the Voiceless, Amy seeks to get answers to local issues. Thank you
for caring!
Fidjil – A Camer
entertainment promoter, Fidjil has worked at RTM and is a presenter at Equinoxe
Radio TV where he promotes culture and entertainment through his Urban’iz show.
Brice Albin – The
Cameroon entertainment scene is moving in the right direction because of the
dedication and passion of radio hosts such as Brice. His show Generation 2.0 at
Nostalgie FM promotes local and international based Cameroonian artists and
culture pushers. He is also currently a correspondent at Radio France
Internationale.
Dzekashu MacViban
of Bakwa Magazine – he is a poet-turned-writer-turned-editor-turned-curator-turned-photographer-turned-freelance
journalist who writes/edits at Bakwa magazine online; a platform for art, culture,
film, fashion and photography with contributors from around the world. Kudos bro!
Adeline Sede Kamga
of Fabafriq – Fabafriq Magazine has only gone from strength to
strength from when it was created a few years back till present through the sheer determination
and cut throat skills of business savvy, wife and mother Adeline Kamga. If we
say we do not expect to see more from this lady and her magazine, then we will
be lying. She certainly has it!
Paola Audrey Ndengue
& Laura Eboa Songe of Fashizblack – Paola and Laura have been ever so
consistent. Since the creation of our Dulce Camer Top 50, these 2 young Paris
based Camer sistas and their Fashizblack magazine have always made the list and
it is widely due to their consistent development in the right places. What do
you say to 2 women who manage to get superstar singer Kelly Rowland on a front
page cover and furthermore it is her first front page in a French
magazine…kudos and more grease right? Keep it coming sistas!
Jackee Mbus of
Afroziky – an ardent promoter of Cameroon and African entertainment and
culture, US based Miss Jackee Mbus works hard yo! Thank you girl and keep it
up!
FASHION & BEAUTY
Reneta Ndisang of
Afroshic Clothing – If ever we need to personify persistence, it will come in
the shape of Reneta Ndisang the very young designer behind the Afroshic brand.
She has steadily but persistently worked her brand into a level that we can no
longer ignore. Most of the very best red carpet moments in Cameroon last year have all
been with her designs so we say keep up the great work Reneta and keep working
hard.
Kibonen Nfi of
Kibonen NY – Fresh from the Mercedes Benz African runway in South Africa and from winning best design brand at the Sonnah Awards a few days ago, Kibonen NY is a
brand deeply rooted in promoting the grassland culture through her Toghu inspired prints and pieces. We continually expect her to fly the flag high!
Anrette Ngafor of
Liiber London – Ladies & gentlemen…London based Liiber London combines
sights, sounds, shades and shapes that bubble in its hip hop birthplace of
London to create limited edition pieces. Once they are gone, they are gone!
Catch the brand showcasing at one of the most renowned fashion platform in
London called Pure London this 2014.
Alain Martial
Tapolo of Martial Tapolo – How can we describe an haute couture piece that
takes into consideration every single detail and is made to fit perfectly on a
woman’s body? You need to take a close look at the attached image for yourself.
Elegant. Creative. Talented and just pure amazing is all we say about him! Thank you for repping Camer Alain!
Rostand Junior Mvie
of FrenchKind – US Based Rostand aka Rostou is one of the brain behind the
French Kind creative lifestyle brand which includes clothing, videography, arts
management and photography with the main ideology of be free, be different, be
yourself. Their clothing line is typically African/Cameroon inspired. Young brothers getting it...kudos! www.wefrenchkind.com
Simply Cyn of
Addicted to Etsy – NYC based Cynthia is a fashion enthusiast and blogger who
started blogging 4 years ago to promote all her findings from Etsy while she
planned her wedding. Fast forward today and on her blog is where you will find
all the things she loves which includes fashion, travel, food. We love you too J
Sandra Ekukole of
Bih Youty – Oh Lord we thank you for Yaoundé based Sandra and her Bih Youty
initiative. This young sister has completely turned the makeup world upside
down in Cameroon for she is the first to completely understand that wearing
makeup one does not have to look like a clown! For all your makeup application
needs for events, weddings, shoots – she is your woman!
Ward*Robe @ Studio
25 by ModeMaison PR – whether you want a memorable red carpet moment or you want to look chic
in your music video or you simply just want to dare to be different in your styling,
visit this rental/styling showroom in Bonamoussadi, Douala where you can rent
high street, African inspired and luxury items at an affordable plan. See you
there!
CARM Store – A
beautifully interiored space with an added bonus of a high end clientele and an
emphasis on the customer, we present you CARM store in Bonapriso a first of its
kind in Cameroon owned by a young sister who prefers to remain anonymous!
