The Journey of BRUISES: A Poet's Pilgrimage to the East

 

*Bertoua, Cameroon* – The call of the East was a siren song that could not be ignored; it was time for a journey that would weave together the vibrant tapestry of Cameroon itself. 

Setting off from the cool, misty highlands of Bamenda, the poet and his companions found their spirits rising with the altitude. The road unfurled like a ribbon, guiding them through the breathtaking Bamboutos Mountains that cradle Bafoussam, before descending into Yaoundé, the city of seven hills. With every kilometer traveled, the air grew warmer and the vegetation denser, leading him to his destination: Bertoua. Nestled in nature’s embrace, this lively town marks the transition between the southern rainforest and the northern savanna.

The poet arrived with a dual mission: to immerse himself in the rich cultures of the Gbaya, Baka, and Maka people, and to share his own stories through the powerful verses of the "Bruises" spoken word project, which addresses Gender-Based Violence.

His pilgrimage was an epic tale in itself. Departing Bamenda at dusk, he witnessed the sunset paint the sky, only to be welcomed by dawn's early light in Yaoundé at 4 a.m. After a brief three-hour respite, he navigated the bustling city to a vibrant van park. The final leg of his journey was an eight-hour symphony of changing landscapes and bumpy roads, culminating in his arrival in Bertoua at 4 p.m., weary but buzzing with anticipation.

His first stop was Espace Culturelle Pole ArtCam, located just across from the Language Center. Following a warm meeting with the incredible management team, he attempted to rest, but excitement proved too strong a rival for sleep. By 8 a.m., he was back, his voice resonating in the space during sound checks, fine-tuning the rhythm of his message.

A midday stroll through Bertoua revealed the town's vibrant soul—the infectious smiles of its people, especially the beautiful girls, and the enticing aromas of local cuisine that beckoned him to taste. He indulged in the rich flavors, fueling up on good food and great vibes, all while storing energy for the evening ahead.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the cultural space transformed. By 7 p.m., the stage came alive. The evening erupted with performances from exceptionally talented local artists, each act a testament to the region's creative heartbeat. When it was his turn, his poems and spoken word pieces transcended mere words, becoming living entities, animated by the rhythm of accompanying percussion and live music. It was a conversation—a sharing of souls.

The connection was electric, making the evening absolutely unforgettable. It transcended performance; it was an exchange of pure, shared humanity.

Following the event, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Njock of Pole ArtCam, the wonderfully hospitable people of Bertoua, and the Cameroonian Cultural Network and Partners for the invaluable opportunity to share a piece of his heart with a diverse audience.

This is the power of poetry and spoken word. This is what brought Mottanni Ayeah Leonette, Fokumlah Magloire Babila, Nkeih Ronardo Shiengho, Lanjo Neindefoh, Yembe Nfor, and Ngek Lois to the East. This is the journey of "Bruises," a spoken word poetry album on Gender-Based Violence, embarking on a national tour across Cameroon. And this is a memory he will carry with him always.

By

Tanni Desmond Awa

And Bamenjo Petronilla