About Talented Cameroonians at Home and Abroad N° 015

Farewell MIRIAM MAKEBA

Her Passion for Fashion and Photography

MIYE Paul "I feel that our continent still has a lot of problems and there are a lot of things we still have to achieve. We just can't sit back and say, 'I'm tired', we have to keep moving and encourage young ones to keep going. They will keep the torch."

In a 1998 interview with RFI, Makeba spoke of the hope she had for Africa's Youth eautiful is she that wears the crown! Never has the fact been challenged that the most beautiful women in the world come from the African Continent. An additional proof of this unchallenge- able fact is Miss Africa USA Pageant organised annually by the African Women Development B Foundation, Inc based in Atlanta, . Seventeen well chosen pretty young ladies were pre- pared for this year’s beauty event that was held in Jonesboro. The SUCCESS STORY E-MAGAZINE takes you through the different colourful phases of the event and gives you an opportunity to join the Judges de- cide on the choice of the most beautiful African Lady residing in the United States of America.

After the proclamation of the results, we join the Executive Producer and Founder of the Pageant Lady Kate Njeuma to let her explain the mission and challenges surrounding the organisation of such a won- derful event.

Anrette Ngafor, Cameroon’s most creative female Fashion Photographer in the Diaspora takes us for a ride through her Fashion and Picture Galleries while giving us clues for her success in a domain where very few women still dare to enter. She is a success story.

Readers, this is Christmas. We all are decorating our homes, chapels and offices.. This is also a period for Weddings. Besides pretty couples we also admire various wedding decorations that are so colourfully im- planted in different places. We succeeded in meeting one of Yaounde’s most talented Masters of Decoration, Miye Paul who opened up his gallery of designs for different occasions. We will learn much from his techniques and innovative designs.

Our last tributes go to three Success Stories: Miriam Makeba, Capris Ndongo and Hoïgen Ekwalla, who departed late this year after achieving something for mankind.

Tonge B. Ebai Our Best Wishes for a Happy New Year 2009

About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad 3

n November 1 2008, the African Women Develop- 17 Beauty Queens selected from the African Communities in ment Foundation, successfully organised the 4th An- the United States, competed throughout a colorful evening nual Miss Africa USA Pageant at the Clayton Per- full of suspense and co-hosted by Marylyn Blackburn (Miss forming Arts Center situated in the suburbs of At- Alaska 1984) and Marlon Campbell (Film Producer and Ac- lanta,O Georgia. tor).

Miss Africa USA 2008 Miss Africa USA 2008 Miss Africa USA

Mike Glanton Dr. Anita Lloyd Lady Kate Njeuma State Representative Performing Arts President/Founder African Women’s Development Foundation

Kirsten White Camille Sims Mikaya Milan Miss Black USA 2008 Miss Jr. Teen United States 2008 Thurmond Jr. Teen 2007

Nyasha Zimucha

Miss South Africa

Danielle Mingana Fochive Nathalia Zambakari Imat Akelo-Opio Mutinta Suuya

Miss Cameroon Miss Miss Miss Zambia

Busi Mlambo Danièle Ntahonkiriye Mariamma Brown Belloh Julius

Miss Miss Burundi Miss

Esosa Edosomwan Aziza Elteib Andrea Mvemba Binta (Binette) Diao

Miss D R Congo Miss Miss

Krystle Simpson Victoria Njau Tanta Badjan Philippa Lahai- Swaray Miss Gambia Miss Prepares Delegates For The Finals he Production Manager of Miss Africa USA 2008 was chosen among America’s finest and most tal- ented in the art.. Kyle Haggerty was given the ardu- ous task to prepare the 17 beautiful delegates for the Tdifferent phases of Miss Africa USA 2008. In several sessions, he introduced the delegates unto the Miss Africa USA Concept, Mission and Values. His answers to the delegates’ question enriched the latter with his vast experi- ence in the US Pageant industry. Over the years, Kyle Haggerty has trained and groomed several Beauty Queens in the USA. He produces Miss USA and Pageants. He also produces Television Real- ity Shows for MTV. The Delegates started with the Pageant with the Photo Shoot Phase.

Miss Africa USA 2007 (Mfonobong Production Manager Kyle Haggerty guides the Judges on First Lady of Jonesboro, Mrs Glanton Essiet) welcomes VIPs to the Event the use of Score Cards

he members of the 2008 Miss Africa USA Pageant were selected among eminent personalities from dif- Miss BLACK USA 2008 ferent walks of Life in Atlanta, Georgia. The difference in their backgrounds was pertinent to Tevaluation process as the different phases of the event un- rolled. Their task was made easy by Kyle Haggerty’s guiding principles on the use of score cards.

