"SINCE ALL MAN WAN": WHEN SOCIAL MEDIA BECOMES A BATTLE GROUND....

Hello people. Happy Tuesday!! Hope your day started on a positive note. I am trying hard to stay positive..

A lot has happened in the last few days. Births and multiple deaths. I stay away from the news sometimes on purpose. News just seems to be usually very serious and negative . I was disconnected and incommunicado for almost 48 hours then I got back online on Sunday and Facebook [and twitter] seemed like a battle ground. #Wandaful

This is what Social Media has become…Since All Man Wan Write. #DiarisTheInternet #DiaAreSmartPhones

YM's MT & R: #MAKEITHAPPEN.. SOCIETY PLEASE CUT WOMEN SOME SLACK....

Hello people..Hope everyone is doing great in their various parts of the world.It's International Women's day and this year's theme is #MakeITHappen. 

Women are a force to reckon with and are making happen around the world but there seems to be a continuous reminder (for lack of a better word) of what a women should or should not be doing. 

Society, please cut women some slack! I think regardless of what women do people will still talk..Everywhere you turn are numerous articles and discussions about "What a woman should do" A woman should x, y or z short of solving a quadratic equation with various variables..

SINCE ALL MAN WAN: SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE + TIDBITS OF "MILLENNIALSPEAK"

Hello people..New Month, New Post..

"Since All Man Wan"..This post is about social media etiquette & the tidbits of "Millennial Speak".It is based on my observation on different social media sites.

Inspired by Muke Alison's post below..Muke is one of my fav fashion bloggers who blogs at Alison's Lets Talk Fashion....

Post by Muke Metuge Alison.

 Multiple Hello Hi Messages,Facebook Calls & The Art of  having a Conversation

This is annoying...As you can see from Muke's status above!!"Hello, Hi, Hello, Hi..How are you? Hello"...The conversation (sometimes one sided) can go on for a while. Get the message. The person doesn't want to chat with you. Please let him or her be! 

YM's MT & R: "SO YOU WANT TO MOVE BACK"?

Hello people..I haven't had a YM's MT & R post in a while..So there is my musing, rant & thought for this week..What will it take to start a "Moving Back" to Camer movement? So you want to Move Back

First off..Can I say we should try to promote some good about pays?? Camers are very good at criticizing anything about Cameroon..Case in point..I am not going home in December because of Ebola..Cameroon was never on the "Ebola Map" to begin with.

Inspired by this article on Bella Naija with a recap and pictures of the recent.  "Moving Back To Nigeria Annual Networking Night"

As someone who has lived full circle, I can very much appreciate why people are "scared" of moving back but also know that some of  those who are up to the challenge  & ready to deal with the limitations are smiling to the bank.

So you want move back to Cameroon (or Africa)??


Understand the local market
Anything thing needs planning and research. Follow news especially business news to understand the local market and how/where/when your skills and investments will fit in. Things are happening in the different sectors in Cameroon...Be it Agriculture, Real Estate, changing policies, Finance, Mining, Oil & Gas etc..Follow the news. It will be great to read something like "A group of Germany based Cameroonians have received a license to open a factory in Limbe"...Anyhow..Just TOL (Thinking out Loud). If you want to get a job in Nigeria..Follow Naija news..Stalk all the job boards with Jobs in Nigeria..You get the drift!! Check out Business In Cameroon

Calibrate Your  Expectations. 
So the internet is not as fast as you would like it to be..Kini big deal?? lol. And oh reminder, there is no "Yelp" or GPS to locate your best "Chinese" restaurant..Go ask your friend oh. haha. Those are some of the challenges one has to adapt to. The lack of readily available information and reliable logistics system are some of the limitations which I chose to see as opportunities. The good news? The internet is bridging the information gap. More and more businesses have an online presence and "word" of mouth is easier via platforms, blogs etc. Word to the wise: "Be ready to adapt & calibrate your expectations" 

Appreciate Your Exposure
A friend of mine who is based in Camer keeps repeating it. We take our exposure for granted. There are many people who do not know better. So sometimes just give people the benefit of the doubt and educate/inform. 