Naoumie Ekiko –
from representing internationally renowned Cover Girl cosmetics to appearing in
international superstar Beyonce’s video “Pretty Hurts”, NYC based Naoumie is fast
becoming Cameroon’s supermodel. Keep your eyes on her!
ARTS & PHOTOGRAPHY
Em'kal Eyongakpa - Drawing
on dreams and observations, Eyongakpa approaches the experienced and the
unknown through an almost ritual use of repetition and transformation. He works
with photography, video, sculpture, text and
sound. His interwoven installations tend to obscure the boundaries between employed
media. He has extensive experience which includes exhibitions in Brazil, Italy,
France, Nigeria, Germany to name a few.
Shiri Achu – An
architect by profession, an artist by passion. Shiri Achu’s art comes from everyday, unsurprising yet
unexpectedly vivid moments, times, places and objects. She seeks to capture the
spirit of her subjects and make them come alive through form, colour, texture
and tone. She draws insight from her travels; from natural moments captured in
Africa to still objects, from the human form to the human in action. She has
exhibited in London, Barcelona, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Washington DC, Champaign,
Las Vegas and Douala to name a few. www.shiriachuart.com
Tito Valery – It
seems the name on every Cameroonian’s lips when it comes to all things culture
is TITO VALERY. This perfectly bilingual Yaoundé based TV/Radio presenter and
currently a BBC Worldservice Art Hour correspondent cum photographer has a
natural knack and flare when it comes to culture.
MUSIC
Gasha – voice check,
unique talent check – Gasha backed by Steven’s and DJ Pazzo is proving to be
the best comeback female artist of the year with 2 consistent music tracks and
videos. What does 2014 hold for her? We hope only great things!
Askia – she raps
and she sings and also seems to have this feisty but personable personality about her and
we believe she is capable of giving us much more. We also saw something in her "Tat' Obasseh" video shot by Adrenaline Studios which we must congratulate her for - she actually changes outfits!! Thank you for understanding that the image side of this entertainment business is crucial!! Keep your eyes on Askia.
Fluri Boyz – This
duo are a HUGE talent in our books and we believe we have not even seen
anything from them yet. We are watching you Fluri Boyz!!
Stanley Enow –
Ekieeeeh!! What can we say about Stanley Enowwwww that has not already been
said or heard? The number one urban male artist in Cameroon and abroad who
recently won 2 awards at the Sonnah Awards show a few days ago and who also sang at
the Presidency getting Mama Chantou to pose with an On Est High Pere tee
shirt…he did this only with one song…Hein Pere!! We hope you have heard it oh? Lest we will call you a Martian! Kudos to Stanley, because of his phenomenon we see many artists working hard to raise the bar. That is a job well done.
Bertrand Ndukong of
Feb 16th Pic – This dude has proven himself in this 2013 so whatever
everyone thought before, he has shown he is a contender and a very reputable
music video director and photographer who shot videos including Jovi's "Bushfaller", Reniss' "C'est La Vie" and Zayox's "Bangandostar".
Shamak Allaharamadji
of Brain by MakConcept – although his customer relation and service standards
are poor, Shamak still remains one of the best and most sought after music
video directors in Cameroon. His work includes "Bom Bom Bom" by Museba which he
won an award for and also "Hein Pere" by Stanley Enow, the most watched music video by a Cameroon based artist.
Adah of aMusic –
One of the biggest revelation for us in terms of music video directing and
producing has to go to Adah of aMusic. If the teaser to “Afe Nkap” by Ngoma which dropped the other day is anything to go by, then 2014 is about to be crazily
exciting and rewarding for this singer cum music producer/director.
DJ Pazzo – This
music producer has STEPPED up and answered his name several times this year. He
seems to have a creative flare for producing great quality tunes. Here is to
2014 DJ Pazzo!
Mr Elad – As he
prepares to fully get into the music industry this 2014, the expectation is
high but we know Elad is very capable of meeting and exceeding the expectations
placed on him. As a producer he is outstanding, as an artist, he is outstanding
and he also has the added bonus of being able to play instruments. Watch out oh
people when Shiver the new single drops…!
Spido – Il a quel tete meme? But c'est Sure
Mbom with Spido, real name Herve Tchoumba a proud Mabanda resident in Douala. Spido is
fast becoming a prominent figure in the 237 music scene, seen as a rapper
representing the voice of the youths of the streets which he identifies himself
with. His energy and love for what he does is eminent and can be seen
especially when he is on stage performing. Give us more Spido!!
