Mount Cameroon Inspired Me - CNN Award Winner

Interviewed By Walter Wilson Nana

She went in for the CNN Multi-choice African Journalist Awards 2008 like any other
contestant. The outcome was uncertain but there was something to hang on - hope! After many years into the art of making radio documentaries, the moment of glory came for the Cameroonian-born radio entertainer, Evaline Ngono, on July 19, 2008, at the State Banquet Hall, Osu in Accra, Ghana. Ngono came into the international spotlight when it was announced that one of the two documentaries she forwarded, titled; "Mythe Et Realite Du Mont Cameroun" [The Myths and Realities of Mount Cameroon] had won an award in the many categories at the prestigious CNN Multi-choice African Journalist Awards 2008.While the dust around the awards are yet to settle, Ngono was in Buea at the close of 2008 to present the "booty" to a cross section of the people and why not to the ancestors of the region that inspired her to ultimate victory. In the course of the ceremony, she spoke exclusively to The Post.

How did you find yourself on the CNN Multi-choice African Journalist Awards 2008?

I knew about the CNN Multi-choice African Journalist Awards 2008 on Radio France International, RFI. I was listening to a Cameroonian-born broadcaster on the RFI, Alain Foka, who was profiling a former winner of the aforementioned award from Burkina-Faso. I was motivated after that to go spend two years in Burkina-Faso and study how they produce their radio programmes. Then, I told myself, if a Burkinabe can do it this big, while not a Cameroonian too. So, I decided to compete for the CNN Multi-choice African Journalist Awards.

What did you present?

I presented a documentary titled "Mythe Et Realite Du Mont Cameroun". It was a report on the Mount Cameroon Race, with the help of a guide called William Njie Douala, who described the various steps that constitute the Mount Cameroon Race. We did not get to the summit of Mount Cameroon when we were making our documentary.

We ended at Upper Farms but Njie told us what happens after Upper Farms during the Mount Cameroon Race. When I was done with Njie, the next person I met was somebody of the traditional authority, who is better placed to tell me something on the culture of the region and the mountain. I was very pleased that the Paramount Chief of Buea, His Royal Highness Chief Samuel Moka Lifafa Endeley was ready to open up to me and my crew. Next on my list of resource persons was the Historian, Prof. Victor Julius Ngoh of the University of Buea. He gave me the historical background of Buea.However, what came out of all these is the mystery surrounding Mount Cameroon.

Why did you choose Mount Cameroon and not another touristic area in Cameroon?

I will say it was a spiritual appeal. I have been to Buea many times but the last time I came I got out of bed in the morning, looked at the mountain and felt so impressed about the majestic way it looked that particular morning. It was like I was looking at the mountain for the first time. Thereafter, I got so inspired to do a report about the mountain. That is how the inspiration for the documentary came.

Have you been in the business of doing documentaries before you had this award?

I have been doing documentaries before. This one is just amongst a series of them. I am a producer of documentaries. In the CNN Multi-choice African Journalist Awards, I sent in two documentaries; one on the myth and realities of Mount Cameroon and the other on the scholarisation of Muslim young girls in Cameroon. The former had an award. I have been working for many years, producing documentaries.

What is the explanation for your success?

I did not know that I will win. However, when I presented my documentaries, I was now open to anything. I can win and I cannot. Perhaps, I won because the jury saw that the work I have done is professional. I also think that the contributions from William Njie, Chief Endeley and Prof Ngoh were something exceptional. You do not find that everyday in the African continent.

After a stunning performance at the awards; what next?

I rely on God for the next venture. I look forward to retire very soon from CRTV National Radio in Yaounde and after that, I pray that God should give me opportunities for other avenues and open me other doors through this award. Then, I can work as a freelance.

Can we know more about you?

I am Evaline Arebama Ngono. I have been working for CRTV for close to twenty years. I am not married but a mother of two, with two grand-children.

What advice for Cameroonians who are interested in producing documentaries?

They should be professional in whatever they do. They should look out for subjects and topics that are relevant. It will not be easy to come by but they should not despair. Broadcasters should learn how to get out of their studio confines and do outdoor work. Journalism today demands a lot of field work if you must succeed. You have to touch the base with the people and bring to the fore the issues that relate to their everyday life.