CICFEST: UK Cameroonians Unite to Save Their Cultural Identity

For many Cameroonian parents living in the United Kingdom, one of the greatest fears is that their children may grow up knowing little about the country, languages ​​and traditions that shaped their families. On July 25, 2026, UK-based Cameroonians will confront that challenge through the first-ever edition of the Cameroon International Cultural Festival, popularly known as CICFEST.

The historic festival, scheduled to take place in Milton Keynes, is being presented not simply as another diaspora entertainment event, but as a cultural intervention aimed at reconnecting Cameroonians abroad, promoting their businesses and ensuring that children born or raised in Britain do not lose touch with their roots.

CICFEST is expected to bring together families, artists, entrepreneurs, cultural groups and community leaders for a celebration of Cameroonian identity through music, dance, food, fashion, history and business.

“CICFEST UK was born from the need to unite Cameroonians beyond politics, tribes and generations through the celebration of our shared cultural heritage,” one of the founding members told MMI News.

“What makes it unique is that it is not just a festival. It is a lasting movement to preserve our identity, inspire the next generation, promote our businesses and showcase the beauty of Cameroon to the world.”

CICFEST: An Idea Born From a Fear of Losing Identity

The festival was founded by UK-based Cameroonian entrepreneur and event organizer Fru Salumen Asafor, popularly known as Sasa de Londre , who serves as CICFEST CEO.

She developed the initiative with Asafor Ivo Ndikum, popularly known as MC Papa Ndiks , the festival’s General Coordinator and Spokesperson, alongside a wider organizing committee.

Other members of the organizing committee include Messi Noela, Barrister Cyndy Suh, Queen Sheba of London, Christel Shuri, Fongang Boris, Aisha Shine and Dr Becky .

Sasa said the idea first came to her in 2020 after she realized that, while regularly attending Nigerian and Ghanaian events in Britain, she was becoming increasingly disconnected from her own national identity.

“I was gradually losing my identity as a Cameroonian,” she said.

Having previously managed an event-planning company in Cameroon, Sasa began asking why the growing Cameroonian community in Britain could not establish a major cultural platform of its own.

The idea remained with her for several years before it was eventually transformed into a festival. The urgency became even clearer as organizers observed children of Cameroonian descent growing up with limited knowledge of their families’ country, cultures and languages.

Putting Children First At CICFEST

Children will occupy a central place at the inaugural CICFEST.

A dedicated children’s corner will introduce young participants to Cameroon’s flag, national motto, anthem, geography, cultural zones and major national symbols.

Organizers say the children will also receive learning materials that they can take home and continue using after the festival.

The aim is to ensure that children of Cameroonian heritage growing up in Britain can confidently explain where their families come from and identify important aspects of the country, including Mount Cameroon, its cultural diversity and internationally recognized personalities such as football legend Samuel Eto’o.

For MC Papa Ndiks, preserving culture goes beyond displaying traditional clothing or performing dances.

“It is about preserving our lifestyle as Cameroonians,” he said.

He argued that many immigrant parents become so focused on work and the search for better opportunities that cultural education within the home is gradually neglected.

The result, he warned, is that some children of Cameroonian descent may grow up unable to speak their parents’ languages, communicate in Pidgin English or identify basic facts about Cameroon.

CICFEST therefore wants to give children a stronger sense of belonging while showing them that growing up in Britain does not have to erase their Cameroonian heritage.

Music, Food, Fashion and Cameroonian Enterprise

The first edition will also offer a broad showcase of Cameroonian creativity and enterprise.

More than 15 vendors are expected to participate, selling food, clothing, hair products, books and other locally inspired items.

The entertainment program will feature Vinhora, popularly known as Pikin for Bamenda; Maxy Manorh, also known as Nchemty; Asaba, known as Queen Mother; Richard Kings; Dimakay; Shey Pounder; and Old Pancho CY International .

The red carpet will be hosted by MC Dibenja , while MC Godfada will serve as the general animator and hype man.

The main stage will be hosted by MC Delly Singah, MC Proper Versace and MC Papa Ndiks .

Music will be provided by DJ Blesso International and DJ Guyser , with traditional and contemporary Cameroonian sounds expected throughout the event.

Beyond entertainment, the festival is intended to create opportunities for networking and greater visibility for Cameroonian-owned businesses in Britain.

“There are Cameroonians in the UK who do not know what other Cameroonians are doing,” MC Papa Ndiks said, describing CICFEST as an avenue for the community to meet, establish professional connections and celebrate its achievements.

Distinguished Patronage and Community Support

The inaugural CICFEST will be held under the distinguished patronage of the Cameroon High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the Mayor of Milton Keynes Council .

The festival’s patrons include Barrister and Mrs Fonkwou and Mr Innocent, Mayor of Coventry .

Sponsors supporting the event include KS Care Ltd, ZOBO Money Exchange, RENCAM Credit Union, Delly’s Match Up and Mimi Memo TV , among others.

Overcoming Doubt and Limited Support

Launching the festival has not been without difficulties.

Organizers said they contacted at least 45 Cameroonian associations, cultural groups and community organizations across the UK, but fewer than five initially responded.

They also faced financial pressure, slow ticket sales and uncertainty from potential sponsors.

Sasa said some people appeared reluctant to embrace the initiative because they doubted whether a Cameroonian-led festival of such ambition could succeed.

Despite those setbacks, the team continued preparations, believing that the success of the first edition would help build public confidence and provide a foundation for subsequent festivals.

Tickets for children aged seven to 15 are free, while discounted tickets are available for young people. Standard adult tickets cost £35.

Organizers say the event will include performances by several artists, traditional displays, games, food and opportunities for community members to meet under one roof.

A Vision Beyond One Festival

CICFEST’s ambitions extend beyond July 25.

The organizers plan to use the festival as the foundation for smaller cultural and educational sessions for children three or four times each year.

Those sessions would bring children of Cameroonian heritage together to learn traditional dances, values, history and everyday customs associated with growing up in Cameroon.

“We want one child to go back home and show a difference,” Sasa said while explaining the long-term vision.

The program could eventually become a permanent cultural platform through which Cameroonians in Britain preserve their heritage, support local entrepreneurs and create stronger links between generations.

As the inaugural edition approaches, CICFEST represents more than a festival.

It is a declaration by Cameroonians in the UK that migration should not mean cultural disappearance—and that a generation born thousands of kilometers away can still know, celebrate and remain proud of its roots.

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