Networking & building stronger diaspora communities
Network, Network and Network again. Being away from home means you lost touch with your friends and family..."If you want set up for pays...Start go back often ya"..I can't say that enough!You have to be there to "reconnect". I am happy to see more and more networking events in Cameroon. E.g. "Ladies After Work", "Soirees Leadership". 

Building effective and stronger diaspora communities can only help to bridge the gap  between the Diaspora & home based professionals. I find that a lot of our organizations abroad are too focused on what can be done in Cameroon and forget about what can be done to improve the community as a whole in the countries where they live. I think stronger  diaspora communities have a better and more effective impact in their countries. More events need to be organized with participation of people both at home and abroad. 

I was involved in organizing a bloggers networking event in December with the goal of promoting effective collaboration between bloggers and entrepreneurs. The team of organizers was made up of bloggers and entrepreneurs at home and  abroad. It was a great but challenging experience as I got to see and experience first hand some of the challenges which returnees face all the time.  Check out more on us and our activities here

Creating And/or applying "Local Content Laws"
I don't know much about laws and policies in Cameroon..So someone tell me if I am wrong. Is there a "Local Content Law"?? Having lived and worked in Nigeria, I can say that "Building Local Content" is a must for any country who wants to attract and encourage local businesses. Having Local content laws "forces" knowledge and technology transfer, ensures partnerships between international and local companies, promotes the use of local talent and expertise.... just to name a few...Get an insight on Local content here. Another article in the image below. " Oil & Gas Affirmation Action: Making Local Content Everyone's Responsibility" 

Spread good cheers by sharing Success stories.
Can we start trending more good stories?? There are many people at home who never left and are making it.I have to share this one. Please check out Spectra Beauty. I loved my experience there and I was even more impressed when I heard it was started by someone with a very humble beginnings and now is on his way to building an empire. Thumbs up to Valery & his team...

Then...There are those who moved back and navigated their way through the challenges. Check out an article of  "The Returnees" on the "De Braun's Hill"..A series highlighting returnees!!

Check out this video from France 24



To wrap up... Moving back is not as bad  but not a piece of cake either..To be good at what you do regardless whether you are a bushfaller, returnee, home and never left etc. You have to put in the time and work to make things work. Keep an open mind and be ready to adapt!!  Hope the post helps to kick start the "Moving Back Movement" on my blog. Stayed tuned for more updates.

What do you think can be done to encourage people to move back home? If you could change just one thing, what will it be? The one thing that will make you back your bags and head back to the darling continent!!

Y.M
IRepCamer

"SINCE ALL MAN WAN WRITE": CHATTING AN ANGLOPHONE NGA

Hello people..."Since As All Man Write" is a classic statement. If you didn't read William Takor's article about the Controversy surrounding Njama Njama Cow release..Please read it here..

..We all have opinions about popular and controversial topics..So "Since All Man Wan Write"..Have your say!

If you haven't been following the Series "Chatting An Anglophone Nga" by VOC,   you need it check out..It just gives the  classic picture of the dating game...Boy Meets girl, girl is forming, Endless advice from girlfriends, Boy gets what he wanted from the start then starts forming..etc. 

Any topic related to relationships always get a lot of attention because that is one topic with many different angles and opinions. I am no expert on relationship..(Guilty has charged on some of the following points)..but menn. 

Case in point  recent posts related to "The Law of F** Yes or No" & Can Men & Women Just Be Friends??

The Merits Or Demerits of Technology
"Chatting An Anglophone Nga" aka the dating game seems to be getting more challenging. It is hard enough that we live in an ever busy world with lots of gadgets and apps but communication seems to be getting worst.There is more noise than actual Communication.Facebook, Whatsapp, Viiber, LinkedIn, Pinterest,snapchat, etc..

