Since the opening of the 4th edition of the Bia So Mengong festival, this small town in Southern Cameroon, rich in 49 villages, seems to have changed its face. As far as it could be, without exaggeration, Mengong is no longer mine.
The city has opened its arms — and arteries — to an event whose name alone evokes a deep attachment to the homeland. Bia So Mengong, literally "we are from Mengong", "we are from mengong," encompasses a pledged will: value local culture, merge energies, and attract gazes across borders. By the way, the theme makes it look good.
A transformed city, a bustling daily life.
No more the almost deafening calm of ordinary days. The streets of Mengong are brimming with activity, life, presence. Booths, gigantic posters, dark-world alleys, cascading smiles: the city is celebrating.
Here, a food vendor, initiator of a fast food spot attracts customers. Here, a street trade adds a touch of flair. Further vanniers, seamstresses, craftsmen of all disciplines offer unique works of art.
Rostand, student and casual restaurateur, rejoices: "When there's a festival like this, the customers are more." Selling some more.
Even the youngest ones missed the opportunity. Émilie, 12, walks through the sites of Mengong High School and Cocam Stadium with a basket of donuts in her arm. The festival is also an opportunity for her to win some coins.
Every single day a surprise.
As the days go by, strong times are chained, often unexpected. One of the highlights remains
undoubtedly this impromptu mini-concert on July 13. A suspended moment, born of spontaneity... and the prestige of guests.
Branded guests and shared moments
This is also this, Bia So Mengong: a meeting space between locals, artists, curious... and personalities.
And this year, the festival has already posted names as prestigious as well as warm:
M. APOMBI Eugene, Director General of the Agency for Aviation Security Supervision in Central Africa (ASSA-AC)
- M. NKODO Thierry Boniface, Director of Training at ASSA-AC
- M. Geremie Steeven MENDJALA, Head of the Civil Aviation Training Center of Cameroon
- M. ENGAMBA Charles Lambert, Head of File and Statistics Service at CDI Bafoussam
- M. Stéphane EBALE MBOLO, Deputy Director of Book Economics at MINAC
- Dr. ATANGANA NKOUROU Bernard, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs at CNPS
- Pr Steve-Felix Belinga, CEO & Founder of The Belinga Clinic and Belinga Foundation.
All of these personalities lend themselves to the game of a choreographic performance on the podium, which was already welcomed the Technical Advisor No. 1 of MINAC representing the Minister of Arts and Culture, who came to launch the festival.
Having them among the festival goers was an honor, seeing them singing and dancing with the audience was a privilege.
And it's not over...
The festival continues, full of unexpected moments and shared experiences. In Mengong, every day of the festival is a celebration, a celebration of identity, openness and coexistence.
Because in this season, Mengong doesn't belong anymore. She belongs to all those who love her, celebrate her and radiate her. She belongs to fans of iconic artists like Vanister, Mathematik de Petit Pays, Amina Poulloh, Nyangono du South... Programmed to offer a unique warmth to lovers of art and culture.
Bia So Mengong Festival - Where Dreams Became Reality!