MODEL, DANCER, STYLIST, DESIGNER: WHAT NEXT?

To say I was shocked at Imane’s response would be an understatement – I nearly fell off my chair when I received his reply. As far as I was concerned, I thought he was going to say, thanks, but no thanks to doing the interview! For someone who had worked with top designers and photographers, even journalists, the crème de la crème so to speak, I thought he was just going to take a look at my blog and think what the heck? But his response of “yes” was a pleasant surprise and it filled me with excitement. I guess he bought the concept of what this blog is all about. No matter the level in whatever you are doing, if you are approached, I think it is good to be nice and to be helpful in what ever way you can.
Nice one Imane!
Imane Ayissi was born in Cameroon and arrived in France in the 90’s. This lover of fabrics has tailored himself a strong reputation among the Afro-Caribbean community as a reputable designer. During his modelling years, he fronted adverts with companies such as Gap, Motorola, Gitanes etc and also worked with photographers such as Pascal Barin, Marc Robin, Alain Herman etc. The photographer Elias took a series of photos with Imane wearing luxurious jewelleries from designers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Christian Dior, Cartier, Chanel, Bulgari etc These pictures were published in French fashion magazines and also presented in an exhibition in Paris. He has also posed for a series of paintings by Sasmayoux.
Here below is our little chat…..happy reading!

DC: What is your favourite colour and why?
IA: Black is my favourite colour because everybody can wear black, any where and at any time a little black dress is appropriate. What you see when you are dressed in black is your “silhouette” and the architecture of the clothes.

DC: How did you get into fashion modelling?
IA: I worked a little bit as a model in Cameroon. I worked in fashion shows of African designers such as Blaz design, Made Jong etc…
When I arrived in Paris I tried to get work with modelling agencies, but it was not easy so I started as a free-lance model. I did a few shows and took a few pictures and it was later that some agencies were ok to work with me. That’s how I started.

DC: Did you know much about fashion modelling before moving to Paris?
IA: I knew quite a lot about modelling when I was living in Yaoundé because I was very interested in fashion and modelling. So I used to read a lot of French magazines about fashion, articles and interviews about successful models… I knew already the “physical” conditions needed to work as a model. I knew how important modelling agencies were. I knew already that being beautiful in itself was not enough to work as a model, you needed a strong personality and something a little bit different…

DC: Who are your favourite fashion designers?
IA: I love two kinds of designers, I still love the “old couture” designers like Christian Dior, the great Yves Saint Laurent, Cristobal Balenciaga, Vionnet, Gianfranco Ferré, Azzedine Alaïa… but I also love new or more “revolutionary” designers like Galliano, Rei Kawakubo, Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, Martin Margiela, Haider Ackermann and among African designers Chris Seydou (who is unfortunately dead) Xuly Bet, Duro Olowu, Ozwald Boateng…

DC: Why?
IA: They are all different but they have all brought a little something into fashion history and in the way we are dressing now. Some of them are great “fashion architects” like Dior, Balenciaga, Alaïa, Claude Montana and Vionnet. Others are more intellectual and have changed our way of thinking in fashion, for example Rei Kawakubo at Comme des Garçons and Martin Margiela. I like Chris Seydou, Xuly Bet and Duro Olowu (who is based in London) because they know how to mix African culture and European fashion.

DC: What was the best photo shoot or catwalk you ever did? Why?
IA: I have good memories of all the fashion shows I did because all the designers were different but interesting. What was important to me was to wear and show off nice and different garments.
The best pictures I took are maybe not for fashion or for adverts, but merely artistic pictures. When there is an objective or a message about the picture and when something happens with the photographer; for example I love the pictures taken by Elias with jewelleries. Even though they were pictures for Cartier, Chanel, Boucheron or van Cleef & Arpel they were far more than fashion pictures because they portrayed a story about the fusion of the natural body (mine) and these marvellous stones. They carried the story of light and shadow and the body used as an “objet d’art and also about an ephemeral body and eternal stones. I also took nice pictures with Marc Robin for the Lyon Biennale d’Art, and it tried to recreate an ancient African atmosphere in these pictures with old traditional jewelleries and make up made with clay.

DC: And your worst? Why?
IA: My worst memory was a photo shoot I had with the model Estelle Hallyday for Femme Magazine. I think the casting was not appropriate. I don’t know why, but all the pictures were cancelled and have never been published… It’s a shame because she was a very important model at the time…

DC: Was the transition from Model to designer easy?
IA: No not easy because being a designer is a very hard job but when I was working as a model I was thinking about fashion design all the time. Being a model helped me to know how the fashion world worked and it helped me to know about clothes and to meet important fashionable people in the fashion industry. But of course it is not the same job at all…

DC: Did you have to do a fashion design course?
IA: No I learned by myself, of course taking a design course would have helped me to start but what is important is to be creative.

