HISTORY IN THE MAKING: FIVE SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS UNITE FOR ROOTS AND FUTURE SUMMIT 2026
In a historic first for spoken word poetry in Cameroon, five of the nation's most powerful voices will share the same stage at the ROOTS AND FUTURE SUMMIT 2026. Mottanni, Penboy, KeshLegacy, DSaint Livingston, and Elsymphonie will deliver collaborative spoken word performances at the opening and closing ceremonies of this landmark cultural preservation event.
This unprecedented collaboration marks the first time in Cameroonian spoken word history that five such distinguished artists have united for a single performance. The collective, representing diverse styles, experiences, and regions, will use their voices to celebrate heritage, honour ancestors, and inspire a generation to return to their roots.
A Historic Moment for Spoken Word in Cameroon
The collaboration brings together some of the most respected names in Cameroonian spoken word:
Mottanni — Award-winning spoken word artist, three-album recording artist (DarkLight, Bruises, Atogho), and Public Relations Officer at New Breed Africa Foundation. Known for his powerful advocacy on gender-based violence, Sickle Cell awareness, and cultural preservation.
Penboy — Accomplished spoken word artist and poet, featured on Mottanni's debut album DarkLight on the track "I Miss You." A respected voice in the Cameroonian spoken word community.
KeshLegacy — Spoken word artist, known for his dynamic stage presence and lyrical depth.
DSaint Livingston — Spoken word and artist and musician whose work explores themes of identity, resilience, and social justice.
Elsymphonie — Spoken word artist whose powerful performances have captivated audiences across Cameroon.
"This is more than a performance—it is a historic moment for spoken word in Cameroon. To stand on stage with Penboy, KeshLegacy, DSaint Livingston, and Elsymphonie, united by our love for our culture and our commitment to preserving our heritage, is a dream come true. Together, we will remind Cameroonians of who we are, where we come from, and where we are going."
— Mottanni
About the Roots and Future Summit
The ROOTS AND FUTURE SUMMIT is Cameroon's flagship cultural convening, designed to address the critical erosion of Cameroon's cultural heritage. The summit unites traditional rulers (Fons), ethnic group custodians, youth leaders, and cultural institutions to develop actionable preservation strategies.
Key Objectives:
- Produce and Sign a Chiefs' Accord: Committing participating Fons to documented, actionable preservation initiatives.
- Present the VR App: Official introduction of the '250 Hearts One Rhythm' VR App, designed to digitally archive Cameroonian cultures, languages, rituals, and traditions.
- Establish a Post-Summit Council: Create a Council of Fons dedicated to ongoing cultural preservation efforts.
- Catalogue Commitments: Document over 50 kingdom-specific preservation commitments.
- The summit anticipates approximately 500 participants, including traditional rulers, youth leaders, cultural custodians, government officials, and international partners.
A Shared Vision: Cultural Preservation Through Art
The collaborative spoken word performance embodies the spirit of the Roots and Future Summit. Through poetry, these five artists will speak to the importance of remembering our roots, honouring our ancestors, and building a future that celebrates Cameroonian identity.
The performance will draw on the artists' collective experience, weaving together themes of identity, resilience, heritage, and hope. It will be a powerful reminder that culture is not just something to be remembered—it is something to be lived, celebrated, and passed on to future generations.
About the Organizer: Ache Cyvoline (Lady Heart)
Ache Cyvoline, widely known as 'Lady Heart,' is Miss Culture Cameroon 2026. She is a multifaceted creative professional with over a decade of experience in film, television, music, fashion, and community development. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Nbaca Awards nomination (2021), Miss West Africa (2023), and the Nbacca Honorary Award for Model of the Year (2024).
"Bringing together five of Cameroon's most talented spoken word artists for a historic collaboration is a dream come true. Their voices will echo the themes of the Roots and Future Summit—identity, heritage, and hope. I am thrilled to witness this moment in Cameroonian cultural history."
— Ache Cyvoline (Lady Heart), Miss Culture Cameroon 2026
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