Debra Debs – the
variety in the Camer music scene is great and this is where Debra Debs comes in
with her mellow soulful heart touching lyrics and an unforgettable voice. Check
out her new album LifeCycles to see why she won the best urban female award at
Sonnah Awards a few days ago. She also has a few things under her sleeves this
coming year! Watch out for her.
Daddyblack – Don’t
call him a small boy because a small boy he aint. If you have heard Daddy
black’s “Ah No Be Small Boy” then you will surely recognise that this talent is
one we need to put on our watchlist.
No Hitz No Recordz
– There are currently so many record labels and music studios within the Camer
scene that makes no sense however one which is setting itself apart from the
rest with a professional approach has to be none other than Buea based No Hitz
No Recordz led by Prince Enobi and his team of 2 sound engineers, 3 producers
including Phill Bill Beatz who is apparently one of the best in Cameroon. From
what we have heard come out from this studio, we see great potential.
BUSINESS & TECH
Eurykah Fon Ndumu
of Asheris Event Planning – This is the boss lady of all boss ladies. We admire
this lady, wife, mother because she is so passionate in what she does. Maryland
based Asheris event can plan, coordinate and execute all your events needs with
the same diligence and perfection, helping you to keep the cost to your desired
budget. They were instrumental in the overall organisation of the premier
Sonnah Awards in Yaoundé a few days ago, in assisting Rev Al Sharpton launch/sign
his book “The Rejected Stone” in the Maryland area and also plan and organise a
party for Cash Money Records Boss and Lil Wayne’s girls. Hats off to you boss
lady!
Churchill Mambe
Nanje – Buea is fast becoming the Silicon Valley of
Cameroon and it all kicked off with this young business savvy techy coder
visionnaire called Mambe who runs AfroVision Group and is also behind Njorku a
search engine for African jobseekers. Mambe has been featured on Forbes,
Aljazeera USA and Reuters. And they thought he was nuts when he went into
coding!! This is our billionaire Tech guy in the making...mark our words!
Braunhilda Ngum Atangeur
– is a Computer Network & Security Expert currently project managing at ITG
Store Consulting and is the founder of newly launched Voreitter Consulting. A
firm that provides consulting services, IT training, software development and
security audits as well as mentor young girls in Bamenda. Young, female and ambitious...we love that!
Rebecca Enonchong –
She is the founder and CEO of
AppsTech, a global provider of enterprise application solutions serving clients
in more than 50 countries. The company has had a footprint in Cameroon and
Africa for over 10 years. Enonchong is also a mentor and advisor to several
Africa-based technology start-ups and sits on the board of VC4Africa, an online
community dedicated to entrepreneurs and investors building
companies in Africa. She was selected as one of the 2013 WIE Africa power women
in the business and technology category.
SOCIAL ACTIVISM & DEVELOPMENT
Olivia Mukam –
Olivia continues to work hard behind the Harambe platform, an organisation that
inspires a generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs who see problems as
opportunities in need of solutions. www.harambecameroun.org
Denis & Lenora
Foundation - The foundation was established to catalyse Africa’s economic
transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology,
innovation, public health and progressive policies that create economic
opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local
governments, policy makers, private enterprises, civil society organisations as
well as development partners to expand the resources available to
entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners in addition to improving
individual livelihoods. www.foretiafoundation.org
PROFESSION
Nicoline Ambe – This
former law professor is a Motivational Speaker and Parent Mentor. “My primary
mission is to help parents prepare their children at home to become high
achievers in school”. Her contributions in this area are drawn directly from 17
years of teaching and interacting experiences with students and parents showing
parents simple but effective strategies that they can immediately implement at
home to help their children excel in school and prepare for a successful future
in college and beyond through 3 key steps – Prepare, Position and Pursue.
SPORTS
Charles-Hubert
Itandje – Born in Paris, Cameroon international goalkeeper with extensive
experience that includes a stint at Liverpool Football Club currently on loan
to Turkish side Konyaspor in the Super Lig was an instrumental factor during
the World Cup qualifiers for Cameroon. We also hope he will stand taller during our 2014 Brazilian experience.
Vincent Aboubakar - From Cotonsport Garoua to Lorient in the French League 1, striker Vincent
Aboubakar is proving to be a great signing for the team scoring 11 goals and
becoming 3rd in the scoring chart in the league. We hope he is just
as fruitful for the national team in Brazil 2014!
And that makes our 50 talents for this year. Feel free to leave your comments and if you have any names you would like to send for us to watch and consider for our next list, email us at brownschuga@yahoo.com
Happy New Year!!
Stay sweet and ambitious
Dulce
xxx
