Greetings noble viewers
and welcome
to this edition of
Enlightening Entertainment.
Today, we set off on
an expedition to Cameroon
to enjoy the electrifying
rhythms of a popular
traditional dance
called Mankon Mask Dance.
We'll also discover
the enchanting
musical instrument
called the mvet.
The Mankon Mask dance
has long been
an indispensable
component of the culture
of the North-West Region
of Cameroon.
As a cherished feature
of the Mankon culture,
the dance
symbolizes unity,
expresses respect
for culture, and
brings joy to people.
The dancers
wear traditional attire
particularly designed
for the dance.
They also put on masks
portraying the faces
of animals to express
the Oneness of creation
and to show that humans
and animals should live
in peace and harmony.
The masks concealing
the identity
of the dancers also add
to spectators' excitement
about who the dancers
might be.
The instruments used
in the Ngombo
Mankon mask dance
include xylophone,
rattles, local trumpet,
and tunephone, which is
locally known as 『gong.』
One very peculiar aspect
about the Ngombo
Mankon mask dance
is that it can be
performed as a tribute to
a very important person;
in some cases, God.
African philosophy
firmly believes
that there must be
a Supreme Being
who is the Master of
the universe and
who can be viewed as
the pioneering force
of all creation.
This great being
is believed to be God.
In Cameroonian tradition,
God is often glorified
through an exhibition
of traditional dances
and songs.
Now, let's enjoy
a Ngombo
Mankon mask dance
performance, which
accompanies the song
titled, 『God is the Master
of the Universe.』
