Nso Fon raises diva, Adeline Mbenkum, to Music Queen Mother.

The title which is among the highest in Nso land, was conferred on her on February 23, in Yaounde. Mbenkum is the first Nso indigene to be given the title.

In an interview with The Guardian Post, Mbenkum said she did not expect such a high-level royal recognition. The lady musician said she went to visit like any other elite but, “I was called to the inner chambers”.

“Upon my arrival, I received a royal invitation which indicated I had been given the Chieftaincy title of Yaa Yov,” Mbenkum said.

Among other persons who received different titles, Mbenkum was sanctified with camwood. After going through the traditional rites, Mbenkum was charged to start performing her new functions.

She is expected to manage the “Tooy” meant for Nso artists. It is an event that helps to promote Nso culture.

Tasks that go with Queen Mother of Music title

On her new responsibilities as the Queen Mother of music, Mbenkum said they entail, “having the music leadership responsibility in my land. I have to make sure the Nso and Bui artists grow their career”.

She also talked of being called upon to be a role model to her kith and kin in the music industry.

“I especially have to ensure that people don’t see music as a bus stop for delinquents. I equally have to ensure that music in Nso and Bui land is done with dignity,” she said.

Mbenkum promised to ensure that music by entertainers of Nso origin meets certain standards.

About Adeline Mbenkum

She is founder of the popular group, The Tribute Sisters. Mbenkum is a music author composer, senior translator, producer and festival promoter. She is also a former Vice President of the Cameroon Music Rights Cooperation, SONACAM.

Often known as the woman with the golden voice, Mbenkum discovered her talent at the age of eight.

She started off by leading the Sunday School choir in her local church and later became part of the Yaounde Ecumenical Chorus group that was then managed by Victor Epie Ngome. 

Mbenkum later joined the Holy Trinity Choir of Nsimeyong where she nurtured her skills. She became a sensation in 1993 when two choir groups: Echoes International from Nigeria and Black Voices from Britain, visited Cameroon. 

Mbenkum told The Guardian Post that, “we performed together and they encouraged me to come up with something. I then decided to come up with my all female vocal and sound group, The Tribute Sisters, in 1993”.

The group is known for its gospel medleys especially the hit song Lions Go which is always enjoyed by Cameroonians when the Indomitable Lions are representing the country.

The Tribute Sisters will be celebrating 30 years of existence this September.

Yaa Yov Mbenkum Adeline in 2021 won the National Press Award for Peace Heroes and Champions of National Unity.

Gathering of Nso artists

The gathering at the weekend of 214 Nso entertainers known as ‘Tooy Fon’ was also an avenue to celebrate Nso culture. Other big names like Mr Leo was raised to the rank of ‘Nyaang Yov, which means ‘Peace Messenger of Music’, while Witty Minstrel was conferred the title of ‘Nformi Yov’, meaning warrior of music.