DC: That’s true, creativity and passion is where it starts from.
IA: Yes!

DC: As a male model, did you have much pressure to watch your weight?
IA: Not at all! I never took care of my weight and it’s because I was and am very lucky and I thank Mother Nature that I can eat what I want and I don’t put on weight easily. However, for some other models there was pressure but I think that it was not as bad as for female models.

DC: Talk us through your fashion collections.
IA: They are all different but there is a theme, a story for each collection. I’m more into the European even the French fashion tradition but I try to integrate a touch of African culture in them even if it’s sometimes not obvious but it is more in the way I cut some dresses and things like that. I try to avoid the African cliché.
The last collection was called “Next Queens” and it was a kind of a tribute to every woman on the planet in a way I wanted to say that every woman is kind of a queen.

DC: As a young child, what did you aspire to be when you grew up?
IA: As a little child I did not have an easy life so I didn’t think so much about my future, but I already used to draw women’s silhouette on the sand!

DC: Do you have any goals? What are they?
IA: Just to be myself!

DC: Considering most African parents want their children to be doctors, lawyers and accountants, how did your parents feel when you told them about your career?
IA: When I was a young child I couldn’t say anything, I just had to obey. So I didn’t ask for permission, I did slowly what I wanted to do. It’s a shame that some parents want to decide their children‘s life. Everybody can’t be a doctor or a lawyer we need also artists or something else in the world even though it may not be easy. Artists are also very important for the economy of great countries! Just think about the rock industry in Great Britain, the Cinema industry in the USA or the Fashion industry in France…

DC: Were your parents and your family excited then about your career?
IA: Now I think they are quite proud of me…

DC: What is the most exciting place(s) you have been in your career?
IA: There are different places: Japan because it is so different than Africa or Europe and it is also very disorientating. Canada because Canadian people are very nice and open minded. France, of course because of its elegant way of life, its beautiful monuments and its history which is still very present today. I went for the first time to Nairobi in May, and I really did appreciate the efficiency of the people in that country. It was a little bit like in Europe and it’s rare for an African country. I was invited to participate in a big fashion show in the middle of a great national park, among lions, it was so exciting that was a great memory…

DC: What has inspired you in your life?
IA: Nature, nice people, various parts of the world, Africa, nice and bad things, because even in bad things you can find beauty.

DC: What did you enjoy most, dancing or modelling?
IA: It depends of the state of my mind. I don’t prefer one or the other as they are two important parts of my life. However, I cannot be a model forever, it’s a job for young people and that’s why I am now a designer.

DC: “Millang Mi Ngore, Histoires du soir” your book that you wrote in the Ewondo language. What is it about?
IA: I wrote this book in French but with some words or sentences in Ewondo (that I usually translate). It is about a fairytale, an African fairytale. I wrote about an old Africa, an Africa of many, many years ago, though I didn’t know much about it I tried to imagine it. It was also a way of “promoting” the Ewondo language which is my native language.

DC: Your sister is Chantal Ayissi, the famous singer. Did you ever fight when you were growing up?
IA: Yes like every children but now we are adults and it is different!

DC: Is she proud to have a brother like you?
IA: I don’t know, ask her the question!

DC: Is there any competition between you two?
IA: For me not at all as we have two very different jobs and even if we had the same job we are also very different individuals so there is no competition. Generally I don’t have a “competititive mind”. We are all different and there is a place for everybody. If there is competition, it is between me and myself. I always to try to do better than I already did.

DC: Do you think Cameroonians are very fashion conscious?
IA: I don’t think so. They like to show off fashion brands but they don’t try to understand what’s beautiful or new or interesting in the fashion industry. Wearing Dolce & Gabbana or Vuitton’s total look doesn’t mean you are fashion conscious, especially when you don’t know if it is real or a fake.

DC: This is true!

DC: What is the next level for Imane Ayissi, fashion designer?
IA: You will see when it arrives..

DC: Ok!

DC: Would you be opening a grand store in Cameroon?
IA: It is possible but it is not so easy, so let’s see what happens..

DC: Right.

DC: Would you be going into perfumes, shoes and handbag designs as well?
IA: Of course it would be nice, but to create perfumes or handbags, you need money to develop the products, organise commercial exhibitions…etc. If there are investors out there who want to help me to develop my business, of course I’m open to offers….

DC: Great.

DC: Would you ever have a fashion show in Cameroon?
IA: Yes, I have had quite a lot there. The last one was at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé during the “First Class” trades fair.

