CI-NEWS

Anglophone Crisis,Covid 19,lack of Government subventions: NW Artists hoping against Hope ?

2020-07-01

No: 508

Anglophone Crisis,Covid 19,lack of Government subventions: NW Artists hoping against Hope ?

By George Etoh Anzah in Bamenda.

Artists in Bamenda joined their peers nation and worldwide to commemorate this year’s World Music Day amidst worrying occurrences on Sunday 21. Shakespeare in his venerated Twelfth Night dramatic work of art wrote "if music be the fruit for the soul, give it on ,play me some more". This expression which conditionally but at some point may be seen as a commandment from an iconic writer and lover of music seems to be the only charming reason why North West artists battered by almost diamond shaped circumstances have kept true to a practice with probably little or nothing to bag home.

Music itself has continually come under spotlight with artists aiding in diverse means to remedy and remind humanity of its necessity of fairness amidst a joy relieving moment. But just why and how are these artists coping? This year’s event saw about 50 artists from the ages of 18-50 converge under bleak circumstances. Bleak because the regular faces that make up the North West music were far from being present. Not only were they absent but relatively in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, none has taken to social media in a sensitization initiative. The brandishing of some of today's yet-to-be-renowned artists in this fight is all to be seen. At the event the artists were reminded of their obligation to keep hope alive as they channeled and reflected on ways possible to keep the practice.

On this subject they tabled diverse worries amongst which were the Anglophone crisis, lack of government subventions and covid-19.

According to Mark Billa, a North west based guitarist, "the crisis has basically shut down all shows, frozen outdoor activities and hindered access to fans in remote areas.”

He added the lack of government subventions to help artists move on especially at production and difficult moments has left the practice in the mud. Covid 19 to him is just another virus that adds to the numerous "poverty viruses" already faced as nothing is there to hope for.

This is not the first time artists in the North West region and beyond have continued to demand state subventions.. However it appears their wishes are yet to fall on "wax free ears". The recent tragic death of Nguea Laroute (Mama Nguea) in Douala has left many wondering how possible other similar cases may be if that which happened to the renowned artist is yet to be addressed. Nguea’s 2 legs were cut off after a surgery in Douala as she suffered from severe diabetes and since then the latter has continued to undergo pains before her early June demise.

With the Covid-19 in place government barrier measures have only worsened things as no gatherings can be encouraged owing to the rapid spread of the virus and the need to observe a physical distancing.

According to Comfort Mbonghe, regional delegate for arts and culture for the NW, despite the worrying situations the artists "should unite in the formation of one mother association which can see their plight heard.”

She added: "We have encouraged the artists to continue production and keep their hopes alive while sourcing for international and national assistance. Nationally we encourage them to apply to the yearly subvention offered by the state through the ministry of arts and culture through which good and socially grounded music is rewarded".

The coronavirus has swallowed great musical icons, and piracy has continued unabated. However, Mbonghe says "they should not lose hope" but rather continue in a bid to keep their "talents alive". She further enjoined the artists to "use all media outlets to ensure their music is widely listened to”.

The celebration is coming at a time when the region like many others dances to diverse musical genres (rap, reggae, slow, R&B, makossa, coupé decale, gospel, typical traditional grassfield dances amongst others. It was therefore a converging point for actors in the music field but under very dire circumstances .

The meeting was equally a medium for the artists to showcase their talents as they sang COVID-19 and peace related songs.

Sunday’s celebration ought to be a unique moment for the NW Governor to celebrate with the artists as has been the custom but it wasn’t the case. It was so dire a moment that not even any administrative authority: Governor, Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) and Divisional Officer (D.O) were present, leaving The Horizon to ask the question: Have these artists been abandoned?

However the artists expressed optimism for a brighter future as they promised to embark on better finance sourcing measures.

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Anglophone Crisis,Covid 19,lack of Government subventions: NW Artists hoping against Hope ?