Misaje Subdivision: US-based health expert, Ndansi Elvis, takes annual Shaa festival to next level.

Through the festival, Ndansi Elvis, who sits atop Unite for Health Foundation, a renowned humanitarian organisation, has been encouraging vendors of the local liquor to apply good hygienic conditions in the brewing and commercialisation of the local drink.

In its 7th edition, the annual festival, this year, took a major leap from its roots, evolving from a celebration of hygiene and sanitation in the production and sale of the locally brewed drink, to a platform for direct economic empowerment of women in Misaje Subdivision.

According to organisers of the festival, 80 women this year participated in zonal competitions, with 15 making it to the grand finale on August 31 in Misaje. 

The event was marked by a series of activities, including cash prizes, agricultural input distribution, scholarships for vulnerable children, and traditional competitions; all geared towards enhancing the lives of the Misaje community.

Champions celebrate triumph

The main activity of the festival was the Shaa brewing competition, where the top three winners were rewarded with substantial cash prizes. Shey Stella from Kamine village emerged as champion, bagging home a cash prize of 500,000 FCFA. 

For her part, Yindeh Rosaline, who emerged 2nd, received 250,000 FCFA cash prize, while Chebi Vecline secured the third place, with a prize of 150,000 FCFA. The remaining 12 finalists were each awarded compensatory prizes of 50,000 FCFA.

"I am so happy and thankful to Ndansi Elvis and the Unite for Health Foundation for this wonderful opportunity. With this prize, I will be able to pay my children's school fees and expand my Shaa business. This festival has changed my life," the winner, Shey Stella said.

Donation of agricultural inputs

Meanwhile, in recognising the importance of supporting Shaa production, which relies heavily on maize, the festival organisers distributed agricultural inputs to all participants. 

Each participant received a bag of fertiliser, a sprayer, a hoe, a cutlass, and two bottles of glycol, donated by the Unite for Health Foundation.

Chebi Vecline, who emerged third in the competition, expressed gratitude to the donor for the support.

"These agricultural inputs will help me grow more maize, which is essential for my Shaa business. I am very grateful for this support," she said.

Even those who did not make it to the top three felt empowered. One of the contestants who received the agricultural inputs, stated that: "Though I didn't win the top prize, the tools and resources we have been given will help a lot in our farming and Shaa production. I want to thank Ndansi and the Unite for Health Foundation for their continuous support".

Scholarships for vulnerable children 

In addition to the economic empowerment of women and participation, the Shaa festival also focused on the promotion of education. 

At the close of the ceremony, Ndansi Elvis awarded scholarships to 25 vulnerable primary school children from Misaje, Dumbu, and Mbessa. 

Each child received a school bag, books, pens, rulers, and a 10,000 FCFA contribution towards their school fees, making up a total scholarship package of 25,000 FCFA per child. This is an activity Ndansi Elvis has been carrying since 2012

Celebration of Misaje culture

The Shaa festival was not only about competition and empowerment of women but also a celebration of Misaje's rich cultural diversity. 

A tug of war between the butchers of Dumbu and the drivers of Misaje ended in a draw, with both teams sharing the prize. 

In the traditional dance competition, the Nkulu dance group from Dumbu came first. They were trailed by Nchane and Mbessa dance groups.

The Muslim community also participated with their culinary skills in the Massa (fried corn cake) competition. 

Mohamadou, won the first prize, received 100,000 FCFA, Amina Sariki came second with a prize of 60,000 FCFA.

The Divisional Delegate of Arts and Culture for Donga Mantung, Muluh Cyril, praised the festival's inclusivity and its economic impact on the community. 

According to him, the Misaje Shaa Festival has set a standard as the first and only Shaa festival in Cameroon, with direct impact on the lives of the people.

Giving back to community

Addressing the Misaje community from New Jersey, USA, via an amplified audio call, the initiator of the festival, Ndansi Elvis, reflected on the festival's origin and its mission. 

He explained that the Shaa Festival is in honour of his grandmother, who sold Shaa in Misaje.

The former Obama Foundation scholar continued that the objective of the festival is to put smiles on the faces of women and their families, ensuring they can send their children to school and improving their livelihoods.

He insisted that the festival has no political colours, stating that it was his own way of giving back to the community that raised him. 

The grand finale of the Shaa festival was attended amongst others by the Member of the Regional House of Chiefs for the North West, HRM Fon Thomas Kimuse of Nkanchi.

He was accompanied by HRM Fon Jebo Augustine Jang II of Dumbu.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3218 of Tuesday September 03, 2024