West: Dance group assaults inhabitants during cultural festival, Fon rebukes perpetrators
By Stephen TADAHA
Fon Njitack Ngombe Pele of Fussep, Bafoussam, in the West Region of Cameroon, has sent a stern warning to a group of dancers terrorizing the population in the name of performing for the Nyang-Nyang festival.
The Nyang Nyang dance festival, which celebrates the culture and tradition of the people of Fussep every two years, entered its 459th edition this year and is gradually being transformed by some individuals into a medium to commit acts of vandalism. In video footages circulating on social media some of the individuals, armed, painted in black and viscous liquid, can be seen physically attacking passersby and disturbing public peace. Such acts have raised eyebrows, questioning the importance of the festival, which is one of Africa’s oldest carnivals.
Acting as custodian of the Fussep tradition, Fon Njitack Ngombe Pele distanced himself from the violent acts and promised legal action against the group if they continue.
The Fon in a release on Monday, February 3, said such acts are aimed at tarnishing the culture and tradition of the people of Fussep.
“Despite clear rules established by the community to feast the Nyang-Nyang, in particular the prohibition to use engine oil and resort to violence, these behaviors continue to tarnish the image of the Nyang-Nyang festival” the traditional ruler said.
He stressed that these individuals, by pretending to be Nyang-Nyang dancers, compromise not only the credibility of the event, but also the cultural heritage of the Fussep people.
“The actions of these offenders have deep repercussions on the image of the festival and that of the Fussep people. Indeed, the Nyang-Nyang is not limited to a simple celebration; It embodies the identity, values and traditions of a community rich in history” he noted. “Violence and vandalism undermine the very foundations of this cult and cultural heritage, thus risking transforming a feast of joy into an event marked by fear and disapproval.”
The press release also highlighted the need for a collective response. The Fon called on the Fussep people to unite their efforts to put an end to such harmful practices. He pointed out that in his capacity as a guide to the people, he reserves the right to carry legal action against the perpetrators, thus demonstrating his determination to protect the spirit and the integrity of the festival.
The 2025 Nyang-Nyang festival aims to train young people in the customs and traditions of the land, and to ensure that the tradition is passed on to future generations. This year’s edition runs untill February 17, 2025.
