The Cameroon International Music Festival (CIMFEST) has brought together upcoming and established Cameroonian musicians, along with other creative sectors, to celebrate the country’s vibrant music scene. The weeklong event is taking place at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium in Buea and aims to honour music production while promoting and encouraging emerging artists.
Over the past three days, the festival has hosted several musicians from across Cameroon, offering them a platform to showcase their talent. According to the festival’s organizer, Agbor Gilbert, a prominent music and film producer, CIMFEST is not only about celebrating Cameroonian music but also about giving artists a chance to perform on major platforms.
“This is giving those artists who are doing something tangible and had the opportunity to perform on big platforms the opportunity CIMFEST has offered,” said Gilbert.
Performances include a range of musical genres such as traditional music, Afrobeat, mboko, and rap. Artists like Standley Enow, Askia, Mola Mugombe, Kameni, Witty Minstrel, Pablo, and Spaco Lee have already graced the stage, thrilling audiences with their performances.
A Blend of Music, Business, and Games
This year’s CIMFEST has introduced several innovations compared to previous editions. Each day is divided into two parts. During the day, the festival focuses on sales and games, with students participating in activities after school. This format has significantly boosted turnout at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium.
In the evenings, the festival features musical performances where artists showcase recently released tracks as well as popular hits. The organizers aim to use these performances to market Cameroonian music to a global audience.
The nighttime atmosphere is further enhanced by colorful exhibition stands where vendors sell homemade clothing, drinks, food, cosmetics, and other products, creating a lively and engaging marketplace alongside the music.
Mixed Reactions to Big-Name Absences
Despite the event’s success, the absence of some major Cameroonian artists has sparked criticism. Notable names such as Tzy Panchak, Jovi, Daphne, Shey Lontum Yov, Rinyu, Ko-C, Mr. Leo, Wax Dey, and Asaba have yet to make an appearance. Their absence raises questions about the festival’s ability to fully represent and promote the Cameroonian music industry to the international community.
Nevertheless, CIMFEST continues to forge ahead with optimism, providing a valuable platform for emerging talent and celebrating the diversity of Cameroonian music. As the festival progresses, audiences remain hopeful that its impact will resonate both locally and internationally.
