‘Support Your Own’: A lesson from the “Three Kings” to Cameroonians

In recent years, Cameroon has witnessed the emergence of a cultural movement known as “Support Your Own,” advocating for increased consumption of homegrown content within the country’s entertainment industry. Spearheaded by renowned comedian Old Pancho, this movement seeks to encourage the Cameroonian population to embrace and support their local music, movies, and artistic talents.

The fundamental principle behind the movement is to create a strong sense of national pride by promoting and consuming more Cameroonian content. It aims to highlight the abundance of talent present within the country and urges citizens to prioritize their own artists and cultural products.

One of the primary motivations behind this movement is the apparent preference for foreign artists over local talent, especially in the music industry. CY Old Pancho, whose real name is Cyprian Egomang Tayong, a comedian and influencer, has been vocal about the unequal treatment between local and foreign artists. He claims that promoters have been more inclined to bring in and pay higher fees to foreign artists, notably Nigerian artists, while neglecting or undervaluing the talents of home-based artists.

This discrepancy has stirred controversy within the entertainment industry, sparking debates about fair representation, equal opportunities, and the need to support and uplift local talents.

However, amidst these discussions, the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA) has showcased a contrasting narrative of support and unity. Three prominent figures—Francis Ngannou from Cameroon, Israel Adesanya, and Kamaru Usman from Nigeria—often referred to as “The Three Kings” have exemplified a profound sense of unity and support for each other in their individual fights.

Their camaraderie and mutual support transcend national boundaries and reflect the true spirit of African solidarity. Recently, these athletes displayed a remarkable demonstration of unity by coming together to support Francis Ngannou during his high-profile boxing match against Tyson Fury. Their solidarity not only exemplifies mutual support but also serves as an inspiring example of how individuals from different backgrounds can unite for a common cause.

The unity displayed by these athletes, despite coming from different African nations, provides a powerful lesson in solidarity and support. It underscores the importance of rallying behind one another and celebrating each other’s successes, regardless of nationalities or origins. This example resonates not only in the sports world but offers a significant lesson for the entertainment industry as well. Nigeria and Cameroon share a dynamic relationship marked by historical ties and interconnected borders, fostering cultural and economic exchanges.

Nigerian celebrities and fans alike united in an overwhelming show of support for Francis Ngannou during his recent electrifying performance against Tyson Fury. The fight, which garnered worldwide attention, witnessed a remarkable display of unity from Nigerian stars like Davido, Psquare, Don Jazzy, Charles Okocha, Broda Shaggi, Tunde, Linda Ikeji, and numerous others. These influential figures took to their social media platforms, expressing unwavering support and admiration for Ngannou’s dedication, skill, and sportsmanship in the ring. Their enthusiastic posts, filled with messages of encouragement and admiration, amplified the Nigerian community’s pride in Ngannou’s remarkable achievements and served as a powerful testament to the sense of solidarity and support within the Nigerian entertainment industry for their fellow African athlete, transcending borders and celebrating excellence.

The “Support Your Own” movement in Cameroon advocates for a similar ethos, urging citizens to rally behind their local talents and promote a sense of cultural identity. By supporting and consuming more Cameroonian content, individuals have the opportunity to celebrate and elevate their cultural heritage while empowering local artists and creators.

In essence, the unity and support demonstrated by the Three Kings in the MMA world present a compelling model for African solidarity, inspiring Cameroonians and Nigerians to embrace and uplift their own talents, fostering a stronger sense of cultural pride and unity within the entertainment industry and beyond.