All Fako Mbando Festival

Seed the Stage: Sow Your Support for Our Cultural Heritage

Iya Agnes Ikala, FACSA Arizona's fearless leader

  • Fako America’s Clean Water Project

    In the face of this adversity, Fako America swiftly mobilized resources to combat the cholera outbreak that gripped the Fako region. This initiative, guided by a commitment to community well-being, has evolved into a multifaceted approach addressing critical needs with a focus on clean water access.

  • Fundraising Gala Supports Displaced Cameroonians in Ongoing Crisis

    The gala, a glittering affair, brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared purpose – extending a helping hand to those in dire need. The central focus of this year’s fundraising efforts was to alleviate the suffering of internally displaced persons in the Fako region of Cameroon, who have been uprooted from their homes due to the persistent unrest.

  • Youth Groups as Engines of Innovation

    Curious how this aligns with Fako America Youths’ mission and vision? Take a quick website tour to find out!

  • Preserving Cultural Landscapes: The Case of Mount Fako and the Bakweri People

    UNESCO considers cultural landscapes vital because they embody the harmonious interplay between nature and culture. They tell the stories of human civilization, reflecting the profound connection between communities and their environments. These landscapes are living, evolving testaments to the ingenuity and wisdom of our ancestors, as well as the unique relationships they have cultivated with the land. They represent traditions, rituals, and practices passed down through generations

  • FACSA Arizona: Gaining Recognition through Soccer Tournaments

    Fako Cultural and Social Association (FACSA) Arizona was founded in 2021 by a group of Bakweri elite resident in the state of Arizona.

    Within the first two years of its existence, FACSA membership grew from 5 to 22 members.

    FACSA’s membership continues to expand as more people of Bakweri origin move to Arizona and, as anyone who supports FACSA’s mission, regardless of their heritage is welcome to become a member.

    From Strangers to Family: Iya Catherine Manga Leads Fako America's Kind Hearts Through the 2023 Santa Orphanage Project

    In the coming days, discover the story behind the 2023 Santa Orphanage Project, led by Iya Catherine Manga. Join Fako America’s mission from strangers to family. Stay tuned for the upcoming interview for insights into this heartwarming initiative.

    In the meantime, please consider donating to the cause by clicking the button below.

    Welcome to Muea!

    Unveiling the Vibrant Stories of a Thursday Town

    The captivating story of Muea, a vibrant town in the heart of the Fako Region, unravels a treasured legend, tucked away within the very essence of its name. Known as “Moya,” a departure from the commonly heard but incorrect “Moonya,” the name of this lively community carries a narrative deeply embedded in the rich fabric of history and cultural connections.

     

    According to one account, the story begins with Nakanga Ngale, a fearless hunter hailing from Bomboko, whose expedition led him to the bountiful landscapes along the riverside. To prepare his triumphant game haul for the journey back to Bomboko, Nakanga set up a hut where he carefully processed the entrails of his prized catches.

     

    Enter Bakweri Lesson 101:

    “meya” in Mopkwe signifies entrails or animal intestines, and “liwondo” translates to hut. Liwondo La Meya, the hut for processing entrails, became a distinct landmark guiding fellow hunters to the game-rich “Jonji” riverside.

     

    The significance of Liwondo La Meya cannot be overstated. It served as a geolocation that directed other hunters to the abundant spot. Discovering Liwondo La Meya meant finding the renowned Njonji riverside, celebrated not only for its abundance of game but also as a central marketplace for offal, primarily animal intestines. The marketplace earned the name “Eluwa La Meya” (Eluwa Meya) in Bakweri, and the surrounding areas collectively became known as Muea.

     

    What’s in the Name?

    Here’s where the tale takes an intriguing turn with the possible convergence of German and Mopkwe influences. In German, the pronunciation of the letter “Y” takes the form of “ue” (the U umlaut). Now, let’s weave a linguistic enchantment: substitute the letter “Y” in the Mopkwe word “Meya” with the German U umlaut. The result? “Meuea.” Try pronouncing it, and you’ll sense the seamless transition from the initial “e” to a clear “Muea.” Voila! A linguistic fusion that beautifully blends the cultural richness and historical crossroads of Muea, a town whose name resonates with the stories of its spirited past. Phew!

    Bakweri Etymology

    Connecting the dots of Muea’s history, we find that the cultural significance of its name extends beyond the realms of riversides and marketplaces. In the Mopkwe language, Thursday, the fourth day of the week, is known as “Eluwa Muea.” It’s no coincidence that this distinctive day harmoniously aligns with the day set aside for the Muea Market day.

     

    As the town stirs to life every Thursday, so does the renowned Muea Market. A distinctive fusion of tradition and commerce, this market breathes vitality into the streets, echoing the rich heritage embedded in the town’s very name. Eluwa Muea, a day set apart, transforms into a vibrant stage where the community gathers, shares stories, and revels in its cultural roots.

     

    Anticipation for Part Two: “Beyond the Horizon

    Fear not, for this is not the conclusion; it’s merely a pause in Muea’s unfolding narrative. As we bid farewell to this chapter, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of part two—a continuation of the captivating stories that have shaped Muea. What tales await beyond the bustling market? What mysteries does Eluwa La Meya hold for those seeking to understand Muea’s essence?

     

    Join us in the upcoming installment as we delve deeper into the heart of Muea, where each day, each market, and each echo of Eluwa Muea adds another layer to the town’s enthralling story. Stay tuned for more tales from Muea, where history, tradition, and community intertwine in a dance that transcends time.

    While this narrative is rooted in research, the integration of oral history and linguistic projections introduces an element of subjectivity, rendering it open to debate and subject to diverse interpretations.

    The Project Brief Document.

    Join the FA Project Management Office as they share the wonders of utilizing the project brief document in an upcoming article. Stay tuned for insightful details on maximizing project efficiency and success.

    Mola Moka Effange navigates through the complexity

    Experience Authentic Amazing Unique Bakweri Tradition