DC: How were the fashion shows you did in Yaounde received by the public there? What were their comments?
IA: I think people loved it each time I did the shows in Yaoundé or Douala beacause they could maybe see something a little bit different from what they used to. My style is a mix of French "elegance" and African culture and as a former model I could coach the models showing them how to walk in a modern way taking into account the music etc. So I think that each time I did the shows, I brought a little bit of the "Parisian mood" with my shows. The comments in newspapers or on televisions and even the comments from people I met on the streets or those I received on my website have always been nice and kind.
On the other hand I think people in Africa don't see my shows as in Paris. African people are used to seeing fashion shows as entertainment, like a kind of ballet or variety show. They are used to paying to see them but as for me I want people who see my show to appreciate the clothes and their design and to buy them and wear them... I would rather prefer less nice comments and more customers!

DC: What is your advice to someone who is thinking of pursuing a modelling career?
IA: Everybody wants to be a model nowadays. When you say to someone you are nice, he or she thinks he or she can be a model. There are few people who can work as a model. You need to have a very special body and have something different about you. You also need to understand what designers and magazines want and you need to be very conscious that it’s a very hard job.

DC: That’s right!

DC: What is your fashion must-have for this season?
IA: A black skinny jeans of course…and being you…

Imane's various collections from his fashion shows!

DC: Dulce Camer

IA: Imane Ayissi

Wow, his designs are slinky, very feminine, elegant and looks luxurious! I think one thing that Imane does very well is that he understands the female body and he knows how to accentuate and make that body look heavenly and divine through his designs.

I hope you enjoyed this interview as I did conducting it. He is a very nice person and I am ever so glad he decided to give me that opportunity to interview him. To check out more on Imane, please visit his website on www.imaneayissi.com

You can also check him out on Myspace.com

Until next time, keep reading and keep checking Dulce Camer y'all!

Stay Sweet!

Dulce

xxx

FEATURE 4 ON ITS WAY!

Hellooooooo to all my virtual peeps on the blogosphere! Hope all is good, healthwise, financial wise, jobwise, family wise, friends wise etc etc.

I am feeling very chirpy today after a rather dull start. I am hoping however to continue my day on this mood, I am going to ride with it!

Okay, just to let you guys know that feature number 4 is in production. I hope you find this talent very interesting!

I will always keep on stating the excitement I am getting from the response of this blog. Many people have warmed to it and I am so happy that they are feeling the concept. When I check the traffic flow to the blog and I see that my visitors are worldwide, it gives me intense pleasure and it makes this all worthwhile.

Let us keep repping Cameroon, y'all.

I would like to do a feature on Cameroon but not so much writing about it but would love to show it off in pictures! So, please please please, if you have been to Cameroon recently and you have the pics, I would be grateful if you could send me some? I would love to collate what I get and post them on the blog! Let us amaze and shock the rest of the world who think Africa is a "dump" by showing them how beautiful and green it can also be. Please email me on brownschuga@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance.

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

NO MAKE ERREUR, NDINGA MAN'S LAWYERS TELL JUDGES!

Lapiro de Mbanga’s lawyers have urged judges at the Mungo High court to free him from prison. The controversial singer, whose real name is Pierre Roger Lambo Sandjo, was arrested and jailed for inciting riots in his hometown of Mbanga, following nationwide food price rises last February. His lawyers contested the accusations and questioned the integrity of witness statements. At an earlier hearing Mbanga Chief, Magellan Mukete Ngoh suggested Lapiro as the architect of strikes in which youths burnt down public and private establishments. However the star’s defence team refuted Ngoh’s testimony “How can Lapiro destroy a town whose reputation he has built for so long,” asked Barrister Rene Manfo. Lapiro’s briefs also pointed out police failure to arrest two men allegedly linked to the charges brought against him. Baptist Tagakoum, president of the commercial motorcycle union in Mbanga and another man Sam Boga, were implicated in court by Mbanga Divisonal Officer, Simon Nkwenti. Previously, prosecution judges said all evidence implied Lapiro’s guilt. The crooner, also known as ‘Ndinga Man’, shot to fame in the 1980s with album "No make Erreur", which translates as "don’t make a mistake". His quasi rapping style and exotic use of French and Pidgin English-influenced street codes captured the nation’s imagination. Despite endearing him to the masses, his outspokenness against government misdemeanours led to several run-ins with the administration. Lapiro’s lawyers condemn his recent ordeal as a travesty of justice. The case continues on September 24.

By Ngum Ngafor

Thanks Ms Ngafor again for the above.

Keep reading Dulce Camer y'all.

Thanks for all the support again so far and a particular thanks goes to Kamer (his blog is to the right) and Etum (of africa2point0 blog to the right too) for placing my blog as one of his blogday 2008 entries. He described my blog as being "in"! Wow, already!!! I am ever so grateful!

Stay Sweet

Dulce

xxx

DON’T TOUCH MY STEREO: COS MENOOSHA IS ON!!!

