What Franci Neely Learned About Cameroonian Culture
From its cascading waterfalls to its astonishing wildlife, beaches, volcanoes, and mountains, world traveler Franci Neely says Cameroon is a country forever etched in her mind. Neely visited the West African nation in February 2022 and says she had an enchanting time getting a custom dress made at the popular Marché Central marketplace in Yaounde and taking a jaunt over to the famous Reunification Monument, which was constructed to commemorate British and French influences on Cameroon.
While making her way through Marché Central, Neely enjoyed an inspiring mix of sights and sounds as she selected fabric from dozens of different vibrant patterns featuring bold purple, pink, yellow, red, and blue hues. A local seamstress then fashioned her a one-of-a-kind design in just six hours. Neely says she makes a point to pick up items crafted by local artisans so she can support the community and have a unique souvenir to tote home. Marché Central is also a hot spot for local vegetable and fruit vendors offering carrots, cucumbers, and other homegrown delights.
One of Neely’s most impactful Cameroonian travel moments was meeting her guide, Chemba. Neely admits she was highly impressed with Chemba’s ambitious spirit and they shared several heartfelt conversations along her journey, including discussing his ambition to own a cacao plantation. Neely was floored by his generous disposition.
“When Chemba was recently in the Central African Republic, he saw some teenage boys living in the street,” Neely shares. “He encouraged them to get educated (they were at a third grade level), so he could find them jobs in Cameroon. Chemba has a huge heart.”
Much like Chemba, Neely is interested in giving back to causes and people who inspire her. She’s spent many years philanthropically giving back to the arts community in Houston, recently hosting a soiree at her home to commemorate the debut of The Menil Collection’s latest exhibit on loan from the kingdoms of Cameroon. Titled Art of the Cameroon Grassfields: A Living Heritage in Houston, the exhibition runs through July 9 and is free to the public. The collection features customized thrones borrowed from Cameroonian royalty and ceremonial masks.
Franci Neely Took a Tour and Walked Away With So Much More
Neely says she was appreciative of Chemba’s exemplary English speaking skills and his appreciation for American blockbuster films such as A Few Good Men and A Time to Kill. Neely remarks that she was also surprised to learn how much Cameroonians enjoy sipping beer.
She was, however, shocked to learn about another custom in Cameroon.
“My Cameroonian guide Chemba explained a ‘typical’ bride price [is] two fat pigs, 20 cartons of beer, four cases of wine,100 liters of refined palm oil, 20 machetes, and half a cow. Go figure.”
Currently in the process of completing her dream of visiting every country in the world by 2025, Franci Neely explains that one of the main reasons she pursues travel so fervently is to connect with other cultures and learn their customs and traditions.
“I ??love to explore other cultures, other areas of the world, ways of living, history,” Neely says. “I’m very curious about that.”
While Cameroon is presently under a Level 2 travel advisory and visitors are encouraged by the U.S. Department of State to exercise increased caution while there, it remains a meaningful memory in Neely’s extensive passport.
The art and history lover enjoyed a tour of the Cameroon National Museum during her stay. For those who visit the African country, she insists it’s a must-see. Neely adds that her guide, Christinne Mongo, was another joyous addition to the experience. The museum just happens to be the previous palace of Ahmadou Ahidjo, the country’s first president.
The museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the political history of Cameroon, including a deep dive into the six different versions of Cameroon’s flag over the years.
“I was blessed to have Christinne as my guide,” Neely recalls. “We became sisters that day. She showed me many musical instruments used in Cameroon.”
Music is a significant part of Cameroon’s culture and Mongo treated the Houston-based globe-trotter with an impromptu solo on a royal piano while she was teaching Neely about traditional Cameroonian instruments.
The museum is home to a saxophone once played by the late, great Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango, who died in 2020 from COVID. The outspoken activist fought for the rights of Cameroonian musicians to receive royalties. He made global headlines for his song “Soul Makossa,” which was an international sensation in the ’70s, achieving a notable milestone — it was among the first African songs to reach the U.S. top 40. Michael Jackson snagged a piece of the tune for his hit “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” — for which he was sued. Jackson settled out of court. Dibango produced an astonishing 72 albums from 1968 to 2013 and introduced African-rhumba rhythms and jazz fusion to mainstream audiences after partnering with greats such as Herbie Hancock.
During her time in Cameroon, Franci Neely says she partook in the local cuisine, which features African, French, and Arabic influences. For nature and wildlife fans, Cameroon offers vast stretches of exotic terrain to explore. It’s home to chimpanzees, gorillas, red and green monkeys, lions, giraffes, antelopes, elephants, leopards, and other majestic creatures. Cameroon’s rain forests are another hotbed of biodiversity for many species of animals.
Rubbing Elbows With Royals
Franci Neely says seeing the sultan’s palace in Foumban was another notable moment during her trip. Snapping photos and taking videos on her camera, Neely captured the crowd watching a palace guard and noblemen make their way through the street as Sultan Mohammed Nabil Mbombo Njoya, leader of the Bamoun people, walked by.
Neely witnessed the sultan and his entourage pass a band performing traditional Cameroonian music, and the sultan bestowed blessings upon his people.
Upon arrival in Foumban, founded in the 15th century and one of the oldest cities in Cameroon, Neely was dazzled by this remarkable sight. “The sultan led a processional to the mosque for prayers,” she recalls. “The pageantry took my breath away.”
Photo with permission of Franci Neely