Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
They came from different regions of the country to take part in the best ‘Mbole’ song and best ‘Slam’ competition organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication.
The objective was to write lyrics and melodies to invite families, communities and the general public to commit to a more equal and inclusive world for every child.
The finalists, 12 in number converged at the National Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC) on Friday 11 May 2023.
For the best ‘Mbole’ song, Nesser Patrick won the first prize of the competition.
“Coming from the West region, i am happy and pleased to win this prize,” Says Nesser Patrick.
“Mbole is no more a rythm for rascals, today it is a Cameroonian culture.”
For the best ‘Slam’ competition, Serges-Vianney emerged winner among her peers. It was her first ever public competition and she did not only sing but carried along a strong message to advocate for the rights of children.
“I carry the voice of children, a child should not be maltreated or stigmatized because of a condition s/he didn’t chose,” says Serges-Vianney.
“We need to accept them as they are, and encourage them to accept their conditions.”
All the 12 competitors passed on striking messages from their lyrics to the public in favour of children.
“I sing the life of children who are suffering from one cause or the other,” Nesser Patrick said.
The competition it should be noted was launched last year November.
“Mbole and Slam are communication means for youths through which specific information can be passed on,” says Laure Atangana Menounga, representative of UNICEF at the final.
“UNICEF is pleased to celebrate the final with students of ESSTIC so the message goes further,” she added.
The competition held on the theme, “for a more equal world, for an inclusive world”.
Future partnerhip
The celebration of the final at ESSTIC was not by chance. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is preparing to build a fruitful partnership with the Advanced School of Mass Communication.
“We intend to formalize the partnership in the near future as the program of the rector of the university of Yaounde II will favour,” Laure Atangana Menounga said.
The partnership according to the representative of UNICEF will enable journalism students of ESSTIC to access opportunities available in the United Nations organ.
The Director of ESSTIC, Alice Nga Minkala, who assisted at the final, praised UNICEF for the initiative and for choosing to celebrate the final at ESSTIC.
UNICEF it should be noted works in countries and territories to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents, and to protect the rights of every child.