Menoosha was born and raised in Ivory Coast to Cameroonian parents. She seems very hardworking, very driven and motivated and highly approachable. I have to say that to achieve what she has achieved despite the little stumbling blocks on her way she has to be of a very strong and focused character. She is an inspiration to many people out there who may want to follow their dreams and achieve their purpose but they are too scared for one reason or the other.
One message I took from talking to this cool chick is that – Don’t let your situation dictate your life and where you go in life is what you put into life. I hope this interview speaks to you in one way or the other. Happy reading!

DC: When did you first know you could sing?

MS: Okay, hmm, I was about 7/8 and my mother’s cousin a singer called Bebe Manga introduced me to a children's vocal, theatre and dance group called “Les Oiseaux du Monde”. I had an audition and when I sang, they loved it and that was how I kick started my career. This was my first encounter with the professional music scene. We toured around Africa and even went to Greece.

DC: Describe your music to us.

MS: I have 3 tracks (Get by, Don’t touch my stereo and Crumbs of Love) on my pre-album EP which is a blend of funk, rock and R’n’B Soul. The whole feeling of the album when it is released will be these as well as a blend of hip hop, afro-beat and dancehall.

DC: You supported Miriam Makeba, how did that come about?

MS: Well, I had a friend, an afro-beat artist by the name of Mutschoko who had a contact with Miriam’s management and he organised the whole opening act thing for me in Marburg (Germany) and this was in 2002.

DC: You packed your luggage, left family and friends behind in Ivory Coast and headed to Germany. Where did that courage come from?

MS: Well hmmm, actually, the main reason I left was to study graphic communication. A friend told me that German designers were very good and Germany was offering free University courses at the time back in 1999.

DC: Where do you get your strength from?

MS: I think my strength comes from hope. That clear vision of what I want to achieve. So my strength is from my hope and vision.

DC: How do you find time to sing, blog, do your web communication and photography, update your web pages, keep in touch on Myspace and Facebook and be a mother?

MS: Really, I just do it [she laughs] and then I realise that I have not had enough sleep. It is very very time consuming and I have had to learn to multitask which has helped me a lot. You don’t really do anything that well but you still do it. I only sacrifice sleep and I don’t really spend that much time with my friends. I don’t regret it, it is worth it.

DC: What advice do you have for all those single mothers out there who think their life is over?

MS: I would just say that you’ve got to create a vision. It doesn’t have to be a professional career but you need a vision and with that you will achieve a lot. This has been my lesson learnt from my parents. With no vision, it is like running in emptiness.

DC: Tell us about your band US2U. How did you form?

MS: It is a very very funny story. When I left Ivory Coast and arrived in Germany, I was still trying to do my music so I found this newspaper and I put an ad in the paper looking for band members. I got calls from different band artists and that was how we connected and then formed.

DC: Who or What has inspired you in your life?

MS: Many people. Actually, I have to think! The one person who really stirred my life has been Miriam Makeba. Not just because of the music thing but because of her life story. Her lesson of strength gotten from when I read her autobiography when I was 17 helped me a lot. I have nothing but admiration and respect for her for what she has done and achieved despite her struggles and loss. She was a big artist in Africa who managed to cross over to the US and even managed to win a Grammy Award.

DC: Where are you heading? What are your goals?

MS: My goals, hmmm, My goal is not just to do music but to inspire in a positive way. I like to do a lot of humanitarian work so to inspire people in any way I can will be my most achieved goal.

DC: You did a Socio-political documentary on Ivory Coast where you were born. What did you find out and how did it impact you?

MS: It was a very personal project. In the space of 3 months, I re-discovered the town I was born in (Abidjan). I discovered how people had turned onto Christianity in search of hope. Desperation in their spirituality had made them a target of “business crooks” who saw the church as a new way of making some money. The church I went to to conduct my research was shocking. Blessings had a price, the larger the cash you gave them the more prayers were prayed on you. It was the most shocking thing I had ever seen in my life. I did feel whole again after this project because it enabled me to get the real truth of where I was born and this project led me into the shantiest and poorest of places I had ever even been to while I was growing up in Abidjan.

DC: How did you feel when you went back to Germany? Where you like thank you Lord for the life I have now?

MS: Yes. I feel so blessed and I have no right to complain.

DC: You are moving to London in a few weeks, is that permanent?

MS: Yep, will be moving about mid September.

DC: So when would you take to the stage here in the UK? Any gigs?

MS: No, not yet but hoping to organise something. I met the former Soul II Soul singer Melisabelle and maybe we may do a collaboration.

DC: I am loving the “Get By” track! I couldn’t stop doing my funky moves on my chair! What is the gist behind it?

