Some 23 young artistes held the Douala public spellbound over the weekend.

The rhythms of classical music, enchanting and powerful enough to transform souls once performed by popular Cameroonian singers were recently brought to the public in Douala. Young people of between 26 and 55 years of age with passion for this musical genre refreshed the minds of a leisure-hungry population in the showroom of Tractafric Motors in Akwa, on June 8.

To adult spectators, the annual show or recital, recalled the good old days of the classical music artiste, Jacques Greg Belobo. Some of the talented young singers hailed his songs for their classical inspiration, having now abandoned their abhorrence for the conventional style.

They sang with trained voices and their performance was a characteristic thrilling satisfaction that left spectators gazing ceaselessly. In addition, ‘Ensemble Vocal Cantemus,’ a local group of about 30 choristers with a strongly varied musical genre: classical, popular, sacred or gospel, spiced the show with rare amusements.

Recital is organized by Cantemus du Diapason that detected the 23 talented young artistes and singers, including Elisabeth Ngo Moussous, Christian Abegan, Papageno Kollo, Nathalie Makon, Monique Etoga, and Marguerite Pany. “Through Recital, we want to promote classical music among Cameroonians,” said Marta Wilqosz, Organising Director of Cantemus.

The idea is based on the fact that practising music develops concentration in children and adolescents and helps foster their performance in school. It is also a ready employment opportunity for the students after graduation. Through music, young people may keep away from drug abuse, alcohol and idleness. The purpose is to provide participants with the divine and esthetic value of classical music while presenting them as role models. It is hoped that they will grow into mature artistes.