Musicians ask Biya to run for 2018 election

Over 1,000 Cameroonian Musicians met in Mbengwi, Momo Division of the Northwest Region to endorse the candidature of President Paul Biya ahead of the 2018 Presidential elections.

Meeting under the auspices of the Trade Union of Cameroon Musicians, known by its French acronym as SYCAMU, the Union’s National President, Romeo Dika, said they, as Cameroon musicians, have only one candidate, Paul Biya.

Romeo Dika said, in all Presidential elections they have been supporting Biya and he has been winning. He said Biya cannot afford to disappoint them now.

In his own words he said, "We stood behind you during the last two Presidential elections in Cameroon and you won. This is clear testimony that the musicians in Cameroon know what is good for the people of Cameroon. That is the more reason why we are taking this opportunity given us today in Mbengwi, during this annual event of donating guitars to musicians, to request that you remain our candidate for the 2018 Presidential elections,” Dika averred.

He said any other candidate for the next Presidential elections in Cameroon cannot measure up to their candidate who, according to him, has moved the country forward; economically, socially and politically for more than three decades with peace being the greatest achievement.

He promised to continue with the distribution of 250 guitars to musicians every year, until his mandate runs out in 2018.

"This is what I promised when I was voted into office some two years ago and, God willing, I will not fail in delivering the goods.

He said he is succeeding in most of his plans, because, he is in the Central Committee of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM.

Dika also lavished praises on the Minister of Culture, Ama Tutu Muna, not only for her support, but for carrying the event to Mbengwi where they discovered local talents in the area.

Minister Tutu Muna thanked the musicians who came from abroad and those in Cameroon and exhorted them to be patient, humble, respect State authority, else they will crash.

"In front of me, I see top quality musicians from America and Europe for this event. I can only say; thank you from the bottom of my heart which you cannot see but feel. She told the musicians that they have to fight for their rights, especially authors’ rights, in a responsible manner.

Cautioning musicians to be aware of those she described as noisy fellows, Tutu Muna said: “Go and tell Ndedy Eyango, Sam Mbede and company that the house is not yet full, the doors are still wide open and let them come so that we work together for the interest of all musicians. I love to work with all of you so that we progress together.” She said if musicians think they deserve respect, they should respect each other and stop washing their dirty linens in public. As such, musicians have to work on their image and be tolerant to each other.

Earlier, the Mayor of Mbengwi Council, Beatrice Mbamuku Nduku Tebe, said just the fact that the event was taking place in Mbengwi, will enrich not only the culture of the Meta people, but that of the Northwest Region. She praised the Minister for the initiative.

Ace musicians like Eko Roosevelt, Sale John, NkodoSidoni, Joe Mboule, Beko Sade, Afoakom, Ama Pierro, Jean Ebogo Emerand, and Ekambi Brialant answered present.