MS: Well, hmm, till like a year ago I was doing Soul R’n’B and my producer was like it was a long time that he had seen any mainstream R’n’B artist play with rock tunes so that is how we started. We did the song and I loved it but decided to change a few bits and it turned out into what the track is now.

DC: When is the album out?

MS: The album will be out in early 2009. So in a few month's time.

DC: At the moment, where can one can buy the pre-album EP “Three piece Suite”?

MS: The EP can be bought on my site – www.menoosha.com and we are working on putting it on iTunes and on all these platforms so it is easier for people to find.

DC: How can people keep up to date with what is going on with your music?

MS: By visiting the website. I have a newsletter on www.menoosha.com so in order to be kept updated, register your details on the site.

DC: Did the car company Skoda use your track “Movin as one” in their ad?

MS: Yes. I was working with an agent (actually he is currently my gig manager here in Germany) from Munich who worked with the publicity department of Skoda. They were looking for a track for their upcoming ad and he told them about me. When they listened to the “Movin as one” track, they liked it and decided to go for it.

Southpark Menoosha!

DC: Has that brought you more recognition and did it open more doors?

MS: Oh definitely! I have been getting a bit more bookings and I have been getting more friend requests on my Myspace profile so it has done something.

DC: Being a very busy lady and mother, how do you find time to look so good?

MS: [she laughs] thank you for the compliment. Well, I really have to wake up early in the morning to have my quiet time. I leave time to check out what is out there, this is very important to me to do this.

DC: What is your fashion style?

MS: Hmm, actually it depends on my mood. I can be very conservative when I feel like it but can also become very crazy and colourful when I have a gig.

DC: Do you love shopping?

MS: I love it, anytime I can, I try to shop [she laughs].

DC: What do you do in your spare time? If you have any?

MS: Well, I love to play with my daughter, take her for a walk etc. She’s my spare time activity.

DC: Would you encourage your daughter if she wanted to follow you into music?

MS: Well, definitely I would encourage her and I would also encourage her in anything she decided to do.

DC: So, Ms Susungi, thank you very much for this interview. Keep doing what you are doing because you are doing a great job. Stay in touch.

MC: Thank you!

DC: Oh by the way, do you know I googled you and there is so much written about you, lol!

MS: Well, I do google myself regularly to control what is written about me. Actually, I did this song “Giving it up” which was released in a mixed tape and there was this magazine that ran an article on me and I discovered that they associated me with phone sex! They did not even understand the song at all!

DC: Dulce Camer
MS: Menoosha Susungi

Hey there peeps, hope you enjoyed feature 3. You can sample Menoosha's "Three Piece Suite" tracks on her blog on the link to the right of my blog page. I will continue to introduce you to the amazing talents we have in that beautiful country of ours every two weeks as promised. Please as you read, don't forget to leave a comment by clicking on the comments section below this interview. You can leave a comment without registering. Just write what you wanna write and then when you go to post the comment, click on anonymous and that's it! This is if you don't want to leave your name!

Roll on Feature 4!

Stay sweet y'all!

Dulce

xxx

BAKASSI: THE SAGA CONTINUES

As the people of Bakassi ponder an uncertain future under Cameroon, members of the Cameroonian armed forces are allegedly demanding compensation for their role in the country’s acquisition of the oil-rich region. According to The Post newspaper, unnamed insiders at the Ministry of Defence say army officers want the government to recognise and financially reward their contribution to ending the Bakassi crisis. "In the face of any trans-boundary conflict, especially when the security of the state is at risk, the defence forces are given special attention and eventual compensation if they triumph.

It happens in many countries across the world as some sort of motivation and Cameroon is no exception" an army official told The Post. The officer also cited battle-related illness and death as justification for compensation to soldiers and their families. However critics argue that they should not be overpaid for doing their duty of defending the nation. Bakassi was ceded to Cameroon by Nigeria on August 14. It was the subject of a long-standing conflict between both nations. UN chief Ban Ki-Moon hailed the peaceful transfer as "a model for negotiated settlements of border disputes". Nigeria and Cameroon will now cooperate to explore the region’s untapped oil fields.

Here's to peace and prosperity between us and our neighbours eh!

For more on the Bakassi people’s views on Cameroon visit the Post News on the link to the right.

By Ngum Ngafor

Many thanks to my new contributor Ms Ngafor for the above news. Please do let me know if there is anything you want me to cover. I would also love to include upcoming events and shows on this blog, please email me on brownschuga@yahoo.com

Watch out for Feature number 3.

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

IN THE NEWS

Ms Francoise Mbango Etone wins Gold at the olympics for the women's triple jump final. Congratulations to her!

She is doing a great job considering that she trains herself!

We are all pleased though that at least Cameroon has been represented and represented well at the olympics!

Goodluck for the future too!

