Deliver and Fly

In my opinion, we create our destinies. There are choices we make in life viewed differently by different people, as crazy, unreasonable or achievable and it is at this point that I agree with my friend Nielle Donald Walsh, who says “there is no wrong or right… it is just the way you do it…” Here again, ATTITUDE comes to play.

Just to share with you thoughts from a paper I read about humble beginnings, people who fought the odds from homeless cattle rarer with no parents to a multi millionaire and a voice for thousands. You definitely can name hundreds of such people in our community and beloved continent, I’ll tell you about a few in a bit.

All we need is the grit, the determination, the perseverance, the courage, the patience, the ability to keep learning and to take risks! This will take us to success.

In a country like ours where money talks, where influence is of great importance, where the law acts lightly on those with money and influence. It may interest you to know that there are people who can still beat the system and come out on top. This to me is a message of hope to every single one of us.

There is a whole world out there full of opportunities, have your pick, and do the needful. Deliver the goods, and Hey! Who will hold u then from flying? NOBODY!

Zakumi - A Mascot with attitude

The University games in Yaounde II - Soa, started on Sartuday the 17th of April in grand style. All higher institutions of the country represented, members of the school administration and top government officials.

After the ellaborate speeches and words of welcome to the anxcious crowd of students came the parade from the universities and institutions represented.

The grand moment came, when the big guy showed up - Zakumi - the world cup 2010 mascot.
'Za' stands for 'South Africa' and 'Kumi' for '10'.
This guy has got attitude, you all have to know about him, he is painfully representative of our continent, and we just have to love him. details about zakumi on
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/mascot/index.html

feed your eyes!

ATTITUDE IS 100%

See why Attitude is everything.

Add up the following figures which represent the numerical positions of the letters in the word - ATTITUDE

A = 1
T = 20
T = 20
I = 9
T = 20
U = 21
D = 4
E = 5

Total = 100

We have the right attitude and it is this attitude we should portray and influence our continent - Africa.

My recommendation will be first to find your passion in whatever field you can identify for yourself. There are a million and one set backs you may and will encounter, but if you are true to yourself, and what you believe in, your passion will lead you on.

Imagine a Passionate person with the right Attitude!

Profiles

“The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.” Jim Rohn

As earlier mentioned, here we focus on whats working. Today after a long chase, i managed to meet and talk to our very own country man, who has been there, and done that, and is here to make the difference... most important is the positive energy all around him.

Ladies and Gentlemen, have a feel of what it is like to be your own person, with strong convictions of life and taking ownership of it. Share his personal, economic and political views.

If you do get the opportunity to meet the unstopable, strong spirited Emma Kijem, take your chance! for those of us who may not, i tried to take out some words to share. Here we are...

- Who is Emmanuel Kijem?

I am a Cameroonian from Kom, in the North West region. I started my primary education in Bamenda, proceeded to Yaoundé where I got right up to class seven before finishing off in Buea. All my secondary and high school education was done in Sacred Heart College Mankon. On completing my A Levels, I was fortunate to pick up a Cameroon government scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds in England in 1988.

- What was your experience like studying out of the country?

Initially, it was quite tough as I had never been abroad before and never even lived away from home for any length of time. I was suddenly confronted by the prospect of cooking for myself, paying the rents and generally doing all that adults had been doing for me before then. Those challenges were, however, somehow outweighed by the sheer excitement of becoming independent and entering the hallowed world of university education– you know how it is with freshmen!? Those were truly heady days – the excitement of novel experiences coupled with the apprehensions generated by entering a strange new world.

I reckon I learned a lot during my stay in the UK and the lessons remain with me right to this day. One thing that struck me was the fact that by meeting people from other countries and cultures, who sometimes have vastly different worldviews from yours, you expand your horizons on several fronts. It puts your humanity and your place in it into perspective.

- What spurred your return to Cameroon?

I was spurred by a strong desire to make a difference in my country. My experience in England showed me, in the most jarring way, just how far behind our country is. But it also generated in me the strong belief that we could still close most of the gap if we took dramatic action. I was not alone in thinking like this; many of my friends felt the same and eventually made the decision to return as well. There was a lot of excitement and hope at the time as we all looked forward to putting our newly-acquired degrees to the test. We were all consumed by a wave of idealism that spawned lots of dreams and some have come true today. Of course, many either remain unfulfilled or have simply been consumed by the forces of reality. But I have never stopped dreaming and have never stopped riding that wave of idealism. It’s been tough going but very worthwhile.

