Africa records surge in Covid-19 cases, but fewer deaths than before, says WHO

15, December 2021

Africa records surge in Covid-19 cases, but fewer deaths than before, says WHO 0

The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday that the Omicron variant was spreading at an unprecedented rate and was likely already present in most countries. While Africa has recorded a massive rise in Covid cases over the past week, the number of deaths is lower than with previous waves, the health agency said.

The past week has seen an 83 percent jump in Covid-19 cases in Africa, with the increase in South Africa at 66 percent.

“We are cautiously optimistic that deaths and severe illness will remain low in the current wave,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa. “But slow vaccine roll-out in Africa means both will be much higher than they should be.”

Low vaccination rates risk providing a breeding ground for new variants, such as the rapidly spreading Omicron strain, which was first identified in South Africa, said the latest update from the WHO in Africa.

“We’ve known for quite some time now that new variants like Beta, Delta or Omicron could regularly emerge to spark new outbreaks globally, but vaccine-deprived regions like Africa will be especially vulnerable,” said Moeti.

At the current rate, WHO estimates it will take until May 2022 to have 40-percent vaccination coverage in Africa and until August 2024 to reach 70 percent, said the WHO-Africa statement.

“But we can still save many lives if we accelerate the pace of vaccination in early 2022,” Moeti said.

As of 13 December, only 20 African countries had vaccinated at least 10 percent of their population – the global target WHO had set for September 2021.

Only six countries have hit the year-end target of fully vaccinating 40 percent of their population, while only two – Mauritius and Seychelles – have reached 70 percent.

The latest surge across the continent was fuelled mainly by the Delta and Omicron variants.

Worldwide there have been more than 2,700 Omicron cases reported in about 60 countries, including 11 African countries.

Omicron spreading at unprecedented rate

The latest regional report came as the WHO reported that the Omicron variant was spreading at an unprecedented rate “probably in most countries”.

Since the new, heavily-mutated variant was first detected in southern Africa last month, it has been reported in 77 countries, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.

But, he said, “the reality is that Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet.”

“Omicron is spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant,” he said.

His comments came amid growing evidence that the new variant might also be better at skirting vaccine protections than previous ones, but could cause milder symptoms.

But Tedros cautioned against “dismissing Omicron as mild”.

“Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril,” he said.

“Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems.”

Not against boosters, against inequity

The WHO chief also voiced concern that many countries are rushing to provide booster vaccine doses in response to the spread of Omicron, in light of the persistent glaring inequity in vaccine access between wealthy and poorer countries.

“WHO is concerned that such programmes will repeat the Covid-19 vaccine hoarding” seen previously this year, he said.

He said there was not yet enough data to show a third dose is needed to effectively protect healthy adults against the variant, although he said that “as we move forward, boosters could play an important role”.

At the same time many vulnerable people in poorer countries have not yet received a single dose.

“Let me be very clear: WHO is not against boosters. We’re against inequity. Our main concern is to save lives everywhere,” Tedros said.

 “It’s a question of prioritisation,” he said.

 “The order matters. Giving boosters to groups at low risk of severe disease or death simply endangers the lives of those at high risk who are still waiting for their primary doses because of supply constraints.”

Source:  AFP

Football: Joel Matip ‘considering’ return as Samuel Eto’o is elected president of FECAFOOT

14, December 2021

Football: Joel Matip ‘considering’ return as Samuel Eto’o is elected president of FECAFOOT 0

Joel Matip hasn’t played for Cameroon since 2015 but is rumoured to be making a triumphant return at the age of 30.

It has now been reported by the African Insider that our centre-back is ‘considering’ a return to international football, nearly seven years since his last appearance for the national side.

This news has come since the election of Samuel Eto’o as president of the Cameroon FA, a role that he will hold for the next four years and will see him act as a figurehead for January’s AFCON tournament.

Amongst his key policies are the attempts to raise funding within the sport and also to retain the services of dual-nationals and retired stars, such as our No.32.

Although nothing has been sorted as of yet, this could mean that the German-born defender could be selected for AFCON in the new year and add to the list of missing players for a busy period of the season.

Fingers crossed the decision he makes either way, won’t negatively affect us.

