MMA heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, was among several high-ranking personalities and celebrities who turned out to honour the legacy of Cameronian music legend, Andre-Marie Tala, in Yaounde recently.
André-Marie Talla recently marked an incredible 55 years in the music industry.
This monumental celebration, spanning multiple events, was announced in August when Talla met with the Minister of Arts and Culture.
A large celebration took place at the Yaoundé Congress Hall in Bastos on November 1 after the initial event on October 25 in Douala.
Among those at the Yaoundé event was Francis Ngannou, the world renowned mixed martial artist. Ngannou came with his mother.
Ngannou, who hails from Batié and shares roots with Talla in the village of Bandjoun, made a powerful entrance on the eve of the event, showing his deep respect and support for Talla’s legacy.
The connection between Ngannou and Tala, two icons from different fields yet bonded by their shared heritage, added a significant layer of cultural pride to the evening.
During Tala’s performance, Ngannou expressed his admiration in a traditional Cameroonian gesture of appreciation, showering Talla with money as he sang on stage.
This tribute captivated the audience, with some attendees noting that it was the longest and most generous display of “money-spraying” they had witnessed.
The act underscored Ngannou’s genuine respect for Talla’s contributions to Cameroonian music and culture, celebrating his influence in popularising the bikutsi and makossa genres across generations.
Andre-Marie Tala’s 55-year journey in music has been instrumental in promoting Cameroonian heritage, a legacy he celebrated with a diverse and appreciative audience, solidifying his status as a cultural icon in Cameroon.
He recently appeared on Cameroon state broadcaster, asking that the government honour him with land for his iconic song that promoted Yaounde.