- Have you ever regretted your decision to return home?

No. The ideals we grew up with and the lessons we brought back from the UK, helped us to hit the ground running. But right from the very first contact with home reality, the impact almost blew me to smithereens. And the shocks have never stopped coming in. I believe I have remained true to the ideals and principles we came back with plus those we grew up with. But I have had to make some rather drastic adjustments along the way, not in the ideals or principles themselves, but rather in the way I have integrated them into my life. I believe even more today that I made the right decision to return home. It certainly has not been easy but it has been right for me.

- What has life been like in Cameroon? * tell us about your professional success

Life in Cameroon has been very tough for me and I believe I have learned very slowly how to cope. But all the difficulties I have encountered here so far pale in comparison to the benefits of the difference I believe I have made in many people’s lives, especially in my family. For me, it’s always been about making a positive difference and as long as I think I am doing that, my stay in Cameroon will be worthwhile.

Professionally, I have been in many places, overcome many challenges and done my best to make the best decisions I could muster at all times. Things have certainly not been smooth but every debacle has been a major learning experience for me. I believe I have grown to become a rounded professional and I’m very glad I’ve managed to do all that without ever compromising or sacrificing any of my ideals or principles.

I have worked in the IT and Telecoms industry in Cameroon for over 15 years now, mostly in Douala. My professional life has been replete with creating or introducing new things – enterprises, ideas, products or services etc.. I believe few things are as gratifying as when one stands back and observes one’s creation thrive and grow. I like innovating and I always encourage others to the same. I have done a lot of that and it has brought me rewards.

- tell us how you have evolved to date.

I believe I have grown from being a guy that lived purely by strict rules to living from within. I believe in authenticity i.e. doing all you can to portray who you really are within to the outside world. It has required that I take a good look in the mirror and acknowledge lots of very unpalatable things about myself. It used to be that I would apply my rules and principles to every aspect of life and, of course, that usually clashed with the ways of our world. I would blame the entire world for my troubles and take solace in this victim mentality. Then I encountered some major upheavals in my life that gave me pause but I was fortunate to be introduced to the Human Potential movement soon after. It has been an exciting journey ever since.

- What do you think about the state of Cameroon politically and economically?

I think its’ no secret that our country is going through difficult economic times and that our politics remain as divisive as ever. I’m, however, glad and grateful to God that we have so far escaped the horrific experiences some other African countries have had to endure. Economically, we have tremendous potential that remains unexploited. Our country is a true economic giant that has been asleep for decades. Politically, I think the country has been making slow progress on some issues, probably too slowly for some. All in all, I remain fully confident that we have the resources to take us out of whatever difficulties we find ourselves in today, whether it is in politics or economic development.

- Do you have a plan for your country?

I think it would be very presumptious of me to suggest that I do. To be able to build a realistic plan for anything, you need a core base of accurate information. Even if lack of information is part and parcel of the planning process, you always need to have some fundamental data on which to start building. On this point, we face a serious problem in Cameroon. Information availability is a major problem as sources are scant and, even when they exist, the information they provide is usually inadequate and typically dated. Furthermore, this lack of accurate information always creates a void that is usually filled by rumours and outright lies. Rumour, innuendo, secret machinations etc.. are potent forces being used to devastating effect here.

Having said all that, I think we all have hopes and dreams for our country. These have led us to build the overall architecture of certain plans that could lead to the fulfillment of these dreams.

- If you were to rule this country (Cameroon) what will you do differently?

I would try to do some key things that include the following
:
1. redefine the compact between state and citizen to instill a new sense of patriotism in every Cameroonian
2. introduce the notion of service
3. dramatically accelerate and expand the ongoing process of decentralization
4. aim for very small government and develop private enterprise
5. invest far more heavily in infrastructure, especially transportation and IT
6. invest far more in health and education

Of course, all this is easier said than done when you are not the guy with the weight of the country on your shoulders. The office of a president carries tremendous responsibilities and pressures the rest of us cannot even begin to fathom. But those would be some of the things I would focus on.