TV Talk Show Host Tammie Reed Honorable and Dr. Alpha Bryan Terry Baskin

Honorable Judge Geronda Carter

Major Miss Rev. Dr. James SELLERS GEORGIA 2006 Barbara King

Actress Kitra Williams

African Artist Sami Bentil Radio Personality Rap Artist Jay Francis OSE

adio Personality Jay Francis, set the ball rolling just before a Rap Music performance by rising Cameroonian rap artist OSE (the son of Hon. Rose Abunaw) The Beauty Delegates then came unto the stage dancing cheer- Rfully to the tune of Miss Lolo by Ivorian artist Meiway. The Choreography was perfect. n this phase, the contestants participated in a Parade dressed in the flag colors of their respective countries. Their outfits were specially designed by ESTELLA COUTURE. I Each contestant cat walked to the microphone and presented herself and her academic background. She also said nice things about her country emphasizing on the chal- lenges faced by her compatriots on the road to development. She then defined a set of humanitarian actions she would initiate if elected Miss Africa USA 2008. Each Contestant tried hard to convince the Jury and Audience.

he Contestants dressed up in traditional dancing outfits to exhibit their cultures through creative, entertaining and original presentations in form of acting, singing, dancing or poetry. TThis phase of the competition brought out the best of Afri- can Culture. The Contestants showed great talent and lots of surprises. One even projected a short film that she pro- duced. s the audience heated up with suspense, the contestants mounted the stage once more, in yet another phase of the pageant that con- cerned modeling African Fashion. A Dressed in outfits specially designed by ESTELLA COUTURE, the contestants thrilled while exhibiting their talents in fashion modeling. The mem- bers of the Jury had a hard time judging such great tal- ents since African women are naturally talented in fash- ion modeling. From Georgia State University

hile the Jury decided on the selection of the Top Five Contestants, the audience was thrilled by the Afro Heart Beat Dancers who performed alongside the WestW African Masquerade Dance from Gambia.

Miss Cameroon receives her All Contestants pose with Gift Baskets and Trophies Trophy and Gifts basket

The Top Five Contestants

fter the award of Gift Baskets and trophies to all babwe; Miss Kenya; Miss Liberia and the contestants, the Jury made known the Top respectively. Five contestants of the Pageant. They were Miss Miss Africa USA 2008 was crowned by the Zimbabwe; Miss Liberia; Miss Uganda, Miss South Beauty Queen Miss Mfonobong Essiet who won AfricaA and Miss Kenya. Miss Africa USA in 2007. Co-hosts Marilyn Blackburn and Marlon Campbell Winners in other categories included: Miss both interviewed the top five contestants to test their degrees Cameroon (Miss Talent); Miss Burundi (People’s of intellectual alertness and politically awareness. African Princess); Miss Nigeria (Western Union Au- At the proclamation of the results, dience Choice); Miss Guinea (Miss Culture) and Miss won Miss Africa USA 2008 Crown followed by Miss Zim- Senegal (Miss Congeniality ). Miss Uganda

Miss Kenya Miss Liberia

“Our goal with the pageant is really provide a national platform for young African women in the USA to showcase their talent, beauty, culture and leadership abilities…”

We do a great deal of networking through the internet, social networks, college networks and also explore African Community groups. It takes a lot but I must say each year is a great improvement and we tend to build on past years to have a better outcome each time.

