By Ernest Sumelong
Les Brasseries du Cameroun through its brand beer, Mutzig, and its partners, Orange Cameroun and Canal 2 International, has presented its finest musical talents for 2008.
Aboubakar performing
The occasion was at the finals of the National Song Competition that took place at the Castel Club in Koumassi, Douala, on May 31.The popular yearly event, which grooms new talents, started on March 10, 2008, with 2000 artists nationwide.
After the eliminatory phase that took place in Buea, Dschang and Yaounde, only six competitors made it to the final competition in Douala. The finalists exhibited great vocal skill while passing messages like; no to female domination, stop violence against women, solidarity and stop war in Africa.
At the end of the thrilling competition, Aboubakar Mboubouo from the West Province was declared winner. He bagged home FCFA 1million with a promise from Les Brasseries to produce and promote his first album. Jean Pierre from the Littoral came second and earned a cash prize of FCFA 500,000.
Laura Nji from the Northwest was third and received FCFA 400,000, while Marie Christine was declared fourth and bagged home FCFA 300,000. Bertrand Guy and Victorine Sone were declared fifth and sixth with each getting FCFA 200,000 and 100,000 respectively.
To add pomp to the occasion, the celebrated Andre Marie Talla, Rocher Jazz Band, the 1990 laureate Anne Kallo and the 2007 laureate Romeo/Rostan, among other rising artists, were invited. Also, traditional dance groups were on hand to give a cultural touch to the event. Meanwhile, like last year, it was broadcast live on Canal 2.
Speaking to guests at the occasion, Les Brasseries du Cameroun's General Manager, Andre Siaka, thanked his partners; Orange Cameroun and Canal 2, and the consumers of Mutzig for standing by them to encourage and build budding artists in the country. While appreciating the organisers of the event, he told the laureates that they were just beginning a long career.
"It is our place to give a chance to youths with talents who want to work; who want to develop themselves," Siaka said.The Marketing and Commercial Manager of Les Brasseries du Cameroun, Guillaume Sarah, enthused that his company, for almost 20 years now, supports and encourages music through the National Song Competition. The company, going by him, is always going further and higher.
On his part, Orange Cameroun General Manager, Philippe Luxcey, said the National Song Competition is an opportunity for Orange to help develop culture in Cameroon and share with everyone.
Also, the Marketing Director of Canal 2, Theodore Kamnga, praised the fruitful partnership between Les Brasseries du Cameroun, Orange Cameroun and Canal 2. According to him, the three institutions are leaders in their various domains.
Besides the cash prizes, Orange Cameroun and Canal 2 offered packs, communication credit and other gifts to the finalists.Moreover, last year's laureates, Romeo/Rosta, presented to Andre Siaka a prize they won in a musical exploit of the continent.
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