04/23/2026
MINLA’A MI ZIBI: AN EVENING IN THE VILLAGE, A GATHERING THAT HONORS ROOTS
April 18, 2026 will remain a memorable date for the inhabitants of Minla’a Mi Zibi, a locality in the Ngoulemekong subdivision, Mvila division, South Region of Cameroon. True to its mission of cultural grounding and close engagement with communities, The Belinga Foundation rolled out a new edition of its flagship initiative, “ Evening in the village.”
A well-coordinated field deployment
From 6:30 p.m., the foundation’s technical team settled in at the village chiefdom. Equipment installation and logistical setup were carried out to provide local populations with a cultural experience that was both authentic and unifying. This consistency in action reflects the foundation’s determination to embed its projects over time, in close connection with local realities.
Stories, flavors, and dances, culture shared
The evening opened with an immersion into the richness of the land. Culinary art served as the primary gateway, showcasing local know-how. Then came storytelling, the art of the spoken word, a channel through which traditions circulate, offering younger generations frameworks to understand an ancestry rich in lessons. Dances followed, setting the rhythm of the night and highlighting the vitality of a heritage that remains very much alive.
As the hours passed, Minla’a Mi Zibi became a crossroads of exchange, where memory, transmission, and conviviality converged.
A communion between foundation and community
The highlight of the evening was the meal offered by the villagers, a powerful gesture of hospitality and appreciation. The celebration came to a close around 11:00 p.m., in a warm and joyful atmosphere.
It is worth noting that His Majesty OMBWA Jean Calvin, village chief, expressed deep satisfaction with the initiative, which promotes local cultures while strengthening social bonds. In a symbolic gesture, he personally accompanied the foundation’s staff as they departed.
A dynamic rooted in continuity
Through “Evening in the village” The Belinga Foundation reaffirms its role as a committed actor in cultural promotion and social development. Each field visit is an opportunity to consistently document these moments of life and shared experience.
Between commitment, culture, and proximity, the April 18, 2026 visit to Minla’a Mi Zibi illustrates a strong conviction: development also depends on the valorization of our local identities.
It should be noted that these cultural gatherings also serve as preparation for the major annual festival, Bia So Mengong, whose 2026 edition is scheduled for July 11 and will focus on the theme “Back to the Roots.”
Preston Kambou