Source: Empire of the Kop

Southern Cameroons Crisis: 10 wounded in Buea trade fair explosion

14, December 2021

Southern Cameroons Crisis: 10 wounded in Buea trade fair explosion 0

At least 10 people were wounded overnight into Monday when an explosion hit a major trade fair in Cameroon’s restive Anglophone region of Southwest, according to local authorities and police.

Police said the improvised explosive device exploded in a crowded place at the trade fair which was being held in Buea, the chief town of the region.

The wounded were receiving treatment in a local hospital and some were in critical conditions, according to the police.

Early Monday, separatist fighters said on social media that they were responsible for the blast.

The Cameroonian army has since 2017 been fighting English-speaking militias seeking to form a breakaway state known as “Ambazonia” in the two Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest.

Source: Xinhuanet

New Sultan of Foumban rejects marriage to 14-year old virgin, says she is still a minor, offers to take her to school

14, December 2021

New Sultan of Foumban rejects marriage to 14-year old virgin, says she is still a minor, offers to take her to school 0

The new Sultan of Bamoun in Cameroon, HRH Nabil Mbombo Njoya, has declined offers of a 14-year-old virgin in marriage as tradition demands.

According to tradition, the wife of a new Sultan must come from the Njim Monchouh family to terminate traditional rites known as “Lah-Kam”.

However, Sultan Njoya refused the 14-year-old girl offered by the family because she is a minor and opted to marry his long time girlfriend instead.

He has however promised to send the girl to school and make sure she completes university and pursue any career of her choice.

Child marriage has been going on in different African countries for years. Despite this legal framework, the prevalence of child marriage in Ghana remains high, and one in five girls marries before her 18th birthday (20.7%) and one in 20 girls (4.9%) marries before her 15th birthday.

Although child marriage can occur among males as well, the prevalence is much lower: only 2.3% of men aged 20 to 24 years are married by age 18 in Ghana. The highest prevalence of child marriage in Ghana occurs in the three Northern regions, where more than one in three girls marry before age 18. In addition, the child marriage rate is higher in rural areas, among the poorest population and among uneducated women. The aggregate rate of marriage before age 18 has been decreasing from 35% in the 1990s to 28% in 2003 and 25% in 2008, but remained stable between 2011 and 2014. However, data from the latest two nationally representative surveys shows that the rate of child marriage increased in the three Northern regions (from 26.4% in 2011 to 33.6% in 2014) and decreased in the other regions (from 20.9 to 18.5% and from 19.2 to 18.5% in the Central and Southern regions respectively), increasing disparities between the North and the rest of the country.

Several human rights activists and stakeholders have been working hard to abolish the child-marriage tradition and allow the kids to go to school until they are ready to marry.

Source: ghbase.com

Football: President George Weah expresses excitement at news of Eto’o victory

14, December 2021

Football: President George Weah expresses excitement at news of Eto’o victory 0

The President of Liberia, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah has expressed great excitement at the news of the victory of Football legend Samuel Eto’o in the vote for President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).

Eto’o won against Seidou Mbombo Njoya, who serves as Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Liberian Leader, a football great himself who is the only African to have won the World Footballer of the Year (Ballon D’Or), has extended heartfelt congratulations to a protégé, who attained exceptional stature playing with renowned international clubs, including Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.

The Liberian President expressed hope that Eto’o’s vast knowledge of the game will be used to effect change in the way football is run in Cameroon and Africa as a whole.

The Liberian Chief Executive and Chief Patron of Sports said ” I am pleased that Eto’o has ascended to the helm of Cameroon Football, I believe that he will bring positive transformation to the game in that country which will have a rippling effect throughout the global game. Cameroon Football is now in good hands”.

President Weah urged Eto’o to work cooperatively with the world football Governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to football in Cameroon.

Cameroon is due to host the next edition of the African Cup of Nations, which it has won a record five times. Eto’o first began playing for his country in his teens, winning several international titles, including the 2000 Olympics games.

President Weah has said he believes the 40-year-old star can bring the needed change that football in Cameroon and Africa deserve. The Liberian Leader also flirted with the possibility of running the Liberian FA before aspiring to be president.

