A Forward-Looking Spirit
“…the question of the withdrawal from and transfer of authority over the Bakassi Peninsula should be treated in a forward-looking spirit of goodwill in order to open new prospects for cooperation between the two countries after decades of difficult bilateral relations.”
—Greentree Agreement, New York City, 12 June 2006
On August 14, 2008, Nigeria formally handed over control of the Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon. This landmark moment showed the world how two countries can work together to resolve their disputes peacefully. However, it would be naïve to suppose that a rapprochement between Cameroon and Nigeria will be either quick or easy.
Because youth have the best chance of creating a future blessed by greater understanding, Mr. Ebere Valentine founded the Cameroon Nigeria Youth Movement. From May 24 to June 7, 2009, Cultures in Harmony (CiH) partnered with the Cameroon Nigeria Youth Movement (CNYM) to conduct a project, called “A Forward-Looking Spirit,” that helped youth from Cameroon and Nigeria come together in celebration of their musical heritage, thereby demonstrating to both countries the potential inherent in peaceful cooperation.
Project Outline
After arrival in Yaounde, Eric Hanser, Artist Services Coordinator; William Harvey, violin; Catie Hickey, trombone; Maggie Lauer, flute; and Keith Sanders, viola, met Ebere Valetine, head of the Cameroon Nigeria Youth Movement (CNYM) and President of the Nigerian Union, as well as numerous volunteers of the CNYM. Over the course of two weeks in Cameroon, we learned and performed Cameroonian and Nigerian music alongside local musicians and presented outreach concerts at schools and orphanages.
Check out some photos from the project. Read William's article about the project in Strings Magazine. Here is an article quoting Ebere Valentine about the Nigerian Union. In September 2008, Ebere Valentine heard this podcast by Eric Hanser, which led directly to this project.
Photo: Keith learns Cameroonian music from Jean Pascal Pelbood
William's speech at final concert
Thank you so much for coming. Thank you to the Cameroon Nigeria Youth Movement for organizing this event and all our activities here in Cameroon. It is an honor for Cultures in Harmony to play for you tonight, and an honor to work with these musicians.
We stand with the Cameroon Nigeria Youth Movement as they seek to create a society in which Cameroonians and Nigerians regard one another not in suspicion, but in friendship. We do not ignore our differences: we celebrate them. We do not seek to teach each other, but to learn from one another.
During our time here in Cameroon, Cultures in Harmony has brought the joy of music to children in orphanages and schools, and worked with musicians from Cameroon and Nigeria. We have overcome stereotypes as we have learned to see past them.
Let everyone know that color, gender, and nationality are no barriers to cooperation, understanding, and respect.
As you listen to tonight's program, understand the beauty of what is possible when we work together. After you leave tonight and Cultures in Harmony leaves Cameroon on Sunday, understand that only through building trust can we build the world we all desire.
I encourage you to support the Cameroon Nigeria Youth Movement as they lead the community here in this difficult but important process. I encourage you to support the Nigerian Union as they bring Nigerians together in pursuit of dignity here in Cameroon. I encourage you to support Ebere Valentine as he leads these organizations.
Finally, I ask you to remember the power of the universal language of music to unite us in the common purpose of peace.
Program from Final Concert
Concert
Sponsored by Cameroon Nigeria Youth Movement
Ebere Valentine, Founder and President
and Cultures in Harmony
William Harvey, Founder and Director
Max Ayissi, Master of Ceremonies
Friday, June 5, 2009, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Orlu Palace, Nkomkana, Yaoundé, Cameroon
National Anthems
Imeda Mbre Idi-Oh
Charity Obot, singer
Premiere Corruption Jean Pascal Pelbood
J Pelbood, guitar
Keith Sanders, viola
Solo Sonata C. P. E. Bach
Maggie Lauer, flute
Emmanuel Ibok Wisdom, drum
Nnom nga-wono Prince Traditionelle
Fouda Joachim, mvet
William Harvey, violin
Oh Happy Day: Unity and Diversity
Miraculous Praise Band
Ngozi Onwuzurike, singer
Tony Onyeka, guitar
Tok Tok
Aristide Ze, guitar
Ouverture du Printemps David Loeb
Cultures in Harmony
Song to be announced from the stage
Saxophone players
Catie Hickey, trombone
Contrapunctus No. 11 J. S. Bach
Cultures in Harmony
Drummers from Cameroon and Nigeria
Cultures (2009) Alexander Berne
Cultures in Harmony
Drummers from Cameroon and Nigeria
Africa We Are One
The Chosen Generation Gospel Band
Gabriel O. Pius, singer
Cultures in Harmony
Cultures in Harmony would like to thank Charlotte Sophie for her hospitality. Thank you also to our Artist Services Coordinator, Eric Hanser, and the numerous volunteers of the Cameroon Nigeria Youth Movement, especially including Thierry Ekobe, Secretary-General, and Max Ayissi, Communicator.