If you want to get the A1 on someone and their interests,opinions etc whom you are really interested in I  think it is easier than ever but hmm..Not sure if people make use of their "research tools"..hmm just saying. I am talker but with all this technology I was forced to become a chatter/texter..And even when you tell someone you are talker..Nada changes..I tire!

Fear of Letting Your Guard Down
People to be scared of letting their guard down at the beginning..i.e. the chase or getting to know each other? .We are all "forming" (naija slang for pretending or being overly cautious"). Guilty as charged. It is the "A girl/boy broke my heart so I really don't know about you" trend. Classic comments "I think it comes with fear, apprehension and of course personality. There are some people with a multitude of degrees in risk-taking, and some that shy away from the unknown - man must protect ee heart. For some people na just childishness aha! ...thinking that being chased and stringjng people along will prove that the guy/gal really get ya time - well be being there mmmsshhheww!! until the boat sails and you are drowning in your own tears. Me I am all for taking the risks oh...it's a fucking yes or no, no in between. I like the read...even the usage of fucking fuck...


 "I say Talk is cheap. All thing wey I di read no be the same things wey I don notice in the past (after "Clint Eastwood" has been through town and emptied his loaded gun; firing on every cylinder like a Mexican Bandolero) 
Instead I don witness na Reclusiveness, sad/men-bashing status updates, weight gain, transferred aggression onto the potential "next" who has done nothing wrong, Toni Braxton on the playlist and renewed utter LOVE for this R. Kelly song"

What happened to just being honest? 

Is it a "Hell Yeah or No" ? 
Is it a hell yeah or no? Granted we are getting to know each other but can we just agree we are that point and take the time to know each other rather than be in this grey are? Sometimes one party (the lady) feels frustrated because the other person is not saying anything and doesn't want to start the convo for fear of "over functioning". Ladies you know what I mean..when you are going at 1000 km/hr and dude is at 10 km/hr. I think the older you get the decision making process has to be quick..It is either a hell yeah or no!! 

Dressing Up Men
This meme by Dr. Farrah Gray (who's posts are always on point) says "Ladies make sure you find a WISE man. Don't worry if he ain't cute. You can dress up something that is ugly but you can't cover up a fool #Amen" OK but is it too much to have both?? Just saying.. Classic comment "Women always looking for a man to dress up. Wuna think say we be doll baby? Smh" hahaha for real. 

"I Love You" Is Overrated
This pic best explains it..Actions speak louder than words!

"I can make any woman look fine physically if she has trust in me.True happiness comes from within n its not the physical.Beauty is substance"

On Marriage
This post on "Find Palava Woman" "On Marriage" is on point. 

On Relationship Advice Targeting Men
Please can someone write advice or a book targeting men? It is always a woman should..A woman should Catch a man and keep him, how a woman should be a submissive woman, How a woman should x y and z...A book on how to turn a man into a better man or boy into a man will be nice..Just saying.."Why Men Don't Read Self Help"

" Oh who side all the better guys dem day?  Correct chap dem don no day again?" etc I think we should just go back to classic Hook up. Shirri's Cousin Makah thinks she will get along well with Ngum's cousin Ngwa..The HK(s) aka hookuper(s) have the interest of both parties at heart and I think the chances of success are higher..Just saying

What do you think? Classic HK or what? lol..Enjoy the VOC videos ..While you are at get some dancing going..."Sagat Sagat"..It shall be well.. Nothing spoil!!

Y.M.
IRepCamer

Post by VOC.

Post by VOC.

YM's MT & R: THE RISE OF YOUNG PEOPLE & CELEBRITIES IN POLITICS

Hello people..So I feel like ranting this Monday!! Is the wave of changing sweeping through Africa? (Any hope for Camer!). In the last few weeks we have witnessed the nothing short of the strong power of social engagement by the young people of Burkina Faso. Pan African Legend Thomas Sankara must be smiling from above. Basically they outed their president! Na wah oh. Being in Africa since "we no di get order" the military attempted to take over but things are back to "normal" since Burkinabe groups and leaders agreed on return to Civilian rule on Sunday. See Story here . "The 54-nation African Union on Monday gave the military a two-week deadline to return power to civilians or face punishment". Africans our wahala plenty"...