We saw the finalists dancing, cat walking, singing, fashioning etc. Describe to us the different phases of the finals. What was the jury looking for? Oh, the finals gets really exciting as guests hang on the edge of their seats waiting for the next exciting moment. It is just great to see the delegates demonstrate different aspects of their cultures. There are 4 major areas of competition: Parade of Nations and Introduction: this involves a parade of each country represented and we do so by showcasing each country’s na- tional colors. This year the outfits were beautifully designed by a re- nowned African Fashion Designer, ESTELLA COUTURE. After the parade, the delegates introduce themselves and basically talk about their educational background, the beautiful things about their countries and the challenges facing their countries and end up with a mission as Miss Africa if they were to win the crown. The next Segment of competition is Talent, delegates are encouraged to be creative, entertaining, original and bring out their culture in their presentation so things get really high. Talents range from Acting, sing- ing, dancing, poetry. This year Miss Nigeria stunned the audience with a short film she produced, that was a wow factor, very interesting. After the Talent competition comes the Fashion Modeling and this Congratulations Lady Kate, You have done it again. How did you do segment basically involves modeling African Fashion. Again, Estella it? Couture grabbed the Stage, providing elegant African fashion for the L’IMPOSSIBLE N’EST PAS CAMEROUNAIS that is what they say in delegates. They were judged on their overall presentation and model French. We had a great team this year and everyone worked really hard ability not the dress they were wearing. and it all fell into place like it should. Thanks to the Almighty God for The Top 5 were then selected after the above segments and were asked making it possible once again. some very challenging questions. An example of a question asked: Do you consider yourself an African in America or an Miss Africa USA Pageant, what are the objectives of this major African American? Miss Zimbabwe answered this question event? so eloquently and she was so politically correct. Our goal with the pageant is really provide a national platform for young So you can see it is not an easy contest to win, the delegates are African women in the USA to showcase their talent, beauty, culture and very intelligent and smart young women who are excelling in leadership abilities while advocating good causes of concern in Africa their academic life and there is no question that African through their various humanitarian platforms. The pageant provides a rare women are beautiful from inside out. opportunity for African women to experience pageantry as they are made to feel beautiful and well accomplished because it is very hard for these Miss South Africa has won the crown, how did you find her rise to girls to make it in mainstream pageants which are very often not very ac- the crown? cepting of African Beauties and their achievements. We are very proud of the winner Miss Nyasha Zimucha of South Africa, she worked extremely The 2008 Edition was very rich with even more African beauties re- hard and one could almost begin to see a win- siding in the States, how did you go about assembling such a huge ning pattern in her from the questions she asked, number of beauty queens from as many African countries? how attentive she was and how perfect she Well thanks to our great and hard working team who had been at work wanted everything to be. since January 2008 reaching out to the African Community in the USA It is always tough to predict a winner but some and promoting the pageant, we have successfully set up a great system of times you see those who are going above and preliminaries and auditions nationwide. beyond and out of their way through determina- We have State Directors who conducted auditions; we established a great tion and the drive to be the best. I saw that in system of voting online where contestants for each country compete on this young lady and our Judges saw that too. She number of votes which counts for 20% of scores. We also introduced a deserves the crown and I think she will do great system of Video auditions meaning the girls would submit a 5-10 min service and bring honor to the pageant as a video audition and finally we topped that up with a tough interview proc- whole. We are going to see her out there reach- ess where the contestants are grilled on their ambitions in life, their hu- ing greater heights like never before and I wish manitarian goals and their intentions and plans for the her all God’s Blessings in her endeavors as reigning Queen. pageant. We look at what kind of vision they have as person.

16 About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad Her Victory coincides with the death of MAMA AFRICA, Miriam Makeba, what symbol do you attach to this great loss and how did “...God has blessed me with certain you like the talent of this Great Cultural Figure? qualities that enable me to move and The untimely death of Mama Africa Miriam Makeba shocked the world. One of Africa’s greatest legends, she will be remembered as a symbol of shake…lol...” our struggles as Africans, our struggle for freedom and how an African woman can be empowered to pageant is concerned but I know we must be ready when the call comes make a difference in the world. We will miss her through…lol dearly but her voice and spirit remains with us for- How did you receive BARACK OBAMA’s victory? ever, she will never be forgotten. May her Soul Rest President Elect Barack Obama’s victory has been overwhelming, I still In Peace. cannot believe that it has happened, it seemed like a dream. His victory is Which other delegates impressed you during the our victory, it is a victory for all of Africa, for all the human race and I finals? see it as the end to white supremacy period. All the delegates to me were extra-ordinary and exceptional but at the I think the Black race has been uplifted by a God sent son of Africa and end of the day one has to go home with the crown. I Love all the ladies he has delivered all of us and our children and generations to come. The because they did a great job representing their beautiful world has been moved by this one man and I can only conclude that it countries, they were very respectful all the way and I is truly a Divine Intervention. really admire that aspect of African culture, the respect I remember in May 2007 I signed up on the Mybarackobama.com social for one another. The top 5 were very impressive, Miss network and wrote my little vision about OBAMA and today it is reality, Cameroon Danielle Fochive was also exceptional, I it makes me so happy that at last our children can dream and the sky is think she will make a great fashion model as the limit, the ceiling of achievement has been lifted from the heads of she has the looks and abilities. Out of all the black people and YES WE CAN and YES WE DID and YES Let’s delegates she was selected by a Modeling Keep On Doing!!!!!!

