4, November 2019
2019 SOBA UK Residential Convention in Colchester was a huge success 0
From November 1 to November 3rd, more than 300 guests gathered in Colchester with the Sasse Old Boys Association for the 2019 SOBA UK Residential Convention. The SOBA UK show is the biggest and oldest Anglophone Cameroon academic exposition in Europe, and this year the Five Lakes Resort was packed solid as a sea of people enjoyed the SOBA UK annual come together for three days.
According to a study done by the Cameroon Concord News Group, a cross section of the non-SOBA UK participants that attended the SOBA UK 2019 Residential Convention this year were from main land Europe, Russia, Ireland and the United States of America.
Egbe Franklin the new SOBA UK leader observed, “There’s no better way to end the year in Europe than at the annual SOBA UK Residential Convention. It’s the most cost-effective way for families and friends of SOBA UK to communion in truth and in brotherhood.”
The renowned DJ Takeaway was a new exhibitor at the SOBA UK 2019 Residential Convention this year. “It’s been a good experience for me,” he said. The SOBA UK AGM gave attendees a prime opportunity to keep abreast of the latest policies mapped out by the new SOBA UK team to move the association forward.
SOBA UK 2019 Residential Convention attendees browsed the rooms and the golf course of the Five Lakes Resort finding new ideas and discussed some of the difficulties confronting the association. Another unique feature of the 2019 SOBA UK Show was the Synergy Live Band, which put up a wonderful display honoring SOBA UK members who have worked for 10 or more years to make SOBA UK great.
President Emeritus, Akoh Arrey pointed out that the SOBA UK Residential Convention was important enough to travel hundreds, or thousands, of miles to attend. “The gala night hall was filled to overflowing,” observed Dr Enow Humphrey.”
Next year, the SOBA UK show promises to be an even bigger success. Many are hoping that the convention center will again be one of the best in the United Kingdom, and there are plenty of luxury hotels with some of the best dining available.
It is vital to include in this report that the executive chairman and editor-in-chief of the Cameroon Concord News Group, the Right Honorable Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai was a guest of honour at the convention. SOBA UK has already begun planning to make next year’s residential convention better than ever.
By Staff Lady Betty Abeng in Colchester
6, November 2019
Cameroon Music Makers Edged Aside by Nigerians 0
Musicians in Cameroon are having a hard time making sales and getting airplay — blaming the popularity of Nigerian music. They say night clubs and media are promoting Nigerian songs over the local product. But the clubs say they are only responding to people’s requests.
This song “One Ticket” by Nigerian pop stars Kizz Daniel and Davido is blasting through loud speakers in Safari, a night Club in Cameroon’s capital city Yaounde.
DJ Emmanuella Tangdeng said they select their music from requests made by the audience. This Saturday night, 80 percent of the music on their lineup is of Nigerian origin.
“Ada who sang only you Jesus, Mercy Chinwo who sang excess love. Steve Crown you are great, David G my trust is in you, P Square, Flavour, Davido,” said the DJ.
Cameroon Music Corporation, which protects the interests of Cameroonian artists, reports that in 2018, foreign music — especially from Nigeria — dominated records played in night clubs, radio and TV stations. More than one million of the three million CDs sold in Cameroon were of Nigerian music.
Musicologist Theodore Mboua said Cameroonians fall in love with Nigerian music not only because of the proximity of the two countries, but also because of the messages of hope, especially for the unemployed, and poor youths that are prevalent in Nigerian music
“The message, most of them talk about marriage, talk about getting rich and that is of course is what people want to hear so it translates in the music. Then religious messages have an impact on peoples lives and so most of that is passed on by religious music of course from Nigeria,” said Mboua.
But Cameroon musician Afo-Akom, a promoter of the Njang music from the English-speaking North West Region, blames media houses and night club animators for the unpopularity of Cameroon music.
“Those who are animating on several programs play nothing but foreign music. The music becomes popular. When some of us go to these radios, they play it [our music] one time, two times. That is what has been killing us, not that we do not play good music in Cameroon. The radio takes all the time to play Nigerian music from morning till night.”
Afo-Akom said the government of Cameroon should reinforce laws that require 70 percent of music played by media houses to be of local artists — and suspend or fine those who violate the regulations.
Source: VOA