“Footballers who have reached the peak of their careers have a unique advantage to impact much-needed reforms at the administrative level”, President Weah said.

Source:  Govt of Liberia

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Archbishop Andrew Nkea urges rosary for peace

14, December 2021

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Archbishop Andrew Nkea urges rosary for peace 0

A leading Cameroonian archbishop has called on Catholics to pray the rosary for peace in the country’s conflict-ridden Anglophone regions.

“We have known fighting. We have known killing. We have known destruction of property and all kinds of evil associated with war. It is not ended. It is still continuing,” said Andrew Nkea Fuanya on Dec. 8.

Nkea is the archbishop of Bamenda, in Cameroon’s North West Region. The Bamenda ecclesiastical region includes both the North West and South West regions, which make up the English-speaking areas of the majority French-speaking country.

Cameroon’s two English-speaking regions have been ravaged by conflict since the violent suppression of a series of demonstrations against the imposition of French in the Anglophone regions’ common law and British-based education system.

At least 3,500 people have been killed in the conflict since it began in 2016, and at least 700,000 more displaced. In addition, rebels have shut down the education system in the two regions, burning schools and kidnapping students and staff.

Both the insurgents and government troops have been accused of grave human rights abuses, with the civilian population caught in the middle.

Nkea said he believes Mary holds the key to a lasting peace.

“Our human intelligence seems to have been blocked in looking for a solution. And that is why we are turning to God the Almighty in prayer because we believe that God will make a way where there seems to be no way,” the prelate said.

“I invite all the Catholics and non-Catholics of the archdiocese of Bamenda to call on Our Lady to intercede for us so that peace may return to our society. We should not leave Our Lady to have any rest until peace has come back amongst us and the killings have stopped. Peace must return to Bamenda. Peace must return to our society. Jesus the Prince of Peace must bring back peace to Cameroon. Our Mother Mary cannot be in Heaven and we, her children, are suffering on earth like this,” he said.

Nkea called on all Catholics to pray the rosary daily – individually, in groups, and in families – “so that our prayers will rise to Heaven, like one big smoke of incense. She (Mary) must hear us, and Jesus must hear us.”

“From all the corners of the archdiocese, the heavens will hear us. And on this mountain, we shall pass through Mary to Jesus,” he said.

The archbishop was speaking at the inauguration of the Shrine of our Lady of Fatima at Abangoh, a hill on the outskirts of Bamenda.

“On this Mountain of Abanghoh, God shall judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. On this Mountain of Abanghoh, God shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. On this Mountain of Abanghoh, the nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore,” he said.

“Peace will flow down from this Mountain like a river throughout the North West Region, throughout our Diocese and into the rest of Cameroon,” the archbishop added.

“We shall never allow evil to defeat good and the only way we shall do this is to join the Blessed Virgin Mary to fight evil. The rosary is the only weapon we have at our disposals,” he said.

English-speaking Cameroonians make up to 20 percent of the country’s population and have long complained about being marginalized by the French-speaking majority. The Anglophone rebels say they want to secede from Cameroon and establish a new nation, to be called Ambazonia.

In 2019, the government organized what it called a “Major National Dialogue” to try finding solutions to the crisis.

The meeting proposed several recommendations, including the adoption of a special status for the two Anglophone regions, the restoration of the House of Traditional Chiefs, the election of local governors, the immediate reinstatement of certain airport and seaport projects in the two regions, and the rapid integration of ex-combatants into society.

However, most of the rebels have rejected the government’s proposals.

“This conflict has been going on for too long. Lives have been lost, property destroyed, and our people have been forced to flee their homeland,” Nkea said. “After so many years fighting and killing each other, now is the time for peace.”

Source: Crux

Africa Cup of Nations: Paul Biya stadium still not ready

14, December 2021

Africa Cup of Nations: Paul Biya stadium still not ready 0

The continent’s biggest men’s football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations, is meant to kick off in Cameroon on 9 January. But the venue for the opening and closing matches, the Paul Biya Stadium in Yaounde, is not ready. And the Oomicron variant of Covid-19 is spreading and causing travel chaos.

