Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central Africa rich in cultural diversity, native music, and its successful national football team. Famous Cameroonian descendants include Actress and star of Fox TV hit show Empire Taraji P. Henson, Quincy Jones, Chris Rock and many more.
[RELATED: READ EMPIRE STAR TARAJI P. HENSON’S TOP 5 ROLES]
On Friday, January 16, 2015 Primetime OmniMedia Productions (POP) under the direction of CEO Marilyn Crawford planned, coordinated and executed an unprecedented production and the largest event in the history of Cameroon. Under the patronage of the President of Cameroon Sir Excellence Paul Biya, Her Excellence Ama Tutu Muna, Minister of Arts and Culture in partnership with the Harts International Foundation held the National Museum of Cameroon GALA launching “A Cultural Renaissance in Cameroon”.
I had the unique opportunity to be a part of the day-long event which welcomed A-list celebrities including Global Ambassadors of Classical Dance, premier ballerinas Maxim Beloserkovsky & Irina Dvorovenko, Icon Grammy Hall of Fame Dionne Warwick, International Music Composer, Co-Fugee producer Jerry “Wonder” Duplessis, and Sierra Leon super star Vivian Chidid. Top Cameroonian stars like Andre Manga, MTV Africa Award winner Stanley Enow were all in attendance along with global corporate executives, diplomats, philanthropist, trendsetters and influencers from sports to arts.
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After witnessing one of the most magnificent events I have ever attended it is safe to say that Cameroon has officially been placed on the global map of ‘destinations to tour’. As you entered the event space a beautiful red carpet lined the steps that lead guests to an outdoor oasis filled with 24 karat gold sculptures, a luxury-mirrored ballroom outdoors with Palm leaves, Cameroon wood, two stages., and traditional Cameroonian accents throughout the large open space. The event received over 2 billion media impressions, and this number is still growing! LMarilyn Crawford, Executive Producer, CEO, POP, set up a luxurious decor, phenomenal world-class entertainment, and everyone enjoyed the festivities. It was a mixture of cultures, dialects, languages, with all kinds of people from all walks of life. It crossed all socioeconomic and cultural lines, while respecting protocol and etiquette. Guest were served a twelve course meal, followed by a post party, with Top Cameroonian artist, including the winner of MTV Africa, Stan Ebow.
Ms Crawford said, “It is one of my greatest accomplishments in my life. The GALA was the activity that helped start the transformation of a country and bring them into the GLOBAL STAGE according to Her Excellency Ama Tutu MUNA. I love the people of Cameroon”.
This invitation-only ceremony Gala was held to raise funds and awareness of the HARTS INTERNATIONAL Foundation’s International Arts and Culture Exchange seminars and workshops that will take place in Cameroon, New York, and Paris, during the second half of 2015. They will focus on art, culture, film, fashion, technology, marketing, music, hot topics, pop culture, human trafficking, health, Ebola, dance, and professional sports clinics.
William Egbe, Chairman, The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, and President of The Coca-Cola South Africa Business Division was left in amazement. “The Gala and your company (POP) have impacted Cameroon, to transform business onto a world stage. Cameroon people are ready for this.”
The reopening of the National Museum represents the launch of a national cultural initiative including international cultural exchange programs, a global concert to mobilize against Ebola education (STOP EBOLA: Global
Concert), and the opening of the Cameroonian Office of Film to support local innovative filmmakers. This initiative aims to create a moment of communion and empowerment among Cameroonian people by reviving the rich Cameroonian and African heritage that is influential on contemporary art and culture. With masterpieces of art and original artifacts, the National Museum is not only the conservatory for Cameroonian arts and culture, but also a new platform for education and a learning institute. The National Museum of Cameroon has uncovered authenticated major historical artifacts, some of them are over 50 years BC, and magnificent images of the Cameroonian culture. It offers education programs in culinary art, culture, fashion, film, technology, social networking, art, culture, entertainment and music and represents a platform for information exchange and interaction, providing the next and current generation with insight, awareness, and tools to become great African and global citizens.“The Musee National GALA’s launch of A Cultural Renaissance in Cameroon, has literally transformed our people,†says Her Excellency Ama Tutu Muna, Minister of Arts and Culture, Cameroon, Africa. “It was not just an event, it opened the minds and eyes to who we are and what we are capable of doing. Marilyn Crawford, CEO, POP Primetime Omnimedia Productions and her team were extraordinary and beyond outstanding. What an incredible, LIFE-CHANGING evening! For our beautiful country Cameroon and Africa, you contributed in creating a wonderful introduction and awareness of Cameroon’s culture to the world. Yes, you have succeeded in
creating a magnificent, magical, and memorable high-end event. On behalf of the government, the people and my humble self, we say thank you.”
This historic event has undoubtedly revitalized, and brought the importance of art to the forefront of every mind in Cameroon and beyond. More than a Cameroonian initiative, the GALA represents a global renaissance that will be seen and felt throughout the world. The value and contributions of African peoples to the diversity and richness of humanity will continue to have invaluable impacts. As we continue moving forward we will all continue to value and respect the Cameroonian principles of Peace, Work and Fatherhood. I feel truly connected to this country and its people. Now they have me saying their slogan, “One love, one peace, one Cameroon!â€