Agency who are very interested in promoting Lady, you are a mover and shaker, what can stop you? her modeling career and I thought that was I must say that it is a blessing to be able to do what I do, God has great. Oh the youngest of all finalists Miss blessed me with certain qualities that enable me to move and shake…lol Zambia, Mutinta Suuya, at age 18 with a GPA but seriously I attribute my work to the power of God. He makes every- of 4.0 in University, she touched my heart as a brave, coura- thing possible. I cannot end this interview without thanking my family, geous young lady, I think she did extremely well. my husband Mr. Isaac Njeuma, my 2 beautiful children Livita and Em- We saw you awarding prizes, what were they? belle, My mother who is my inspiration, my brothers and sister, I have a We awarded Prizes to all finalists, they each received a beauty great family and I love them. queen trophy on stage as well as gift baskets donated by the Thanks to the Miss Africa USA team especially Ms Carmen Greaves, Ms First lady (Mrs Glanton) of District 76 – Jonesboro where the Jennifer Achu, Mr. Harold Greaves, Mr. Kyle Hagertty, Mary Mwambay, pageant was held and a gift basket from one of our Sponsors Caroline Olok, Judy Onyango, Jessica Emeh, Estelle Enowyaket, Mrs NOPIN. Most of the pageant Prizes were given out the next Gwen Forseh, Miriam Lahai and all our volunteers who contributed to day during breakfast with the Queen. make this event a great success. Very Special thanks to our Patrons State Representative Mike Glanton, What should we expect in next year’s edition? Dr. Agbor Egbewatt, our Chair Lady Ms Monica Pearson and our Hosts We are getting some great ideas for next year and our hope is to get for the event Miss Maryline Blackburn and Mr. Marlon Campbell who more involvement from Africa. Our plans will be revealed in the weeks have also become Goodwill Ambassadors for the African Women’s De- ahead but we certainly will stay on the rise with the pageant by the Grace velopment Foundation. of God. Thanks to our Sponsors especially Western Union and NOPIN for their Lady, let’s be serious, this event is growing from strength to strength generous support and we also appreciate the powerful media presence in in the US, when do you plan to organize such a huge event in Africa particular AIT television and CRTV who will be broadcasting this event. for Beauty Queens residing on the continent? Thanks to Mr. Kevin Azuara of AIT and Mr. Asonglefack Nkemleke It’s amazing you should ask this question. This year, we have had calls and Ebeni Amstrong who covered the event for CRTV. and emails from the continent, different countries, asking how they can Finally to the great minds and brains behind the magnificent Success get involved or when are we going to do such an event in Africa. We Story Magazine, I say thank you for all your support and encouragement. have also been approached by a couple of agencies inviting us to South I wish you well as you continue to showcase the best of Cameroon at Africa and Paris extending the Miss Africa Pageant beyond the USA. I home and abroad. must say we are leaving the options open, it all depends on the logistics and how feasible it is to put up such an elaborate event in the continent Thanks Lady Kate or elsewhere. We don’t know what God has install for us as far as the Interviewd by George Enow Mbella-Martin

About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad 17 y African brothers and sisters, contestants, friends, family, Lady Kate and the staff of Miss Africa USA. After the dust has settled, I am not only filled with joy because of my win as Miss Africa USA 2008-2009, but I am more filled with gratitude. To be able to successfully enter, competeM and win this pageant there were many people working behind the scenes to make it happen for me. My gratitude is firstly to God, whom I can do all things through. Secondly my parents, George & Unnah Zimucha who created, raised, blessed and brought me to this wonderful land of opportunity. Also playing an important role is my family both here and in South Africa; Lovemore & Elsie Tambaoga for all the online & vocal support, Lewis & Gladys Zimucha for the outstanding outfits sent from back home and believing in me, Basil, Alonzo, Anesu, Sacha, Eric, and friends from both the USA and South Africa - I love you all and could not have achieved this honor without your various individual support. Lastly, but certainly not least, a thank you to Lady Kate & Isaac Njeuma, Harold & Carmen Greaves, Danielle, Kyle Haggerty, State Represen- tative Mike Glanton for his warm and extensive hospitality, AITv for all your coverage, members of the press, and the rest of the pageant staff for all the hard work, and sleepless nights you put into making this pageant happen. Congratulations to all contestants, know that you are all winners and queens in my eyes, that still represent your great nations in Africa. Meeting you all was not only a pleasure, but an honor to be with my peer African sisters that share the same values and views about Africa as I do. I look for- ward to keeping in touch with you all, and working together on various projects. As I said on pageant night, for me this title goes beyond a sash and crown, but I applied for a job. I plan to put a great deal of work into my xenophobia campaign here in the USA, South Africa, and Africa as a whole through my XEN: "No Phobia" t-shirt campaign. I also intend to work closely with the UN Refugee Agency, and continue educating young students living in America about xenophobia and the importance of diversity. I anticipate that this job will be challenging, exciting, and eventful throughout the year, but most importantly unlike other jobs - I have several opportu- nities to not only AFFECT Africa but to INFECT Africa. "YES WE CAN" - a mentality that worked for President Barack Obama, that I anticipate will work for me. Ubuntu. May the Holiday Season bring you joy, blessings and peace God Bless Simunye Nyasha Nancy Zimucha Miss Africa United States 2008-2009