The tournament was meant to be held early this year, but was delayed due to the pandemic. Despite the obstacles, a 219-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has started arriving in Cameroon. This is the body that oversees the nations cup.

Cameroon has invested a lot in the tournament after it was stripped of hosting rights in 2019, when it was deemed not ready. The confederation is also under new leadership, headed by South African businessman Patrice Motsepe.

The month-long competition will be held in the 40th year of President Paul Biya’s rule. His namesake 60 000-seater stadium is meant to be the centrepiece of the opening and closing ceremony. In November, confederation secretary general Véron Mosengo-Omba said those matches and ceremonies might have to be held at another stadium. Work is still underway across the entire complex, but anyone who reports on or otherwise documents it faces a fine of $17 000. A final decision will be made on the weekend of 18 and 19 December.

CAF has remained tight-lipped about the impact of Covid-19 amid increasing calls to move the competition, including from European football teams, to where some of the top African players work.

Cameroon has yet to record a case of the Omicron variant, however, and despite the challenges, the organisers seem to have bet the farm on either holding it next month – or never.

Source: Mail&Guardian

Fugitive extradited from Cameroon to the United States to Serve 80 year prison sentence

14, December 2021

Fugitive extradited from Cameroon to the United States to Serve 80 year prison sentence 0

In the first extradition from the Republic of Cameroon to the United States, a Texas man was extradited to Houston on Friday to serve an 80-year prison sentence he received in absentia four years ago after he pleaded guilty in two separate cases to conspiracy, health care fraud, money laundering, and tax offenses.

According to court documents, in November 2016, Ebong Aloysius Tilong, 57, of Sugar Land, Texas, and his wife, Marie Neba, went to trial on the conspiracy, health care fraud, and money laundering charges. The trial evidence and court documents showed that between 2006 and 2015, Tilong, Neba, and their co-conspirators used Tilong and Neba’s company, Fiango Home Healthcare Inc. (Fiango), to corruptly obtain more than $13 million by submitting false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for home health care services that Fiango’s patients did not need or receive. The trial evidence and court documents also showed that Tilong and Neba paid illegal kickbacks to patient recruiters to refer patients to Fiango, and that Tilong falsified and directed others to falsify medical records to make it appear as though Fiango’s patients met the Medicare qualifications for home health care. Additional evidence demonstrated that Tilong attempted to destroy evidence and blackmail and suborn perjury from witnesses. After the first week of trial, Tilong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, three counts of payment and receipt of health care kickbacks, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

In June 2017, Tilong pleaded guilty in a separate case to two counts of filing fraudulent tax returns. In connection with this guilty plea, Tilong admitted that he created a shell company called Quality Therapy Services (QTS) to limit the amount of tax that he paid to the IRS on the proceeds that he and his co-conspirators stole from Medicare. According to Tilong’s plea agreement, in 2013 and 2014, Tilong wrote almost $1 million in checks from Fiango to QTS for physical-therapy services that QTS never provided to Fiango’s patients and deducted as business expenses. Tilong admitted that his tax fraud scheme caused the IRS a tax loss of approximately $344,452.

In August 2017, Neba was sentenced to 75 years in prison the Medicare fraud scheme at Fiango. The U.S. District Court scheduled Tilong’s sentencing for Oct. 13, 2017, but court records show that on the morning of his sentencing hearing, Tilong removed an ankle bracelet monitoring his location and failed to respond to phone calls from, or appear in, the U.S. District Court for his sentencing. On Dec. 8, 2017, the U.S. District Court sentenced Tilong in absentia to 80 years in prison for his role in the Medicare and tax fraud schemes.

After Tilong absconded, the FBI Houston Field Office located Tilong in Cameroon, and worked collaboratively with the FBI Legal Attaché in Abuja, Nigeria, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Fraud Section, and the Office of the President of the Republic of Cameroon to ensure Tilong’s capture. Prior to his removal from Cameroon, Tilong was wanted by the FBI and listed among HHS-OIG’s Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives. The National Police Force of Cameroon arrested Tilong in January 2019.

In September 2021, the Republic of Cameroon President Paul Biya signed a decree ordering Tilong’s removal to the United States.