Let's move over to the "Giant of Africa" Nigeria. Is there a new trend?  The recent of  rise of young people and celebrities in politics is amazing. Apparently Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliott and even 9ice are running for office?? E day like money day for politics..Thinking caps on..lol

On a serious note though, my friend Uche Chuta...(Shout out to McGill Alums around the world!!) is running for Governor of Abia state.He has a very strong vision his state. Looking at Akwa Ibom's transformation in the last 7 or so years, there is hope that if Leaders and the people they lead do what they are suppose to do, things can and will change . Check out details for "UnCommon Transformation" here

 He has been seriously campaigning and soliciting for donations for his campaign. I strongly believe that having your Campaign funded increases your chances of really wanting to effect change. Basically you owe the people. So does one needs have a Godfather to run for office? How do campaigns get funded sef? Smh. Africanssss (in American accent)...Hopefully the big guns will fund his campaign..Or else if na me I go just jejely commot the party...and go to one that will gladly do so :(  What does this Camer chic know about politics talkess of naija politics :) ..Well, I lived in Naija for 5 years if that counts..lol. 

Young people in Naija politics http://campaign.ng/latest-aspirants
Honestly I am impressed that in 2014 there are this many young people running for office in Nigeria..

In  other news, spouses are taking over...Case in point Zimbabwe..

Hope this trend continues to spread oh. .#Uche4Governor2015. I had to claim relationship. Person no know way e no luck go end..lol!

 Young people need to start of how to take over politics in Camer. What will it take for young people to get involved in politics?

Y.M.
IRepCamer

YM's MT & R: What Other Artists Can Learn From Starboy STANLEY!

Hello people..Hope there is a lot of hope in the new month. Kicking off the month with a post on an artist who has become a household name in Camer..This post was inspired by a Facebook discussion on a MboaMovies article I shared about the supposed "Two Kings of Kamer Rap". The discussion was passionate to say the least but revealed a lot about our up and coming urban music industry.

Stanley Enow did not become a sensation in a relatively short time by chance!I guess this is partly due to do with the fact that he has a degree in Communications and knows "how to work it"

This is what other artists can learn from him..

He is STRATEGIC...i.e. he has a TEAM. Building a brand requires teamwork. Record Label, manager, PR, dealbroker etc etc. I think he listens to input about various aspects from the different experts in his team.

He COMMUNICATES well on and off line on various media. . A good example is after the "Bamenda incident"..I saw interviews, posts. Pictures and videos of his MTN IFest December performance were all over on social media Bottom line:He keeps his fans updated.

He knows about BRAND EXTENSION and leverages on it as seen in his clothing line. OK I need to get my "Hein Pere" tshirt. Pop culture is pop culture. And clothing is a big part of it. He understood this well!

He THINKS BIG...Beyond Camer. Stanley doesn't just focus on being known locally..His tentacles have extended far and about beyond Camer.

He understands BRAND LEVERAGING by associating himself with top brands like MTN..

He understands the POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA: He is on twitter, FB, google+. He had a google plus hang out right? Go figure. The guy is working the social media!

He actually bothered to get himself  PR..Yes he did. Modemaison PR!

He understands IMAGE & QUALITY. This is evident in his videos, pictures....

He DELIVERS...People actually like Stanley because he delivers. He is a very good performer.

I think he needs public speaking and media coaching to complete the "tight package".

Great lessons learnt for moi  from the whole "building the Stanley Enow brand"..

There you have it...Watch and learn. There is no harm in "copying the good".

Have a nice week.

Y.M.
IRepCamer

YM's MT & R: "BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL"

Introducing MT & R (Musings, Thoughts &Rants) features. The goal of these posts are  tohighlight hot topics,raise awareness on  issues and sometimes just my thoughts and rants on places,faces, spaces, trends, technology etc...In the spirit of...

