Ngondo 2025: “Mangando” Reveals Sawa Cultural Strength

The celebration not only honours the past but ignites a collective responsibility among the youth to carry forward the rich fabric of Sawa heritage, ensuring that the spirit of resilience stays alive for generations to come. A vibrant display of cultural heritage and historical significance of the Sawa people was showcased during the Mangando Cultural…

The celebration not only honours the past but ignites a collective responsibility among the youth to carry forward the rich fabric of Sawa heritage, ensuring that the spirit of resilience stays alive for generations to come.

A vibrant display of cultural heritage and historical significance of the Sawa people was showcased during the Mangando Cultural Night, part of the celebrations marking the 2025 edition of the Ngondo Festival. Held on November 29, in the presence of the governor of the Littoral region Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboa, traditional leaders and other dignitaries, the Cultural Night highlighted a culture rich in pride and determination, demonstrating the resilience of Sawa forefathers in preserving their heritage. Through sketches, dance, and musical poetry, the “Mangando” troupe portrayed the rich cultural history of the Sawa community. Douala City Council Mayor Roger Mbassa Ndine remarked that the event provided an opportunity to reflect on Sawa history. “It is crucial to recognize that this history embodies values of existence and courage, reflective of our community. When we explore our past, we see that resistance has been present everywhere. While Europeans arrived, our history illustrates that there was resistance not only in the east but also in the west.” He emphasized the importance of imparting this rich history to future generations, particularly for the youth.

Michelle Esso, promoter of Mangando an activity of Ngondo, stressed that the primary focus was on expressing Cameroon’s culture. “This musical expression resonates globally. For us, it’s a powerful form of cultural expression, illustrated through visible bodily movements. The actors came from all corners of Cameroon, underscoring our commitment to sharing the values and retelling our history that must be revisited,” she emphasized.

By Gina Esong

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