On Dec. 10, 2021, U.S. Marshals escorted Tilong from Cameroon to the United States.

The United States is grateful to the Government of Cameroon for its cooperation and support of this extradition request.

“The successful return of Ebong Tilong demonstrates the department’s commitment to working with our international partners to pursue, capture, and return those who try to defraud the American people,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners and their counterparts in Cameroon, Ebong Tilong has been returned to the United States and brought to justice.”

“This successful extradition of Ebong Tilong to serve his 80-year prison sentence is an example of the FBI’s collaboration with our federal and international partners that we hope will deter others from fleeing to avoid prosecution or sentencing,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi of the FBI Houston Field Office. “These partnerships highlight the FBI’s reach as well as its determination to pursue actors anywhere to administer justice.”

“Convicted fraudster and former fugitive Ebong Tilong has been brought to justice in our country, thanks to the tireless efforts of U.S. law enforcement, including our investigators,” said Special Agent in Charge Miranda L. Bennett of HHS-OIG. “Our agency, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those who steal from federal health care programs, wherever they try to hide.”

“IRS-CI is committed to not only investigating and ultimately seeking convictions of individuals who scheme to defraud Medicare, launder proceeds of their illicit transactions, and evade the IRS in paying their taxes, but we’re also committed to assisting in the apprehension and return of criminals who choose to run and hide upon their conviction and sentencing no matter where they go or how long they’ve been gone,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS-CI Houston Field Office. “We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and federal prosecutors in ensuring Tilong ultimately begins serving his 80-year sentence in federal prison.”

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Regional Security Office of the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé provided invaluable assistance in supporting the extradition and coordinating the return of Tilong to the United States.

Trial Attorney Jonathan Baum formerly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (now with the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section) and Trial Attorney Andrew Pennebaker of the Fraud Section are prosecuting Tilong’s Medicare and tax fraud cases.

The FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI conducted the investigation under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Texas as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. The interagency team combines the resources of federal, state, and local law enforcement entities to prevent and combat health care fraud, waste, and abuse. Strike Force teams have shut down health care fraud schemes around the country, arrested more than a thousand criminals, and recovered millions of taxpayer dollars.

Source: United States Department of Justice

Football: Champions League last 16 draw at a glance

13, December 2021

Football: Champions League last 16 draw at a glance 0

Real Madrid play Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool take on Inter Milan, and Manchester United face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16.

AFP Sport profiles each of the ties following Monday’s draw:

Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) v Bayern Munich (GER)

Six-time European champions Bayern are the only German team through to the last 16.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann will be counting on the goals of Robert Lewandowski, who missed last season’s quarter-final loss to PSG through injury. The Pole struck nine times as Bayern completed a perfect group stage for the second time in three years.

Salzburg, 1994 UEFA Cup finalists, are through to the knockout phase for the first time. Germany striker Karim Adeyemi, 19, is the one to watch for a club that helped develop Erling Haaland.

Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Manchester City (ENG)

Last season’s Champions League runners-up go up against the Portuguese champions in a tie where Pep Guardiola’s City will be heavily favoured.

The Premier League leaders narrowly missed out on a first European crown, losing to Chelsea last May, but free-flowing City are again among the chief contenders for the title.

Sporting, coached by 36-year-old Ruben Amorim, recovered impressively after losing their opening two group games. Their last trip to the knockout rounds ended in a 12-1 whipping by Bayern in 2009.

Benfica (POR) v Ajax (NED)

In Sebastien Haller, Ajax boast the competition’s leading marksman this season with 10 goals. The Ivorian hit four on his debut and has scored in every game since, powering the Dutch giants to six wins from six.

The four-time European champions face Benfica, winners of the European Cup in 1961 and 1962.

The Portuguese club, coached by the wily Jorge Jesus, pipped Barcelona to second place in Group E on the final day to qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time since 2016/17.

Chelsea (ENG) v Lille (FRA)

The title-holders have not looked back since Thomas Tuchel’s appointment in January, going on to lift the Champions League trophy for a second time.

A formidable defence was the blueprint for success, but the Blues will expect more from record signing Romelu Lukaku as they try to repeat as kings of Europe.