Recently the trending Hot Topic seems to be what I choose to call the case of "Black or Fair" (after Penjo's titled documentary film on Skin Colour) #BlackisBeautiful#

After watching this documentary film and reading a recent article on Emmy Collins' blog, I was curious about how much sensitization there is against bleaching!Then I came across an Ad on Bella Naija and shared the link on Facebook. 


Research 101..lol
In as much as I am NOT a fan of bleaching but I admire the lady's hustle (from business prowess stand point) (Click here for Feature)!I was "shot" for saying that. As sad and cliche as it sounds there is a market for these products because people buy them. This sparked up an insightful debate..The best way to spur discussion is through controversy (as per moi, i like palava..lol)..and I got more than expected because it was a hot debate..See FB post and Comments Here. A big Thank you to everyone who contributed in this discussion!

The discussion revealed very divergent opinions and brought up some very interesting points which I will try my best to summarize

Morality? Right vs. Wrong
There seemed to be 2 or more camps. One one hand i was shot for "admiring" a hustle of someone who sold such products and saying "people need it". "Skin Bleaching is  just wrong" and should not be supported. On the other, to everyone their own. It is part of the aesthetic look.."Why is bleaching a lesser evil than putting hair extensions"..lol. The debate start hot..

Aesthetics & Beauty Enhancement
Like I said it become hot..
" Wow - are we really comparing the effects of using unprescribed hydroquinone and other corticosteriods on the skin" to weaves. "Wow..wearing wigs and using chemicals are now the same?"...On the other hand..Smokers know smoking kills and hair relaxers cause damage but people still use them.  

"which one is the lesser evil - skin bleaching, nail extensions, hair extensions, hair 
relaxing, make up etc etc - these are beauty enhancers and in one way or the other have 
adverse reactions to the natural and to the body - why all man di over condemn bleaching
while they sit there w monstrous wigs is my big question. all of these is our own way of
covering what we think is not perfect and enhancing what we want to be seen as beautiful
or perfect. i think the skin bleaching drama is overrated coz in as much as there are many
more thinks equally linked i believe there are many more thgs we need to focus on for a better world that be quick to be judgmental.."
It got very interesting to say the least! In the quest to look good everything is possible.

On the Religious angle..
"For the record I think bleaching is a sin, to tamper with God's perfect innovation aka melanin and willfully endanger yourself and bring stress to loved ones..." gbam.

"By the way, who is talking about judging. hmm. If you don't judge someone for bleaching their skin, you will judge them for relaxing their hair, wearing make up or something. The bible says we shouldn't judge but humans are very judgmental people. Everyone judges. That's the truth"

The Perception of Light skin in our society 
There seems to be a perception that light skin is "better". To me that is a whole lot of BS. In some African tribes, Light skinned women get high bride price..When I listened to the fair lady in the "Black or Fair" documentary talk about the "Advantages" of having light skin. I was like seriously? Sorry to say but I thought someone saying that a lady got a job because they were fairer than another person is just plain shallow..and a host of others!! I don't know if the media helps this case. We need more #blackenicious models in ads and on TV!

Isn't she amazing? 

Why do People Bleach?
So I asked why do people bleach? To summarize: self esteem issues, mentality of superiority resulting from slavery, the quest to conform and enhance beauty, the perception of "fair" being better...

 "Marj is right about self esteem but where did that come from. Think lighter skinned slaves in America enjoying privileges by working in the 'big house.' so light became 'superior.' Till today, lighter skinned people are still afforded such opps in America and the Caribbean. In fact some families even treat fairer kids better! so weti be we excuse for Africa? a colonial experience and an encounter with people who saw a market to milk. think of how black and white have been portrayed in the media for a long time and the pieces of the puzzle begin to assemble. so is it any wonder that some people fall for the 'light is alright' message? take away the artificial superiority of lightness or should i say uplift genuine diversity and we'll solve this problem. people need to educate their children not to fall for these cons. oh! i must add ignorance too doesn't help. i'm sure many would think twice if they understood the threat of substances such mercury, hydroquinone and steroids, which are often in bleaching creams"