Miss Cameroon 2008
The winner, Miss Joëlle Audrey Amboagué was received in audience by the Minister of Culture, Ama Tutu Muna.
She was accompanied by Anita Awana, the winner of Miss Naïades who was elected in Cotonou, Bénin (picture below).
The minister and her guests focused their discussions on the two elections during which the two young Cameroonian beauties emerged in first position i.e. the Miss Cameroon (in Yaounde) and the Miss Naïades (in Cotonou).
These young ladies, exalted in their own fashion the Cameroonian woman and the Cameroonian culture by putting on the beauty crowns.
Both beauty queens assured the minister of their availability to respond to her invitations whenever she did have need for them.
Ama Tutu Muna was pleased with both ladies and declared her openness to support them realise the cultural projects they presented to her.

Miss Naiades 2008

On her part, the laureate of the 2002 "Miss Cameroon" competition, Belobo Nomgne Agathe, has expressed concern over the plight of beauty queens in the country. She says beauty queens are cultural ambassadors of Cameroon and deserve to be treated with respect.
The president of the organising committee of the Miss Cameroon contest, Ingrid Solange Amougou affirms this, saying that beauty queens are ambassadors for the youth.
Miss Cameroun, she says is intelligence and beauty at the service of the underprivileged and victims of society like the handicapped, abandoned children etc. They also work for the protection of the environment and serve as role models for the young ones.

Taken from CRTV.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE guys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, after reading do LEAVE A COMMENT! I cannot stress enough how valuable your comments will be. I cannot keep this blog running on my own I do need outside imput and influence! Please take a few minutes to leave me a comment. I would like to know how to improve this blog, what or who to feature etc.

Ok, that's it from me. Watch out for feature 3 soon!

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

MR SHOWBIZ – CAMEROON’S NEXT TOP MOGUL.

Speaking to Roland, I started to see Cameroon in a different light. I saw a Cameroon where there was hope, there was life, there was change and there was a different way of thinking – the Forward, Onward thinking – It makes me shout out “Cameroon Oboso”!
He most definitely is a man of many talents and his positivity and drive, determination and vision makes me say – watch out for this man folks!

Here below is the interview he gave to me. Happy Reading!!

DC: Name
RNN: Roland Nkwain Ngam

DC: Age
RNN: 33

DC: Location
RNN: Johannesburg

DC: Why did the chicken cross the road?
RNN [laughing] to get to the other side!

DC: You are a conference translator and interpreter, how did you get into this?
RNN: My dad did a bit of translating and interpreting, he translated a novel and while in Garoua, I picked up French. I was going to do African Studies at University of Buea but the course was stopped (I guess they didn’t have that many students wanting to do it or may be they didn’t deem the course important) so I decided to go for the next option which was French and English. After University of Buea, I went to Wit Watersrand, a University that Nelson Mandela himself attended to do my masters. After the masters programme, I joined an Interpreting company.

DC: How much work do you get in such an age where most are at least bilingual?
RNN: I have been interpreting for about 7 years now and yes a lot of people are bilingual these days but conference interpreting is very high precision. It involves reasoning and interpreting at the same and it is also very specialised and most people even though they may speak the language, may not be able to do this.

DC: Is it rewarding?
RNN: It is a good work out! Financially speaking in a day one can get about CFA 200,000.

DC: Tell us about BushFallers Magazine (BFM). What made you start this?
RNN: I was in discussion with a class mate who also majored in journalism and while we were talking about opportunities in Cameroon for the youths back in Cameroon we realised that it is difficult for them to choose a career as over there we are more subject orientated rather than specific career orientated. Since as the world is specialising more, I think they need to be in synch with this and for them to have a voice we needed to create a platform. So my friend and I brainstormed some ideas and I already had Bushfaller in mind because I wanted something that would relate to young Cameroonians. It is a magazine that talks about politics, entertainment, education etc. The magazine started last year November and we focused mainly in Cameroon as that is where the market base is. It was a huge success, in terms of response. I received a lot of calls which was very encouraging!
You see Africans have not gotten to that stage where they create their own things yet. We rely a lot on others and I feel we need to get that entrepreneurial spirit and help each other.

DC: For those who are not in Cameroon, how can they get this Magazine?
RNN: For the moment it will be based only in Cameroon. I am also trying to get a good base here in South Africa then I will head to the West. You see, in the magazine business you invest a lot of money but the returns is not till about 2 years later and getting distributors is the most expensive part. However, saying this too, I actually have some people distributing in the following areas already: Mr Divine Anjeh in DC area USA, Mr Nju Randy in Scandinavia and Mr Wokia Azi in Germany.

DC: How difficult or easy is it starting a magazine?
RNN: The financial aspect is the most difficult especially if you do not have investors. At the moment, BFM is funded entirely by myself. I also have some investors who pay to place their adverts in the magazine, this is a way of convincing them that I am real and here to stay [he laughs].