- Please could you share a word with Cameroonian youth.

I would like to throw in a word of advice to our youths:

1. your life has never been, and never will be, about how much wealth you have or what you’ve done. It will always be about what you’ve become. The legendary motivational speaker, Jim Rohn (who passed away last year), says: “The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.” This, to me, is probably the most impactful advice one can offer to Cameroonian youths today.
2. don’t be fixated on wealth but rather dwell in creation and service. Work hard to create value and make a difference whenever possible and, invariably, wealth would follow you.
3. be careful who you consider your role models because you will take responsibility for actions they inspired you to engage
4. it is often said never judge or envy anyone for you see their glory or their misery but you never know their story.
5. Believe in yourself and do no evil.
6. love and respect yourself and everyone else and never do anything to others you wouldn’t want them to do to you
7. control your thoughts and stay clear of negative feelings
8. always be on the move – be ambitious and innovate

Talent in Action

Once more I had the opportunity to meet one of our outstanding Cameroonian artist Syl Annim, in her little corner, bent over in her art work, barely a few hours before she took off for her base - Nigeria. We chatted at length about our passions, interests, goals, dreams... and in her very gentle, polite and soft spoken manner, I saw determination, self motivation, hard work and a vision for her country. She is on her way to Lagos, to arm herself and be back by the first if February to take part in the week long Fashion event in Douala! Watch out for Syl in 2010!

VS:Tell me a little about Syl

Syl: I am Sylvie Mbuta Annim, but everyone calls me Syl Annim, and thats the name for my label, I am an actress and a fashion designer... (laughing she asks, what else?)

VS: What's a typical day like for you in Lagos?

Syl: normally I sleep late cos I work round the clock, but when I'm on set I wake up at six am to go to location, then I come back home to my designing. I travel around sometimes for shooting, and when I do, I go with my hand work, and if I am not on a scene, while waiting, I am knitting or working on my designs.

VS: You have lived in both Cameroon and Nigeria, what are the strengths you think Cameroon processes?

Syl: There is a lot of talent in Cameroon, and we need to get people to help bring out the talent.

VS: What positive aspect about Nigeria do you think Cameroon should copy?

Syl: Nigerians are very industrious and hard working people, they take risks, they get out of their comfort zones and try new things. The country's Economy favours growth. When I look at Cameroon and all it's potential, one of the major set backs on business men, investors or growing businesses, is the tax. Cameroon needs to review it's tax policy to make investment favourable.

VS:What's your goal being in Nigeria?

Syl: I left for Nigeria to get into acting. Back here in Cameroon, I started acting, but the industry is still very young, so to grow, I needed to be in a booming and competitive market. While in Nigeria, being an upcoming actress, jobs don't come by that often, so I needed to try my hand in something else, thats how I started designing. So I am basically in Nigeria to gain all the knowledge available in these areas of art, then come back home, and grow the business.

VS: I know you have plans for the Cameroonian market, please let me in on some of them.

Syl: I plan to start a training centre to make most of my designs, train interested young Cameroonians on every single idea I have. There will be a lot of such ideas coming up from me in the near future.

VS: Wow, Syl, that's sounds really nice, please do call on VS if you need any help, we will be happy to be a part of your crew.
So what will you tell Cameroonian youth if given the opportunity?

Syl: Let them believe in themselves, search deep to discover their talents, and work towards it. Let them follow their God given instincts, and take risks, and not just do things because the rest of the world is doing. Let them be bold, and try their hands in everything possible, till they find themselves.

VS: Thank you very much Syl, we hope to have you here again very soon, and this time physically why not? do have a save trip back as well. byeeeee!

An Exclusive Interview

As I think about this outstanding Cameroonian, I can think of a hundred adjectives to describe him. New face of KiRette Couture, Africa’s sexiest man, among top 50 to be looked out for, Hollywood star, upcoming for Nollywood… what have you?

With all these to a name, wouldn’t you understand my excitement at having David Nso in a one to one session?

In an interview with David in Yaounde on the 2nd of January 2010 in my little corner, he gave me an interesting inside of his personality... i will tell you what i think just after the interview, feel free to let me in on your views as well.

VS welcomed David Nso to Vision-Shakers in all excitement and anticipation.
Whats a typical day like or you in New York?

