Mengong, July 18, 2025. The nascent daylight arrives like a beam of light in a cave. Third day without electricity and still no information on the progress of the situation.
Since the night of July 15 to 16, the district has been plunged into persistent darkness, without any official notice or explanation. And yet, the Bia So Mengong Festival continues to be in full swing. A striking contradiction: streets and a festival village full of people, but a city deprived of light.
Load shedding seriously disrupted the activities planned for the evening, especially on July 16. If during the day, the Kalangou group, from Tibati, and the women of Ndoungou were able to electrify the atmosphere, the lack of electricity ended up stifling the night festivities.
Hard blow for the public: DJ Lexus and the Kankans Boys, much awaited, were finally unable to go on stage. The reason: not enough energy to power the stage. Bitter disappointment, especially since the organizers had bet everything on this program.
But the festival resisted. Despite the unforeseen costs related to the rental of generators and their refuelling, the day of July 17 was able to unfold its program. Launch of the women's football tournament, shooting of the candidates for the Miss Mengong contest, and above all, the performance of two major artists: Hen's and Suzy the Untouchable.
Here again, the feedback is divided. Suzy delivered a memorable show, applauded by a conquered audience. Hen's, on the other hand, has left a taste of unfinished business. Barely three songs, only two of which were from his repertoire, before leaving the stage without a word.
"I came from Mbalmayo for this? Not even his song with Cysoul? Meriline fumes, a disappointed fan.
Here again, the feedback is divided. Suzy delivered a memorable show, applauded by a conquered audience. Hen's, on the other hand, has left a taste of unfinished business. Barely three songs, only two of which were from his repertoire, before leaving the stage without a word. "I came from Mbalmayo for this?
Not even his song with Cysoul? Meriline fumes, a disappointed fan.
And while the projectors are going out, the generators are running at full speed. The "festival village" has become a bright haven for locals, who flock there to charge their phones and breathe in some atmosphere.
Despite everything, the party continues. Resilient. Living. But it has to be said: the real opponent of the festival is neither the rain nor the critics – it's the electricity company. And as long as she remains silent, Mengong vacillates between celebration and frustration.
Bia So Mengong Festival - Where Dreams Became Reality!