DC: Any legal issues you have to deal with?
RNN: The company is registered as a “pty” company. There’s also the parent company which I created called Media Africa Group. So under this you have BFM and also Black Media which is going to be focused across Africa and will be for men only. In due time , we will also launch a women’s magazine.

DC: How is it being a Cameroonian in South Africa?
RNN: Success of the Cameroonian football team has helped us a lot (many don’t realise!) and so “brand” Cameroon is already known here. The Cameroonian community here have good jobs etc and so it is easy to interact and settle down here in South Africa.

DC: What about the rioting. Did it affect you?
RNN: You need to understand the demographics of the country. The population is made up of about 70% blacks and 30% whites and within the 70%, 10% are foreigners. So, the group that were affected where those foreigners who did menial jobs and lived in shanty towns.

DC: Ok

DC: What has been your inspiration?

RNN: My parents were very hardworking and disciplined. My father’s last job was as the principal of CCAS Bambili. I will be eternally grateful to both my father and my mother. Secondly, Sacred Heart College taught me that the sky was my limit and that if I aimed high, I would achieve high. It made us understand that the world was ours and it taught us the confidence we needed.

DC: And your future goals?
RNN: I see myself as an “artiste”. I am constantly re-inventing myself! I like to out perform myself and I hate to be stagnant. As for my goals, I want to set up the biggest media empire in Africa, websites, books, TV and radio stations etc.
I also want to have a comedy CD out.

DC: So you are also a comedian?
RNN: Yes! [He laughs]. I am a man of many talents! I sampled some of my comedy on my friends and they loved it so I would like to follow that with a CD. I would also like to bring out a poetry CD. I like to be on my feet!

I wrote my first novel, The Family Jewel, while in form 2 at Sacred Heart College so I have always loved expressing myself.
I like to work, work, work.

DC: Ok. Thank you so much for the time of this interview. I am sure we will be speaking again.
RNN: Thank you too, keep up the good work.



DC: Dulce Camer
RNN: Roland Nkwain Ngam

Well fellow virtual bloggers and readers, I hope you find my second feature as interesting as the first. Please feel free to leave your comments and any advice you may have to help me make this site as interesting and visually appealing as possible. Also if you want me to include any links, blogs, upcoming events, or you wanna be interviewed, you can email me on Facebook or you can also leave me a comment with your contact details and I will get back to you.

Have a wondeful weekend.

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

FEATURE NUMBER 2 SOON COME!

Hey guys and girls, I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have taken the time out to visit the blog. An extra big thanks to all those who left a comment on the site and those who emailed me their comments too.
I have to say that the response has been encouraging, motivating and invigorating. I will continue to do this as long as I have people who are willing to share their stories, their goals and their inspirations. I was speaking to someone who said that this site should be like a "reference point" and I think that that person summed it up pretty nicely.
Dulce Camer is a platform, a reference point, a place where fellow Cameroonians can come to seek a talent or to get advice on a particular career path or business venture they want to embark on.
This blog has made me even more proud to be a Cameroonian because I have realised how much the younger generation are striving to make it and to make it big. They are so creative, so daring, so imaginative and also so business minded!! I will always say big up, chin up and keep doing what you are doing.
If we continue like this, Cameroon will be a different place!

"Oboso", "oboso"!

Two things that caught my eye in the news:

ONE: On monday, 11 August 2008 in the London Paper and the London Lite was a report about the killing of a Cameroonian Diplomat on sunday at his home in Greenford (Middlesex, England). Kitts Mbeboh (60 years old) was apparently stabbed to death. In today's papers again, there was a feature about the arrest and charge of his son Beza Mbeboh (28 years old) in connection with the murder. He had just finished his degree in architecture.

TWO: Tomorrow, 14 August 2008 is handover day of Bakassi from the Nigerian Government to the Cameroon Government after signing a treaty. Many are praying that the handover is as peaceful and friendly as possible. The oil riched area of Bakassi has been the centre of a massive feud between these two nations. Hopefully this will be sorted once and for all tomorrow.

Watch out for my second feature soonest!!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

MISS ACHU – ARCHITECT AND FASHIONISTA EXTRAORDINAIRE.

I have known this girl like for over a decade now and she is the most impressionable person you would ever meet should you meet her. I admire her because not only is she very creative, she is also very talented, intelligent, down to earth, focused, very determined and very playful!!

There is a time for everything it seems in her life and the balance that she has between play and work is very equal and very defined. With her as a friend, you will never be bored or sad!

Here is a short interview that she managed to give to me through her tight schedule. Yes, she is the first feature in my celebration of Cameroonian talents. More talents to follow per forth nightly so keep reading y’all.