David Thank you for having me today on Vision Shakers, I am very glad to be here. A typical day for me starts about 5am, when i wake up, take a shower and go to the gym. Apart from ;odeling i do have a daily job, which is in health and fitness. I improve people's lives through exercise, and after lunch i go for casting either for a role in a movie or modeling, i have agencies i work with, so this is taken care of by them. There after, i meet my health fitness clients again for the next half of the day in the gym. I don't deviate from my goal of becoming a role model to most people.

VS: I know you are very African, but as far as your profession is concerned, what has your African experience been like?

David: It has been a dream come true, as i have always wanted to bring back home the experience i have been able to get from the United States. I came back home and have met a lot of interesting people. There is a whole lot to do in Africa, not just Cameroon, Nigeria or SouthAfrica. Particularly, Cameroon is still very virgin as far as fassion and movies are concerned, and those are basically the areas i am interested in working in, i have a passion in those areas.
Like i mentioned, i have met a lot of interesting people in Cameroon during this visit whom i will be working with eventually. So i am very greatful for the step i took by making this trip.

VS: what are your plans for the future in your carrier both abroad and in Africa?

David: My goals in Africa are enormous, there is a lot i want to achieve, I want to keep inspiring people especially the youth. My goal is becoming an icon, not only for Africa, but the World. I want people to be able to look up to me and from my experience and achievement be able to say "look at David, he came from nothing to all this" just to say i represent my culture and fashion in Cameroon, because thats where i trace my origins to, and thats where i come from.
This is exactly what i want to stand for to the Cameroonian youth, because, most of them have a creative mind, but don't have the tools to go forward, so that will be my altimate goal to push them forward to achieve what it takes.

VS: How do you feel being nominated one of Africa's Sexiests men?

David: Oh My God! Thats the one thing that has moved me recently. When i saw it on the internet, i was touched and i told myself "if i can do it, then any body can" and i realised, it is all about your passion, your devotion, and how badly you want something. I also noted, it is not all about the looks, but it's more what you've done, how you carry yourself, your attitude, culture and stuff like that... More to this, the question that has been on my mind is what you do with a title like this, it is not all about becoming the sexiest man, but use it as a tool to educate people as you go around. i want to thank Jamati for voting me as one of the sexiest men, and i promise to use it as a tool to educate youth in Cameroon, Africa and the world.

VS: you mentioned Cameroon is still very virgin in this field, and after your visit, i can see alot of young people interested in walking your path, what can you tell them to keep them walking?

David: I will tell tell every young person who wants to walk my path the experience i had, and basically i will say, being black you have alot more to do. You have to work twice as hard as everyone else, because there is a lot of rejection in this industry. When you get that kind of rejection, it does not mean you don't have what it takes, you should be able to dust yourself and move on.

Thank you David for honouring my invitation, and we wish you only the cream of the best as you glide on to ecstacy...

Need i tell you any more? doesn't he say it all? vision? passion? purpose? direction? focus?...

DC's Top 50 Talents

Talking about talent, i urge you all to look out for these Cameroonian talents, do our best to support them, encourage them and work our way that direction in the following year! Thumbs up guys!

In a previous article i spoke to you about KiRette Couture, these girls are only starting, yet they are already giving. They supported one of their Bamenda sisters living with HIV (Florence Akwachere - who was happy to meet all those present, and in her address she said "when you have faith, everything is possible" she is happy and living healthy)and to them KiRette is all about giving. What do you recon they will be doing by the time they are in their 5th Year...

There are others on this list who have the courage to stand the scrutinising eyes of the public by taking part in reality TV shows, yet we wonder if there is talent in Cameroon? watchout!

There are others who dare to take their hubbies to another level, i am talking here about people like Wax who have a face in show biz as well as the corperate world, yet are able to stay way above water in both worlds and are willing to hold the hands of those who are interesting in a swim, I am talking about emerging stars like G Baye who are walking Wax's path.

There are Cameroonians toping international competions like Africa's sexiest man - David Nso, who has been thrilling Nigeria and Cameroon from the moment he landed from New York recently! Nollywood is trailing him as he walks the corridors of Hollywood. Cameroon has your back man!

The list goes on and on... do look up dulcecamer and let me know what you think...