Society

At cultural event in UK: Cameroonian researcher, others discuss promoting Africa.

Participants immortalise event with family photo

United Kingdom-based Cameroonian researcher, Vitalis Manjong, has joined other researchers to discuss the proper, balanced and adequate representation of African countries across the globe.
This was during the first ever African Cultural Diplomacy Night. The event took place recently at the Institute of Development Studies, IDS, of the University of Sussex, England.

Manjong assembled British and other nationals who shared experiences and listened to first-hand accounts of individuals who have lived and worked in Africa.

The host pointed out that the raison d’etre of the cultural night was to seek avenues through which Africa’s culture, music, culinary traditions and the recent democratic lessons from Senegal can be showcased. This, he said, is in a bid to convert the negative and often stereotyped thoughts and perceptions foreigners have of the continent.

“It is incumbent upon us to narrate the stories of Africa because until the lion shares its tale, the hunter remains the glorified hero. In an era where everyone claims expertise on Africa, it is our duty to craft and disseminate an authentic and accurate narrative of African countries,” the Sussex University researcher explained.

Manjong added that the idea was drawn from three principles of late journalist, Komla Dumor, who often said there must be a balance when talking about Africa. He quoted the late Dumor as having said when in doubt, an African expert should be sought and that speaking the native African tongue does not make one an expert. He underscored the need for Africans to tell their stories.

“We had meaningful exchanges on how to challenge some misconceptions about Africa. I showcased the Toghu attire as a symbol of royalty, identity and ancestral power of the people of the North West region of Cameroon,” Manjong stated.

The Director of Teaching and Research at IDS, Linda Waldman, reflected on her visit to the Bafut Fondom in Cameroon. She talked of having discovered a vibrant, self-aware and industrious people. She said she realised mainstream media is not accurate in its portrayal of the continent.

Waldman emphasised the importance of dropping outdated colonial thinking of the continent, showcasing it as a land of poverty, strife and misery. She said focus should now be on the growth and developmental policies of the continent. Together, the participants reflected on ways through which the continent can be showcased in a positive light.