MISS AFRICA USA 2008 EVENT DVD IS OUT Miss Africa USA 2008 as Guest to the Russell Simmon’s Relax and Enjoy Diamond Empowerment Fund African Beauty and Culture

iss Africa USA 2008 was Guest to the Green- house New York Fund- raising Event organised Mby the Russel Simmon’s Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008. She has an opportunity to meet with co-hosts Russell Simmons, LL Cool J and David Blaine as well as other dignitaries. It was also an opportunity for her to make known her plans to start her anti- Zenophopia campaign.

MISS NYASHA ZIMUCHA OF SOUTH AFRICA WINS THE CROWN www.missafricaunitedstates.com Her Passion g for Fashion and Photography

Welcome Anrette NGAFOR. How would you define yourself? “I will define myself as a fashion I will define myself as a fashion stylist/ fashion photographer and also a stylist/ fashion photographer and also designer. I am a recent graduate of University of Salford Manchester, a designer. I am a recent graduate of where I studied Fashion and Photography University of Salford Manchester, What made you decide to get into the fashion industry? where I studied Fashion and I have always loved fashion even as a child. Growing up with a father who Photography” was very fashionable made me the fashionista I am today

What are some of your achievements in this domain? African artefacts, materials are seen as a way to incorporate I love fashion and to be honest I really cannot tell which I love best, I enjoy original and different elements into mainstream fashion. designing styling and photographing people, which is what I know and do Does that ring a bell for you? best. I have just started a clothing line with a friend and Business partner Of course Africa has always been a major inspiration for work , and that will be coming to you all early next year “ watch this space” being the creative person that I am I draw inspirations lot from There exist several major fashion trends around the world today, to Africa be it Artefacts, music, prints , colours, history and the list which do you belong? goes on .

I am everywhere and my friends will tell you that. What are your favourite materials/combinations of materials?

How do you plan to expand to the USA and Africa with your Fashion I love using all sorts of materials especially with a background in textile, Industry? Well with an online boutique on its way early next year and with my trip to Where can our readers see or buy your work? Cameroon next I intend to start a fashion revolution in Cameroon. That I am currently working on my website and also working together way I have the best of both worlds with my business partner to create a new collection which will be

Who is your biggest inspiration in the fashion world? out early next year, so watch this space. But in the meantime eve- Vivienne Westwood, without a doubt. Gosh! I love that woman. Not only ryone can see my work on face book under Creative Cameroo- is she a designer to reckon with, she is also a political activist. nian, a face book group I created

What are your most important cultural and social influences? What is African fashion? What is African about your fash- The most important thing for me has always been my culture, knowing who ion? I am and identifying with my heritage in my work always brings out the best African fashion is about colours and originality. I bring all these in me. concepts within my work because I am proud of being an African and a Cameroonian. Clothing has been called a symbolic language…What message do you seek to put across in your photography and fashion designs? Who do you have in mind when you design, any particular First of all as a stylist/ photographer I want my reader to be able to under- age, personality? stand what message I am trying to send through my styling, it could be Personally I think being all these three things that I translated in different ways through colour tones, location but generally I am when I design clothes I obviously think of the tend to have a theme for each of my work. age group I want to target and their personalities, I

About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad 19

“...with fashion everything sets me on fire because I love fashion and I love making people look good and I love selling all these looks through my images.” have always worked with women between 18-35 but that is chang- ing at the moment because fashion is fast changing as well and everyone wants to look good.

What sets you on fire: accessories, favourites, what’s in, what’s out; like, love, hate? To be honest with fashion everything sets me on fire because I love fashion and I love making people look good and I love selling all these looks through my images.

