In a country like Cameroon with over 200 ethnic groups, with each of these having a unique Culture and language, It becomes Difficult to be noticed or even spoken about. How some tribes have managed to be top of the pile is far beyond being populous. In this regard, the Nso tribe found in Bui division with its language being the Lamnso has stood out Amongst all these. The people from Nso are popularly referred to in Cameroon as Banso people.
According to (2005) population stats of the area of Bui, the population was at proximately 300,000 people, but prospects have since then changed. A decade later, the population can be estimated at approximately double figures or even more. The Nso tribe is the most populated of the tribes in the division and culturally, their culture is probably the most dominant in the area.
Kumbo, also known as Kimbo, is the second-largest city in the North West Region of #Cameroon. It is the capital of Bui Division. It lies about 2000 meters (6562 feet) above sea level and is situated approximately 110 km away from Bamenda (the provincial capital of the North West Province)
The Cultural diversity of this tribe is immense and very much renown. The culture is being spread over the national territory and beyond. The spread of this Culture has been aided by the rising musical talents. The Nso culture has been sold extensively through the art of music. The area has equally produced the best of artists you can think of.
Like the some renown African tribes like the Igbo’s and Yoruba’s in Nigeria, the Nso ethnicity is becoming more and more profound. The tribe has Unarguably Influenced the national structure, more than any other. Lamso is already a household language per say.
With their top musical stars like Mr. Leo – Artist , Witty minstrel art , Vernyuy Tina , Neglect Buri , Skiezy Ayenkea Official , Wan Shey Official , Erique Tranz and TILLA just to list a few, the Cultural imposition is undoubtedly impressive.
In as much as rappers of the land appear to be back benchers with fame being far fetched, their street influence is not to be underestimated. Their street presence is second to none. It can be argued that this tribe has got the best rappers in the country without filter. No tribe has got more rappers telling their stories like the aforementioned. Many are great rappers but rather embraced the foreign Culture.
The Nso rappers are together with other singers on the spotlight selling the culture and Language expensively and unapologetically. What was started by the old generation iconic singers like #RichardKings, #WiraJing and many others is being rebranded by the new generation with much fusion with other national languages. Worthy of mention are producers like Dijay Cliff, Dijay Karl and Tony EF, who have directly been involved in producing the sounds the way they should be done and beyond.
The new generation artists with much exposure have in less than no time exposed this Language beyond just their area, and in as much the Advent of digitalization is draining Cameroonian Culture, this is still one of the Cameroonian ethnic groups, which still manage to maintain their way of life!
There is still no question marks as to whether this language deserves to be called a national language. Validation won’t come from without, but from within, and it’s Influence on many people Across the national territory is already enough validation.
In conclusion, though the Nso people are proud of who they’re and what their culture stands for, most of their artists’ growth can’t be attributed to to them entirely. These artists who are selling the language deserve more support, coz they have set their language/culture first before any other. These new generation artists are very much aiding the course of cultural marketing started by their elders. They should be encouraged more by their own.
Bring your arguments or doubts in the comments section after sharing. We’ll talk about them. Thank you for reading.
