In addition to the rental of rooms and spaces, the promotion of Cameroonian culture is one of the statutory missions of the Yaounde Conference Centre. The launching of the EKAMBI Brillant Foundation on October 30, 2020, or the musical celebration of the 25th anniversary of the artist Henri DIKONGUE on February 20, 2021, is quite illustrative of this managerial will to support or co-organize cultural events.

Located in the heart of Yaounde, at the top of Mount NKOL-NYADA, the Yaounde Conference Centre, a Public Administrative Establishment of a commercial nature, has seen its missions redefined by Decree No. 2018/625 of October 24, 2018, on the reorganization of the Yaounde Conference Centre. Thus, to its classic mission of renting rooms and spaces for the organization of economic and socio-cultural events, was added national and international cultural promotion.

Thus, with the setting up of the new organizational chart, culture is now a major element of the Yaounde Conference Centre’s Operational Strategy. It is now a question of supporting, accompanying, enhancing and promoting culture in all its facets. This includes multiform facilitations at the level of the renting of rooms and spaces (preferential rates, support to the organization etc). And this does not date from today. Who does not remember the great National Ensemble and other virtuosos of the art? The Yaounde Conference Centre has always served as a prestigious showcase for Cameroonian culture.

From cinema with the Ecrans noirs Festival, to fashion with the Miss Cameroon beauty contest, to music with the Canal2’Or, we can safely say that the Palais is a true cultural temple.

In this momentum, the Conference Centre has recently accompanied two major cultural events:

The EKAMBI Brillant Foundation officially launched at the Conference Centre

The artist EKAMBI Brillant gave a concert on October 30, 2020, as part of the launch of the activities of his Foundation. He was accompanied on stage by TOTO Guillaume, a famous Cameroonian guitarist, songwriter, arranger and producer.

The show called the « Saga des géants », began in the first part with TOTO Guillaume. Toguy, in solo, guitar in shoulder strap, has ignited the Conference Centre for nearly an hour and a half. From “Françoise” through “Mba na na é”, “Dibena”, “Issokoloko”, etc..TOTO Guillaume was generous, in a soft and frenzied Makossa.

It was at 11 p.m. that EKAMBI Brillant entered the stage, in front of an audience bubbling with impatience. When he appears, shining brightly in his matching green stage costume and hat, he is greeted with a standing ovation. The following is a Live of his cult songs: “Nyambè”, “Elongui”, “Massoma”, taken up in chorus by an audience where enthusiasts, neophytes and curious admirers mingled.

And to stay in the news of the moment, the artist will dedicate “Mbembe na Mbembe” to the disappeared of KUMBA, while advocating the return of peace in certain regions of Cameroon. At 72, the Artist has lost none of his punch. It is with “Muna Muto” and “Mussoloki” that the two legends of Makossa closed this ostentatious and nostalgic evening.

Henri DIKONGUE: 25 years in D-major

The hymn to love was at the heart of the live show marking the 25-year career of the Singer at the Yaounde Conference Centre, on February 20, 2021.

It is around 2 p.m. this Saturday, February 20, 2021. The Palace is animated by people who come and go here and there; In the Inaugural room modulated for the occasion, the musicians are busy on the stage adjusting cables and microphones; On one side of the stage, you can see the artists. Etienne MBAPPE and Henri DIKONGUE who adjust their guitars.

After weeks of preparation, the big day is finally here. The teams from the Palais des Congrès, mobilized under the leadership of the Director of Operations, have put on a great spread to celebrate the 25-year career of the Artist Henri DIKONGUE in music.

During this concert, Henri DIKONGUE went through his rich repertoire to revive a quarter of a century between him and his audience. The author knew how to arouse strong feelings in his fans by going from one album to another. The celebration of a birthday was also an opportunity to share, Henri DIKONGUE made a pass to his brother and friend Etienne MBAPPE who immersed music lovers in his bass guitar notes for a quarter of an hour.

Then after a duet with Etienne MBAPPE, Henri DIKONGUE took leave of his fans to a round of applause; Like what, good things never last…

These two major stops allowed the Palais des Congrès to live a great cultural experience and above all to strengthen its notoriety. Other “cultural posters” are being prepared to further register the Palais des Congrès in the register of cultural promoters.

By Martine Berthe NGOUMOU