2024-04-01 11:54:41
Mamane, a key figure in African humor, launches a vibrant appeal to the new generation of Cameroonian comedians. Beyond the schoolboy jokes, he urges them to use their art as a weapon to denounce the failings of society, reports 237online.com exclusively. A strong message from the man who has imposed his committed satire on the stages of the continent and beyond.
From Cameroon to France, the journey of a comedian like no other
Son of a Nigerien diplomat, Mamane spent part of his childhood in Cameroon, on the benches of Vogt college. A founding experience for someone who, after studying plant physiology in France, chose to swap the white coat for the comedian’s microphone.
Spotted by the Jamel Comedy Club in 2006, he became a columnist on France 2, Europe 1 and Africa Radio, distilling his satirical review of current events every morning. In 2008, he created on RFI the crazy universe of the very, very democratic Republic of Gondwana, which he brought to the screen in 2016 with his successful film “Welcome to Gondwana”.
Mongo Beti, Lapiro, Kankan… the Cameroonian inspirations of Mamane
But it is from Cameroon that Mamane draws her deepest inspirations. He claims to be from the lineage of Mongo Beti, Lapiro de Mbanga or Jean Miché Kankan, these artists who dared to defy the powers in place to tell the truth, often at a high price.
« These big names in Cameroonian culture had the courage to denounce injustices, corruption, authoritarian abuses, Mamane reminds 237online.com. They showed the way, proved that art could be a weapon of resistance against oppression. It’s this torch that I want to pass on to new generations of comedians”.
« Make you laugh, but make you think!«
Because for Mamane, humor is not just a matter of jokes and punchlines. It is also and above all a tool to raise awareness, shake up the status quo, and move the lines. A social and political role that he intends to see his young Cameroonian colleagues take on.
“I tell them: don’t just make people laugh for the sake of making people laugh. Have the audacity to denounce what is wrong around you, the failings of our society, the abuse of power. Make you laugh, but make you think! This is how you will mark your era and how you will move things forward.”
The Parliament of Laughter, a pan-African showcase of committed humor
Mamane cites as proof the success of the Parliament of Laughter, this production which has for years brought together the most talented comedians on the continent. From Moustik le Karismatik to Edoudoua via Ntamak, everyone has made a name for themselves and carried the colors of Africa high.
“The Parliament of Laughter is the demonstration that humor can be a formidable vector of pan-Africanism,” enthuses Mamane. By bringing together all these artists and performing together, we build connections, we create a community, we break down barriers. That’s also the power of humor! »
Make people laugh to change the world
So, Mamane’s message is clear: Cameroonian comedians, at your microphones! Make people laugh, but not only that. Denounce, challenge, awaken. Make your art a weapon for change. Cameroon, Africa, the world need your committed humor.
Because as Mamane says so well, “the comedian is not just there to entertain the gallery. He is also there to awaken consciences, to be the voice of the voiceless. It’s an immense responsibility, but that’s also the greatness of our profession.” A profession that he hopes to see his young Cameroonian peers embrace with all the passion and commitment it deserves. So that in Cameroon too, laughter can change the world.