MOTTANNI TO PERFORM AT ROOTS AND FUTURE SUMMIT 2026

YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON — August 2026

Award-winning spoken word artist Mottanni (Tanni Desmond Awa) has been invited to perform at the prestigious ROOTS AND FUTURE SUMMIT, a landmark two-day convening scheduled for August 26–27, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The summit, organized by Miss Culture Cameroon 2026, Ache Cyvoline (aka 'Lady Heart') , unites traditional rulers (Fons), ethnic group custodians, youth leaders, and cultural institutions to address the critical erosion of Cameroon's cultural heritage.

A Performance of Heritage and Identity
Mottanni will bring his signature spoken word poetry to the summit, performing pieces that celebrate Cameroonian identity, heritage, and resilience. His performance will be a highlight of the event, using the power of poetry to connect the past, present, and future.

Pieces to be performed:

Juju: The Fabric of Who We Are — A celebration of African identity and heritage, inspired by the traditional regalia of the Bamenda Highlands. This piece is a declaration that we are not defined by our condition, but by the richness of our heritage.
Fru Ndi — A meditation on grief, remembrance, and legacy—a tribute to those who have fallen and a declaration that their spirit lives on through us. The piece captures the raw question of loss: "Why now? Why you? Why we?" but rises into hope: "No be end this. Na de starting this."

About the Roots and Future Summit
The ROOTS AND FUTURE SUMMIT is Cameroon's flagship cultural convening, designed to:
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 for dissemination to schools and diaspora communities.
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
Mottanni's artistic mission aligns deeply with the vision of the Roots and Future Summit. His work addresses themes of identity, resilience, and heritage, using spoken word poetry as a tool for cultural preservation and social transformation.

I am honoured to be part of this historic gathering. The Roots and Future Summit is a powerful reminder that our culture is not just something to be remembered—it is something to be lived, celebrated, and passed on to future generations. I am proud to use my voice to contribute to this important work. 'Juju' and 'Fru Ndi' are pieces that speak directly to who we are—our heritage, our resilience, and our hope."

— Mottanni

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 NBACA Honorary Award for Model of the Year (2024).

Her journey from the entertainment industry to cultural advocacy reflects a deep commitment to celebrating and preserving Cameroon's rich cultural heritage.

Mottanni's artistry embodies the spirit of the Roots and Future Summit. His spoken word poetry brings our culture to life in a way that resonates with both the young and the old. I am thrilled to have him perform at this landmark event."

— Ache Cyvoline (Lady Heart), Miss Culture Cameroon 2026

Connect with Mottanni
Website: www.mottanni.com
Instagram: @motanni
Facebook: tanni.awa
YouTube: @Mottanni

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"The blood remembers. And so do we."