What’s the next big thing on the fashion scene? Would you mean the next big thing in Africa or in the UK? Haha because at the moment in the UK Christopher Kane is something of an exception .Just one year out of college, his shows have be- come pivotal to London Fashion Week. Indeed when he had barely finished his MA at Central St Martins the top fashion college in the UK. “Completely different shots can be done simply Which subjects have you concentrated on in your photogra- by tipping your camera to various angles such phy? I feel I have concentrated most of my work on women simply be- as pulling your camera backwards and taking cause I am a woman and it’s always easy for me to find female the shot from a slight angle, a lot of models and working with them photographers do this and produce

Where do you find your models? such beautiful images…” I have a few models that I work with but generally I turn to spend days on the street in Manchester and London looking for the right person to use for a photo shoots. As a Creative Professional Photographer, what are some of the basic

Anrette, let’s go down memory lane. While we grew up we ad- principles that any amateur photographer should know when taking pic- mired the pictures of our parents wearing dark eyeglasses, with tures with his/her digital camera? impossible haircuts, fashionable dresses, with very funny pos- Speaking on a professional photographer the angle at which you attempt to tures. How did you like these pictures and how influential were take a picture is very important and can make a shot even better. Completely they in shaping your passion for photography? different shots can be done simply by tipping your camera to various angles OOh my God, this is a very good question because I still have a such as pulling your camera backwards and taking the shot from a slight angle, picture of my dad back in the days when he was young and my a lot of photographers do this and produce such beautiful images. mother, I feel a lot of my parents images influence my fashion One could also create a view by shooting from below either a staircase or world especially my dad, because he was such a trendy father and above a surface which creates an interesting look for the viewer this effect is the sort of pictures he used to take because I look back and try to called “Bird’s Eye View” or “Worm’s Eye view”. One of the best ways is to be sort of capture that in my photography today. creative with your camera and shoot from behind objects like fences to create patterns and the list is unending. Do you remember the cameras that were used in those days and how the studios were decorated? Going through your Picture Gallery we try hard to guess the themes of the OOh Yes, I still remember those Polaroid cameras and the most different pictures that you took. What are some of these themes that you popular studio around that time was called Mirac Studio, to think of try to express using pictures it his background was usually the beach, hills or the normal red A lot of my work is really based around me having grown up in both cultures black and blue, gosh, when I think of it today it really makes me and how they have both formed me into the person that I am today. I try to laugh! Ha!ha embrace my African roots through bright colors in my work I also try to ex- press feminism through my work, happiness is one thing I capture a lot of the Today, with the coming of Digital Technology, EVERYBODY time but will also love to capture so many other things. HAS BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER. Digital Cameras are within every body’s reach. Has Science done more harm than Who are your idols in the domain of Photography? good to professional Photography? I love Terry Richardson who has been a very big influence in my world Susan Yes and No. No, simply because Sontag, James Nader, feminist photographers like Cindy Sherman and Diane everyone can capture moments of Arbus whose work I so admire because of the messages behind each photo- graph. the lives at every moment without having to look for a photographer When you look at young schooling beautiful girls in Cameroon today, especially if one just wants to cap- what potential do you see through this children, in Fashion, Photography ture family moments. Yes, for the and other Creative Arts? simple reason that it has made I see a lot of potential in these young Cameroonians and with all my knowl- photography more competitive edge I feel I can offer a lot of advice to them and how they can go around it and most photographers would because for me it’s always been my dream to do what I do now. not waste time to take a good pic- ture anymore and rely on photo How could creative arts become profitable business for young girls in enhancing tools which to me takes Cameroon who want to be like you? off the beauty of most images I think the government should encourage the creative industry in Cameroon when over used. like they do in Ghana and Nigeria and they will do well, after all we Cameroo- nians are best known for our love for fashion so why aren’t we showing the world that we don’t only consume but we can create beautiful pieces for people to buy.

About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad 21

“...I loved to play when I was young and I also loved running as a child. I love games like “Takecam, Tabalah, Sizo” gosh! I could jump high in those days ha!ha!ha. not forgetting Awa by running and touching each other and one day I was running around and playing with my sisters and I wounded myself and, gosh, I can never forget that day because I got the beating of my life before the wound was treated…”