"The issue of this convo was not even about who bleaches and who doesnt and whether it is right or wrong. I believe the issue of this convo started from when comments about "admiring" the "hustle" of the Whitenicious creator were made. Now if we should to tackle the "root" of this matter as Ngums rightly said, how can we then encourage people to go ahead and create such "creams" because there is a "market" for it. It is better to take a stance and stick to it period. There is a market for Paedophilia and Child Pornography, I am sure we will not be "admiring" the "hustle" of those who engage in such activities for business gain or pleasure. Again to each their own"

"...Anyways, my comments are simply because i look at everything from a spiritual point of view. Forgetting about the actual root of this conversation which related to the "hustle" of selling creams, i think we should all focus on the reasons why people do things. Yes bleaching may be hurtful to the skin, but Yef asked a valid point, why do people bleach? I think I read somewhere that Micheal Jackson had a skin disease right? Unfortunately he was not confident enough that people would love him the way he was and knowing that image was most important in his line of work, he tried to turn white..."

More  insights on the "Different shades of Black"
http://aml2600-heleftyouforawhat.blogspot.com/2011/02/different-shade-of-black.html
http://blackstudies101ccny.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-beautiful-shades-of-black.html

A) Not all black people look alike (& anyone who still thinks that after viewing this photo is stupid)
  B) Black people come in all different shades & skin tones…

 Picture and quote from Cherry Ambition


The sensitization against bleaching agents has to involve everyone. Women cannot go around thinking that men prefer women with lighter skin. Men bleach too.Same deal.But as per one of my friends.."Women bleach for Women"...to outdo each other as usual. hahaha



Bleaching agents 101

Bleaching is BAD for the Skin. Period to the nth factorial!

The main ingredient of skin lightening products is hydroquinone. 

From WebMD 

Other skin lighteners use drugs such as steroids and retinoic acid, which comes from vitamin A, as active ingredients. And some skin lighteners use natural ingredients such as kojic acid -- a compound that comes from a fungus -- and arbutin, a compound found in various plants

Risks of Skin Lighteners
One of the most significant risks of using some skin lighteners is the potential exposure to mercury. One study found that nearly 1 out of every 4 skin lighteners made in Asia and sold in the U.S. contained mercury.

There are other potential risks of skin lighteners. Those risks can include the following:

• Prolonged use can contribute to premature aging of skin. 
• Long-term use may increase the risk of  from sun exposure. 
• Always use  sunscreen when using a skin lightener and going out in the sun.
• Steroids in some skin lighteners may increase risk for skin infections, skin thinning, acne, and poor wound healing
• Applying steroids to large areas of skin may put you at risk for health problems related to steroid being absorbed by the body. 
• Hydroquinone may cause unwanted and untreatable skin discoloration. 
• Various bleaching agents, including natural ingredients, can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.

http://www.skinwhiteningscience.com/top_skin_whitening_agents_top_20_hydroquinone.html

http://www.webmd.com/beauty/face/skin-lightening-products

The Black or Fair Documentary by Penjo Entertainment



I applaud Penjo Entertainment and love the concept of the video! I hope there is a follow up . There is a need to emphasize on self esteem and loving yourself as you are.A panel discussion will be great!


"Fifty Shades Of Black"on The Tiwa Savage & Banky W. show! 




 I will conclude with childhood memory which my mum reminds me about often. When my younger sister who looks like my dad and is very fair was born, He and many others were ecstatic. I felt so bad that I asked my mum whom I look like..And she said "you look like me"..and told me how beautiful I was...I was just 5 years old. Grateful to my mum for what was probably one of  my first lessons in "Self Esteem" . These messages need to be reinforced to children on a constant basis. I have a lot of respect for parents raising kids these days in a more sophisticated world especially in the west.


Love Yourself. Black is Beautiful. #Blackenicious and proud. To Everyone their own!

Pictures courtesy of Facebookers (don't just love FB..lol)

On that note it's a wrap.  Have your say....

Have a nice weekend.

Y.M.
IRepCamer