While Chelsea could not have asked for a kinder draw after finishing second in Group H, French champions Lille — led by Canada striker Jonathan David — are out to cause more upsets on the continent.

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG)

A series of late goals by Cristiano Ronaldo allowed United to top their group and by February new coach Ralf Rangnick will hope to have made his mark on the three-time former European champions.

Spanish champions Atletico scraped through Group B by beating Porto in their last game but Diego Simeone’s side are off the pace in La Liga and have recently struggled against English teams, losing twice to Liverpool in the group stage.

They have also gone out to teams featuring Ronaldo no fewer than five times in the last eight years.

Villarreal (ESP) v Juventus (ITA)

Juventus, currently sixth in Serie A, are not the force they once were. However, they managed to top their group despite losing 4-0 away to Chelsea, and their reward is a relatively kind draw.

Villarreal qualified for the Champions League by virtue of winning the Europa League, their first major trophy. They may be in the bottom half in La Liga, but Unai Emery’s side will fancy upsetting Juve, who have gone out to Porto and Lyon at this stage in the last two years.

Inter Milan (ITA) v Liverpool (ENG)

These clubs have won nine European Cups between them but this is just the third time they have been drawn together. Inter won 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals on the way to winning the trophy in 1965, while Liverpool triumphed 3-0 on aggregate in the last 16 in 2008.

Inter are the reigning Italian champions but Jurgen Klopp’s side are in formidable form this season. They were the first English team ever to win all six group games and they will have top scorer Mohamed Salah as well as Sadio Mane back from the Africa Cup of Nations by the time the tie comes around.

Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid (ESP)

Kylian Mbappe will be the primary focus of attention here. The PSG striker is out of contract next June and Real have long been favourites to land his signature.

Otherwise this tie sees the French league leaders, with their superstar attack of Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar, continue their bid to win a first Champions League crown against the record 13-time champions Real, winners when the teams met in the 2018 last 16.

Real are top of La Liga under former PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti and should be seen as favourites, at least on present form.

Source: AFP

After Bebe Manga: MAXI MANORH delivered to the world once again

13, December 2021

After Bebe Manga: MAXI MANORH delivered to the world once again 0

Last week our senior correspondent in Buea went to her first ever live gig, Maxi Manorh. She reported to our editorial desk that after the late Bebe Manga, if someone gives awesome delivery, it’s Maxi Manorh. Arguably, Maxi Manorh is presently the greatest entertainer English speaking Cameroon has ever known.

“Maxi Manorh is just awesome and funny too. The atmosphere in Buea was great with hundreds singing along and cheering as loud as they can. The nation really loves him and it’s mutual” our chief reporter in Buea, Rita Akana said.

Maxi Manorh was very surprised that non Manyus including French speaking Cameroonians knew the words to ‘peti peti and nchenti’ which are his popular songs. People at the Buea event dressed like Bantus and Semi Bantus and Maxi Manorh was really impressed about that.

Some of his songs were played and he paid tribute to Bebe Manga, Etub Anyang and Francis Ndom. “It’s an amazing feeling hearing people singing along and the sea of lights from mobile phones in the audience” Maxi Manorh was quoted as saying after the concert.

Maxi Manorh has a great way of connecting with the audience. Flirting if you like! Maybe that’s one of the reasons girls want to get close to the stage. It’s was absolutely brilliant.

“Nchemti was a perfect ending. This experience I’ll treasure the rest of my life. If I had the money I would go and see more of his concert” Our chief correspondent furthered. “Even though I had to stand up almost the whole concert, it was all worth it. Who could sit still anyway?”

Born Agbor Osang Divine Enow, Maxy-Manorh is the 5th of 9 children whose career started in 2010 when he performed in almost every event and in big snack bars in Limbe , Buea and Douala and served as backup artist for big names like Salatiel and Mr Leo. He released his first album entitled ‘Hustle‘in 2016 with one of the songs paying tribute to the legendary Bebe Manga.

Maxi Manorh has agreed to speak to Cameroon Concord News Group. Stay with us and be the first to know!

By Oke Akombi Ayukepi Akap in Glasgow  

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