Guests at the grand launch of Brenda Biya’s cosmetic shop, Bree Cosmetics, were pleasantly surprised as the first daughter of Cameroon addressed the audience exclusively in English.
In a bilingual country where English often takes a backseat, many saw Brenda’s choice of language as a bold move that challenged existing narratives.
This is especially as Cameroonians rarely see her father, President Paul Biya, expressing himself in English.
Brenda Biya, who was born in Cameroon but educated in Anglo-Saxon institutions, naturally expresses herself more fluently in English than French.
Her speech in English resonated deeply, particularly when she delivered it in the presence of high-profile Francophone dignitaries, including the Minister of State and Secretary General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh.
Brenda further emphasized her preference by granting press interviews in English, which CRTV later translated into French for its newscast, a notable reversal of the usual dynamic.
Reactions to Brenda Biya’s Use of English
The first daughter’s linguistic choice has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many applauding her subtle yet impactful message about the importance of English in Cameroon.
“Thank you, Bree Bree (Brenda Biya), for indirectly reminding your father (Paul Biya) that English has significance. If only all his children spoke exclusively in English at home, it might pressure him to recognize its relevance,” commented Carine Musi on Facebook.
Others were quick to note CRTV’s efforts to translate her remarks into French, a practice rarely seen during family media outings.
“Poor CRTV! I can only imagine the stress of translating from English to French. If it were Paul Biya or Chantal Biya, we’d see the usual approach. This must be a challenge for Francophones trying to grasp what she said,” reacted Facebook user Roger Tah.
The launch of Bree Cosmetics in Bastos last week marked Brenda Biya’s foray into the beauty industry.
She described her venture as one that prioritizes Class A products offered at affordable prices for Cameroonians.
While her entrepreneurial pursuit have received applause, Brenda herself is no stranger to controversy, often drawing attention for her candid views on societal issues and her direct appeals to her parents.
Brenda Biya’s English-language debut at her cosmetics shop launch has reignited discussions about bilingualism and representation in Cameroon, positioning her as a figure who isn’t afraid to challenge convention while championing inclusivity.
