George Ngwane

Defending Freedom of Creative Expression

AFRICAphonie President George Ngwane on the need for freedom of creative expression, i.e., the imperative to create spaces and platforms for creative expression for artists and cultural practitioners.

 

The State and Future of Freedom of Artistic Expression in Cameroon

By Mwalimu George Ngwane

Freedom of Expression by Cultural Practitioners is getting more and more stifled in Cameroon.  In November 2013, more than 1000 musicians gathered in an elective Assembly within their Association called Cameroon Music Association (in French SOCAM) and voted overwhelmingly for their President, composer and musician Ndedi Eyango.  Only two weeks in office as the newly elected President, Ndedi was dismissed by the Minister of Art and Culture (supervisory authority of SOCAM) on the grounds that  Ndedi Eyango has double nationality (American/Cameroonian). It is alleged that the Minister had her preferred candidate who lost the elections.  In spite of consultations by musicians to get Ndedi Eyango back as President, the Minister has dug her heels in and there is presently a legal battle between Ndedi Eyango and the Minister.