Some young girls still play the games that you played while you were a What goals have you set your- young girl growing up in Cameroon. What were those favourite games self for the future? that you played and tell us about some funny experience that you had I have given myself the next five one day while playing? years to run my own business and Ooh my god my sisters and brother will testify to this because I loved to help mentor young Cameroonians play when I was young and I also loved running as a child. I love games like who want to follow into my foot- “Takecam, Tabalah, Sizo” gosh! I could jump high in those days ha!ha! step because I never got that from anyone. ha. not forgetting Awa by running and touching each other and one day I was running around and playing with my sisters and I wounded myself and What are your plans for taking forward your business? gosh I can never forget that day because I got the beating of my life before My plans for taking my business forward are positive thinking and con- the wound was treated. Enough about my childhood don’t wanna tell all ha! tinuous creativity because there are so many competitors out there. ha. What do you offer potential investors? You have done so much in Britain what do you plan do to for youth in To any potential investors I would say what I have is unique and if they Cameroon and When is your next visit to Cameroon? believe in me like I believe in myself then they have nothing to worry There is a lot I want to do in Cameroon and that will all be part of my pro- about. ject when u see me very soon. Photography and Fashion are closely associated with PEOPLE MAGAZINES, have you worked for or with any PEOPLE MAGA- “...I really don’t understand ZINE in Britain? when a guy says he is looking Yes, fashion and photography are always associated with People Maga- for a woman that most know zines and I worked for OK Magazine for a while and enjoyed every experience working with them. how to cook…” What do you think about THE SUCCESS STORY MAGAZINE? What opportunity does it offer to Cameroonians around the world? Unlike our mothers, some wives do no longer enjoy cooking for their When I first saw this magazine I was very proud of it and I felt this is a husbands; How do you react to this? Any pity for the Men? magazine to join forces with and bring in some of my knowledge into. Personally I have never liked cooking not for me or for any person. I was Best of all was the fact that it showcased the positive things that both brought up in a house where I saw my father in the kitchen more times Cameroon back at home and abroad were doing and as a Cameroonian than my mother and yes I know that will surprise because people saw him I was very proud of all those behind Success Story. as Mr Ngafor but to us we saw him as our dad and yes Mr Albert Cho Nga- for did enter the kitchen for his family so for me I really don’t understand “When I first saw this when a guy says he is looking for a woman that most know how to cook. magazine I was very proud Ok all I can say is I CAN COOK BUT WOULDN’T COOK because I don’t like it, but when I have children in future I will make the extra effort of it and I felt this is a so that they don’t starve. So please Cameroonian men go into the kitchen magazine to join forces with and cook for your wives and children, just incase you men reading this and bring in some of my don’t know yet women find men who cook very sexy trust me. I feel it knowledge into. Best of all should be both ways and not just one person doing it all the time, every couple should work as a team and work on each others strengths and weak- was the fact that it show- nesses. That is what I saw growing up around my parents. cased the positive things that both Cameroon back at home Who is the real Anrette? How do you balance your professional and personal life? and abroad were doing and The real Anrette? Ha-ha, Is creative, strong willed and a talented Cameroo- as a Cameroonian I was very proud of all nian who is not afraid to follow her dreams all the way. And I try to balance those behind Success Story.” both my professional and personal life. “...I have given myself the What do you miss about Cameroon? next five years to run my I miss my family especially my mother, sisters, grandmother, in fact I miss my whole family out there. own business and help men- I miss the weather, even sometimes it can get too hot, but most of all I tor young Cameroonians miss Sam SOYA, the famous Soya place. Ha-ha who want to follow into my “I miss Achu and Yellow soup, all footstep because I never got the time. Can’t ask a Baforchu that from anyone…” girl that kind of question. Haha”

What challenges have you had to overcome to get to where you are We all loved Soya, what traditional meal do you miss most? now? I miss Achu and Yellow soup, all the time. Can’t ask a Baforchu girl I have had to overcome so many things, being black, and African in the UK that kind of question. Haha. is something that I have had to deal with for the last 15 years and it’s only grown to make me stronger than ever. ©Clementine Ewokolo Burnley

About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad 23 Innovates in the Art of Decorating

stablished in Yaounde, for many years now, Miye Paul and his team of decorators criss cross the nation all year round to provide the latest decorations to celebrations of all sorts: Weddings, Birthdays, Corporate and Institutional Events, EFunerals, and others. At the end of every year, Miye Paul breaks up his team into several groups to meet up with the requests of a huge client portfolio for Christmas Decorations and Weddings, proof that Miye Paul’s creativ- ity and hardwork has earned him a reputation in the domain of deco- rating. Infact, Miye Paul is a Success Story After training he decided to go solo and immediately created jobs for other young Cameroonians who now see income generating potentials in the domain of Interior Design and Decoration. By Wambeng Lionel

First Lady Chantal Biya Becomes UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador

NESCO’s Director General, Koichiro Chantal Biya Receives Co-Winner of 2008 Nobel Price Matsuura, has appointed Cameroon’s For Medicine First Lady as a Goodwill Ambassador n Friday 28 November 2008, First Lady Chantal Biya for the organisation. She is expected to received Madam Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, 2008 co- Ucontinue her humanitarian activities through dif- winner of the Nobel Price For Medicine. ferent organizations, with emphasis on education They discussed on issues related to the fight against Chantal Biya HIV/AIDS.O and social inclusion. Congratulates Anne Marie Nzie n Friday 28 November 2008, the mother of First Lady Lights Christmas Tree at “Les Coccinelles” Cameroonian Music, Primary School Anne Marie Nzie re- Oceived warm congratulations from n 19 December 2008, Cameroon’s First Lady Chantal Biya was present at “Les Coccinelles du Palais de the First Lady as part of activities l’Unité” Primary School to preside over the lighting of the Christmas tree. The ceremony was marked by to mark 60 years of Anne Marie songs, ballet, poems, sketches, traditional dances performed by the kids. O Nzie’s musical career.

JCI Limbe Atlantic Chapter Honours 10 Outstanding Young Cameroonians

he Limbe Atlantic Chapter of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) honored this year’s 10 Outstanding Young Camer- oonians on December 12 2008 at the Atlantic Beach Limbe, as part of activities to mark the JCI World Day.. “The Ten Outstanding Young Persons Program (TOYP) is a new program that will be organised annually to recognize the achieve- ments of young Cameroonians in Limbe,” said Donna Forbin, the Chapter’s 2008 President. “The ripples of the honorees’ joy T will definitely go a long way to shatter the myth that nothing good can come from being honest, hardworking and loving what one does in the corners of the world,” she continued. Donna Forbin The Honorees were Dr. Ekema Anjorin ; Mr. George Enow Mbella; Mr. Bertin Bonapriso; Mr. Balinga Michael; Mr. Hilary Nke- masong Junior; Madam Kate Foretia; Madam Nkamnie Charlotte; Mr. Nkunyu Lazarius Ayum; Mr. Elangwe Ekole Isaac; and Mr. Divine Suh Menang. In attendance from JCI World were Senators Guillaume Nde Tene, Ayuk Sammy Pride Iyok and Mafany Carr as well as 2008 and 2009 Board of Directors for the Limbe Chapter. An official also flew in from the Lagos City Chapter to attend the event.

Farewell MAMA AFRICA inging her song for a last time at a concert in the town of Caserta, Italy, Miriam Makeba collapsed on stage and later died in the hospital of a heartS attack on November 9 2008. At 76 years, She was one of Africa’s most talented artists who raised support against apartheid throughout the world with her songs and opinions. She also brought out South African culture to the world. May Her Soul Rest in Peace.

Prisca “Capris” Milong Ndongo Hoïgen Ekwalla “Miss Mama Kilo 2007” 1959 - 2008 He kept young Cameroonians on She was elected Cameroon’s the Dancefloor for two decades most beautiful fat girl in with ‘shuba shuba’ makossa hits 2007. that flowed from his albums Makossa Party (1983) Ebol’a Ngosso (1984) A model of African Beauty. Bila O Diba (1985) Minya/Jalousie (1986) Chat Botté (1988) She died in Dubai on Muna Nyue (1990) Femmes il faut Supporter (1990) Thursday November 4 2008 Longue di titi nika (1991) Mon amie Vérité (1994) at the age of 25. Voyage/Londo (1995) Artist of the Year, 1994 La Joie (1998) Success Story E-Magazine About Talented Cameroonians at Home and Abroad

About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad

Wishes You

Published by

The GLOBAL NETWORK FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE (GNGG) « ...Promoting Best Practices... » Reg. Nº 152/L/E32/084/2000

Country Office: First Floor, Petit Papa Building Tel: (237) 99 10 40 23 / 77 53 66 82 P.O. Box 607 NewTown, Limbe South West Province, Republic of Cameroon

www.successstorymagazine.info General Supervision Associate Editors Senior Correspondents Mukete Tahle Itoe Clementine Burnley Ngum Ngafor Denis Matute Esunge Joyce Enjema Lefang Coordinator Editorial Advisers Sambong John Conrad George Enow Mbella-Martin Daniel Augustine Eko Ntoko Ntube Jr. Nfinyo Mabu Eric Luma Mbella-Martin Executive Editor Mbong Vanessa Munge Ngwatung Akamangwa Christine Njeuma Ete Ewelisane Ekole Nkeng David Eko Victor Editor-in-Chief Lety Endeley Emma Yoyo Ngale Tonge Brunhilda Ebai Production Editors Prince Fotabong Chris Achu C. Deputy Editor-in-Chief Eric Chimi Webmaster Mabel Alioh Etuge Wambeng Lionel JIMBIMEDIA