“I Am Treated Like an Amba Man”: Jovi Breaks the Silence on Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis
In a country where speaking truth to power risks everything, Cameroon’s rap star Jovi has done what football legends and fighting champions won’t—he speaks about the bloody conflict dividing the nation.
Jovi revealed his reality during a raw Facebook Live session. He faces discrimination as an “Amba Man” in Yaoundé, the capital city. “I stand for Peace because I am treated like an Amba Man,” he declared, exposing what many displaced Anglophone Cameroonians experience in French-speaking regions.
Samuel Eto’o and Francis Ngannou – celebrities with massive platforms – remain silent. Meanwhile, Jovi voiced what millions fear to say.
The risks are enormous. President Paul Biya’s government forbids such discussions and Officials threaten punishment for anyone who violates. Previous artistic “peace initiatives” accomplished little beyond PR exercises. The government now uses anti-terror laws against critics.
The Anglophone conflict has killed over 6,000 people since 2016. It has displaced dozens of citizens. Both sides commit atrocities as English-speaking regions fight against decades of Francophone marginalization.
The conflict stems from deep colonial wounds. After independence, English-speaking regions joined with the larger French-speaking territory to form modern Cameroon. Promises of equal representation gradually eroded, leaving Anglophone citizens feeling like second-class members of their own country.
When peaceful protests began in 2016, the government responded with force. This escalated the situation into armed conflict. Schools closed, villages emptied, and violence became routine in once-peaceful communities.
By speaking about his experiences, Jovi bridges the artificial divide between “ordinary citizens” and “celebrities.” He shows how discrimination affects everyone, regardless of fame or fortune. His courage reminds us that artists often become the voice of the voiceless when institutional channels fail.
As Cameroon struggles with this devastating conflict, Jovi’s willingness to engage with reality offers a glimmer of hope. Perhaps his example will inspire others to break their silence and push for meaningful dialogue toward lasting peace.
Jovi, a prominent Cameroonian rapper and producer, released his fourth studio album, God Don Kam, on February 16, 2019. This 14-track album showcases his signature “Mboko” style—a blend of traditional Cameroonian sounds with contemporary hip-hop elements—delivered in a mix of English, French, and Pidgin languages. ?
Among the tracks, “No Peace” stands out for its poignant commentary on the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. This song delves into the complexities and challenges faced by the Anglophone community, reflecting Jovi’s engagement with pressing socio-political issues. ?Africa Is a Country
God Don Kam is available for streaming and purchase on platforms such as Bandcamp, Apple Music, and TIDAL. ?Tidal
For a visual experience, the album is also accessible on YouTube. ?
Through God Don Kam, Jovi continues to solidify his role as a significant voice in Cameroonian music, addressing critical issues and pushing the boundaries of the genre.
