Local Youth Corner engages Cameroonian entertainers in sustainable dev’t art
By Joy Bikom
On Thursday, April 25, 2024, Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC) gathered some Cameroonian entertainers for a one-day Masterclass workshop titled “Engaging Entertainers in Sustainable Development.”
They organized the meeting on the sidelines of the Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) currently taking place at Mountain Hotel Buea, the workshop aimed to amplify the voices of entertainers in shaping societal dialogue and fostering peace and development initiatives across Cameroon and beyond.
The event brought together a diverse array of filmmakers, actors, musicians, and administrative authorities like the Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, famous movie producer Onyama Laura, and seasoned skitmakers.
It served as a platform for these young creatives to delve into the intersection of entertainment, societal change, and the promotion of peacebuilding efforts.
Christian Achaleke, Executive Director of LOYOC, emphasized the significance of creating a space for entertainers to share experiences and insights. “Our objective for this masterclass,” he stated, “was to be able to create a space where entertainers could have the opportunity to hear from their peers in the entertainment industry who have been able to find their niche and their passion when it comes to development issues.”
Zaiter Etoundi of the popular music group X-maleya who was a facilitator at the masterclass highlighted the power of artists to effect change through their platforms. “One of the powerful tools that an artist has is attention,” he remarked. “You can use this attention to promote development, to denounce injustice such as gender-based violence, incest, and all that is not good for the development of countries.”
Another facilitator, Cameroonian artist Mr. Leo emphasized the importance of collaboration among artists. “We lack collaboration. Any instance where I see people trying to bring artists together, trying to create a space where connection can happen, it’s a go for me.”
The workshop also provided a space for introspection, encouraging participants to reflect on their roles as entertainers in society.
Addressing young artists, Etoundi posed a thought-provoking question: “What is the message you have for the public as far as using context, idea, and artistic skills to produce social action?” He emphasized that while entertainment is vital, incorporating social action into artistic endeavors can be a powerful means of giving back to the community.
Achaleke while talking to the press shared his hopes for the impact of the workshop. He expressed his desire for continued networking and reflection among participants. “Some of them may want to look for us on social media for us to keep communicating, and I’m hoping that too should happen.”
The workshop equally served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and introspection among young entertainers, with the main aim to drive positive change.
