Just Published: Rock of God - A New Play by JK Bannavti

JK Bannavti|Rock of God | 112 pages | 203 x 127 mm | 2010 | Langaa RPCIG, Cameroon | Paperback Available from African Books Collective (£15.95) and Amazon.com ($19.95)

Overview
Rock of God centres on a significant war that Nso fought with Bamoun in the 1880s, and which war resulted in a devastating defeat for the Bamouns. During this war, a major Nso combat rule was broken: the Sultan (king) of Bamoun was decapitated. Both local story tellers and historians have indicated that the Sultan was only supposed to be captured alive. The play explores some very compelling reasons for this violation. It mocks any attempt at categorization because the events involved are as historically relevant as they are anthropologically profound; as literarily dense as they are linguistically compelling. It surely stands on its own because it clearly combines concepts of docu-drama, morality play, classical theatre, historical drama, and much more. But beyond all else, it is great artistry that demonstrates the genius of experimentation.

Reviews
“Rock of God revitalizes the Nso language, while the use of songs and dance, poetic praise chants and proverbs culturally enrich the play.”
Dr Asheri Kilo, Technical Adviser, Ministry of Culture, Yaounde, Cameroon

“JK Bannavti reinvents both legend and myth in the deconstruction of territorial expansionism between the Momban and Bamkov (Bamun and Nso). The play is a demonstration of the fact that leadership should at all times inspire confidence, trust, courage, steadfastness... in matters of state.”
Bole Butake, Professor of African Theatre, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon

“Rock of God is a masterful stroke of dramaturgy that compresses both time and situation to enhance its own structural credibility.”
Dr Shey Shiyghan S. Shemlon, Nso Notable

“A fascinating insight into Nso mythology, history and culture… a literary chef-d'oeuvre and a reference for historians and cultural anthropologists.”
Dibussi Tande, author of No Turning Back: Poems of Freedom

About the Author
JK Bannavti was born in Sob, Bui Division in northwestern Cameroon, and now lives with his family in North Plainfield NJ, USA. Author of The Reapers and Freed into Jail (2007), Bannavti has worked as a Theatre actor and director in Cameroon and has taught English in the Bronx Community College of the City University of New York, and Maritime College of the State University of New York.

Comments

[Paa Ngembus]

Do I know this Bannati fellow?

Great job all the same ma boy.

The excepts say this:

"...
Rock of God centres on a significant war that Nso fought with Bamoun in the 1880s, and which war resulted in a devastating defeat for the Bamouns. During this war, a major Nso combat rule was broken: the Sultan (king) of Bamoun was decapitated.
..."

I think Southern Cameroonians should identify the Nso guys and send them to decapitate every Froggie leader in La Republique.

I am made to understand that it is a Nso fellow in the name of General Ivo Yengo who is guarding Paul Biya.

The Prime Minister Yang is also a Nso man I am told.

So let us get my mother's Nso guys to do it for us since by Mr. Bannati's own admission they are very good at it.

A+

Paa Ngembus
THE SOUTHERN CAMEROONS SHALL BE INDEPENDENT BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY

[Paa Ngembus]

Massa Moderator,

Na weti happen to my posting.

Na because I talk say make Nso them decapitate Biya?

We now know all wuna Froggie them.

I am pissed.

Paa Ngembus

[webmaster]

Hi Paa,

Rest assured that your comment was been deleted. Recently the system has been having a hard time distinguishing between real comments and spam. As a result, a good number of authentic comments have been ending up in the spam folder.

We are doing our best to republish these comments as soon as we see them. So please bear with us. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your understanding.

Webmaster

[njimaforboy]

... and this Ivo guy who sits next to Paul Biya.
Mr. Ivo Yengo, can you please save us from this devil called Paul Biya? See what he is doing to us. He is sucking the life out of us. We are dying slowly. There is no future for us. Do it for the sake of all Cameroonians.
Just do it.

[VA Boy]

So biya na froos man for put soso nso peepee for yi corner.