DC: What are your passions in life?
SA: I love many things. I love to travel, I love meeting new people, getting to know new cultures [love this]. I also love the Arts – painting, music [I play the piano], expressing myself in any medium that I can, even in things like personal styling.

DC: Tell me about you missy! I mean I know who you are but I want my readers to “feel” you!
SA: I had never thought about this before actually [she laughs]! I am a colourful person, a very spontaneous, artistic and friendly and approachable person. I would love to do everything [not everything, actually!] at least once! I am bold and adventurous and do occasionally require some “me” time to re-energise myself.

DC: How did you end up as an architect?
SA: I was inspired by my uncle who is an architect. I watched him all the time and also because I was very good at drawing in school and wanted to use my brain too, I thought of going into architecture.

DC: How much gratification do you get from this?
SA: At the moment, a lot! I am currently working on a project in Mayfair and I also have some personal projects which I am working on too. Gives me the satisfaction I need and it also certainly gives me the pennies I need [she laughs]. It is time consuming though but worth it.

DC: What is your future in this career path then?
SA: I have always dreamed of having my own practice by the age of 30. I am currently working towards that dream and I am also doing private work to help me establish myself.

DC: You currently re-designed your home which is being updated at the moment. Tell us about it and what does this speak about you?
SA; Yes, I am working on my own flat too at the moment which has been a long and epic project but thank God we are at finishing stages. I got rid of a corridor to create a beautiful space and to give the flat a good size living area. It now has 2 good size bedrooms, a kitchen and a black and white and very square bathroom. I wanted the clinical look for my bathroom as it evokes cleanliness. I adore colour so, I decided to paint everywhere plain white, even my floor boards so that I could have a plain palate where I can just throw in some colour as I choose through the furnishings and fabrics. It makes things stand out a lot. I have a red kitchen and a very blue front door!

DC: I have to say that I saw a lot of your personality in this flat, well done again!
SA: You did? Thank you!

DC: Your style is very expressive. You are very fashion conscious, trendy, Uber cool, crazy, sexy and fabulous! Tell us more!
SA: Uhhhh! Individuality is my motto. I like to be unique as I don’t like looking like everyone else around. I shop for one off items anywhere and everywhere. In boutiques, second hand shops even at high street shops like Topshop. However, the things that I may pick at Topshop may be different from what the majority will pick. Also, I do love to customise my things so I change certain outfits I get and add my own finishing touches to it. I also love to accessorise a lot and this can definitely change an outfit!

DC: So is something cooking in this domain then?
SA: Yes, sort of. I love style and I love fashion and I am also about to launch something soon! Watch this space and keep reading Dulce Camer’s blog to find out!
DC: That is another topic for another interview!
SA: Certainly!

DC: Finally, what is going on in your love life? I do like some gossip too you know!
SA: Well, there is a certain special somebody [she giggles]! In the song of Estelle – my American Boy! He is wonderful and that is all I am saying!

DC: How can people contact you should they wish to use your services?
SA: Please contact Dulce Camer to be able to get to me. Thanks!

DC: Well missy, thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy (I mean I had to wait for like 2 weeks!) schedule to give me this interview.
SA: Sorry for the wait and thanks for making me your first feature! Hoping to be popping back soon!
DC: Cool, anytime!


DC: Dulce Camer
SA: Shiri Achu


Here are some before and after plans on a project she carried out.

Thanks guys for reading. Now that I have my first feature, I am over the moon! I also have to say that I am a little bit disappointed about the response I got. I thought this was an opportunity for us to show what we got in that country (cos we sure have a lot of talented individuals) of ours but some certainly do not think so. However, those who were willing to be interviewed and included in this blog, big thanks and much love!

See you and stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

What's good virtual peeps? Hope all is well on the virtual front! Another day, another entry, another blog!
I have some decisions to make on how to operate on my blog. I cannot seem to decide whether to feature a talent every month or every two weeks or every time I write? I think the every month option seems better, what do you think? All opinions welcome!
I am still putting one or two things together and hopefully next time I write, I will have my first feature y'all!
Keep reading and I'll keep writing!
Until next time,
Stay sweet
xx
dulce

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!!!!

Helllooooooooo to all my virtual peeps out there, yes the eagle has mos definitely landed on the virtual space! How's the going? Hope good!
Well, yes I have started a new blog on all things Camer - yes I love my Pays with a passion and it is not a crime!
I am always looking for ways to big up both my country and its people and this is a sure way of showcasing some talented fellow Paysannes and Paysans out there!!
Please contact me if you are doing anything you wanna shout about and you want people to know about!
I will be doing all things Fashion, Beauty, Music, Business, Property, Sports, News etc etc!
So, this is a happy hour for me y'all!
See you soonest and stay sweet y'all!
xx
Dulce