Maiden South West Cultural Festival kicks off in Kumba

At last, the dream of a South West Cultural Festival has come true. December 5, 2015, saw the launch at the Amusement Park in Kumba, Meme Division. The South West Cultural Festival, which runs from December 5-12, 2015, was launched by the Secretary General in the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Mouhtar Ousman Mey. With theme, “Transmitting our cultural heritage to the younger generation: A call for mobilization,” activities include traditional dances, craft exhibition, live performances by artistes and the participation of people from the other regions.

Mouhtar Ousman Mey described the cultural event as a testimony of the contribution of the extra-ordinarily rich and diversified culture of the South West people to national identity. He reminded the people that President Paul Biya insists on culture being the bedrock of national integration and unity. The Secretary General lauded the South West Regional Delegation of Arts and Culture for organising the cultural festival to present the artistic and cultural know-how of the people to the rest of Cameroon and the world. Mouhtar Ousman Mey assured the people of the South West Region that the government will always support good initiatives that contribute to national integration.

The Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council, Victor Nkelle Ngoh, appreciated the South West Regional Delegate of Arts and Culture, Grace Ewang, for initiating the wonderful idea. He expressed joy that Kumba was chosen to host the pioneer edition of the festival. He described Kumba “as the right place to launch the festival,” adding, “The choice of a cultural festival is a right step towards regaining some of our lost cultural values.”

On his part, the President of the South West Chiefs Conference, who is Paramount Ruler of the Bafaws and a Senator, Nfon V.E Mukete, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Arts and Culture for having made the dream of a South West Cultural Festival become reality. According to him, going beyond the recommendations of UNICEF on the preservation and promotion of culture depicts the identity and way of life of the people. “It is important to know how the people’s way of life has impacted and will continue to impact the growth and development of the community and the nation at large,” Senator Nfon V.E Mukete noted.