A talented dancer, artist and musician, who sadly died at the age of 52, will be sorely missed in the East of Cameroon where she was typically found lighting up nightclubs and public rallies.
Mairo Balkissou, from Dimako in Upper Nyong, died on Saturday, which coincidently marked the celebration of world music day.
Mairo first made her name as a dancer in the Yaoundé group, Ali Baba. Her talents captured the attention of Emmanuel Nyamsi, former Provincial Delegate of Culture of the East, who facilitated the establishment of the famous orchestra Patengué.
The ensemble released a double album called the "oriental flower" and Mairo was featured on many of the tracks, one memorable hit being "the Kpwang." In 1998, Patengué was part of the official delegation accompanying the Indomitable Lions World French.
Like many other orchestra members, Mairo chose to miss the trip and instead focused on forming her own group alongside Ngog Toussaint, "ancestor" and Françoise Ngono, the former mayor of Mboma.
Together they created the "Baka Bantu" group, who will fly with the flagship title "Mewouba." She died after the release of their first solo album, "I love Tandong", which continues bring joy to music lovers across the country.
For Bertino, head of the famous orchestra Akoultang, in Bertoua, it is a great loss for the Eastern Region. He said: "Balkissou was our mascot. And danced very well, wearing high musical art of the East.”
Before drawing her final bow, Mairo was known as a pellet trader in the East with her business "Missounga." She said this small venture allowed her to make ends meet and live her artistic dreams.
