Cameroon has lost one of its most respected voices in journalism. Suzanne Kala Lobe, a veteran journalist renowned for her incisive commentary and dedication to the craft, passed away during the night of Wednesday into Thursday. She had been battling illness for some time.
A Life of Service and Influence
Born on January 16, 1953, in Douala, Suzanne Kala Lobe was the daughter of Sara Beboi Kutta Kala-Lobè and Iwiyè Kala-Lobè. Growing up in a family of eight siblings, Kala Lobe’s early education was at Petit Joss in Akwa. At the age of 10, she moved to France to further her education, earning a Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of Paris III in 1976, followed by an MBA in cultural management in 1989, and a DEA in political science from the University of Bordeaux in 1997.
Kala Lobe’s career in journalism began in 1992 as a tribute to her father, Iwiyè Kala-Lobè, a notable journalist and founder of Présence Africaine. She made a significant impact with her column at La Nouvelle Expression, quickly establishing herself as a leading social critic and editorialist. Her work extended to various programs on Radio Équinoxe and Équinoxe Télévision, where her insights were widely appreciated.
In 2003, she launched EBK Productions, which published the magazine Actu on Canal 2 International, further cementing her influence in the media landscape. Her contributions were recognized when she was appointed to the National Communication Council by President Paul Biya on February 23, 2013, and she took office on March 6. Alongside her media roles, Kala Lobe managed communications for Hysacam.
Kala Lobe’s literary contributions include her October 2010 publication “Les Chroniques sous le manguier” and the 2012 co-authored “Supermarket.” She also made her mark as the lead singer of the group Djala Lilon and participated in the album “Ni Africa ni yoso,” a tribute to Ruben Um Nyobe.
Her personal life saw her in a long-term union with Bea Man Wayack, and together they had no children. Tragedy struck on October 5, 2020, when an unexplained fire destroyed her childhood home in Bali.
Suzanne Kala Lobe’s passing marks the end of an era for Cameroonian journalism. Her legacy as a pioneering journalist, critic, and cultural commentator will be remembered and cherished by many.
