In the heart of the North West Region of Cameroon, a talented artist named Kiyang Federick Muluh has emerged, demonstrating an outstanding talent set in the domain of sculpture. His innovative “Ki Rackets” showcase his creativity and skill, using indigenous resources to craft exceptional tennis-like rackets.
Muluh, a dedicated artist, has committed himself to perfecting this unique combination of art and sport. Discussing his inspiration, he explains, “I’ve been in this field for quite a while, which has enabled me to grow and enhance my work gradually. These rackets are not your typical ones; they are specifically crafted for two unique sports that I have created. Moreover, they make stunning additions to home decor,” he told MMI.
In 2010, Cameroon’s hopes at the World Cup in South Africa were dashed, leaving a sense of frustration in the air. For 36-year-old Muluh, the premature exit of the Indomitable Lions sparked a determination to challenge the status quo.
Muluh expressed his discontent, criticising football as a sport dominated by the West, seemingly impenetrable to African triumph. Determined to carve a path for African sporting excellence, Muluh embarked on a quest to invent a game uniquely African.
Hailing from Pinyin in Cameroon’s Northwest region, Muluh, an adept sculptor, turned to his innate talent. Experimenting with locally sourced materials like cane sticks and plywood, he crafted a variety of rackets tailored for unconventional sports, doubling as decorative pieces.
“I’ve fashioned these rackets not only for sporting purposes but also as ornamental pieces,” Muluh explained, highlighting his dual-purpose approach to craftsmanship.
Reflecting on his journey, Muluh shared, “I’ve always had a knack for innovation since I was young. The World Cup served as a catalyst for self-discovery.”
In 2014, armed with a hammer, nails, saw, and a vision, Muluh expanded his operations from Bamenda to Buea and eventually settled in Douala. Over the years, he has meticulously crafted over 400 of these distinctive rackets, each a testament to his creativity and dedication.
Excited to introduce his creations to the world, Muluh teased the unveiling of the sports he has invented, each tailored to be played exclusively with his handmade rackets. While observers might draw parallels to tennis, Muluh asserts that his games offer a unique experience.
Yet, amid his innovative pursuits, Muluh faces challenges, primarily financial constraints and the need for effective management.
“I require a talent manager to steer this idea forward,” he admitted, acknowledging the necessity for strategic guidance. Additionally, financial limitations have delayed the public debut of his creations, prompting Muluh to seek potential partners to invest in his project.
However, beyond his aspirations to introduce unprecedented sports to the world, Muluh has also created a livelihood for himself, underscoring the dual impact of his endeavours.
Muluh is seeking both visibility and financial backing to bring his artistic aspirations to life. He welcomes individuals who are interested in supporting or investing in his vision, encouraging them to reach out to him for further information. His Facebook page, @kiyangmuluhbaa, provides a platform for followers to accompany him on this distinctive journey.
There are three different sizes available for the Ki Rackets to suit different preferences and needs.
“The various sizes come with varying lengths and weights,” he told MMI.
“The sizes include size 1 for kids, size 2 for adults, and size 3, a giant-sized racket exclusively crafted for decoration and exhibition purposes. The adult size (size 2) weighs about 300g and is 28 to 30 inches long. ” he said.
With Muluh’s Ki Rackets, the world eagerly anticipates the chance to witness and rally behind the unique blend of art and sports. For individuals looking to support Muluh’s artistic endeavors or purchase one of his distinctive pieces, they can discover his narrative and artwork on his Facebook page, offering an intriguing dive into the world of Ki Rackets
