TIPTOPSTARS

If you are living in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon and want to get a feel of talent, go to the University of Yaounde I on Saturday afternoons. Follow the direction to where some beautiful sound is coming. Before you know it, you are in the small room that harbours YUM, the famous Yaounde University Music Club. Then, it may become difficult to leave until the rehearsals are over. Why? The answer is simple! YUM is spectacular.

Created in 1970, YUM is the oldest club on the UNIYAO I campus after UNESCO. It is made up of young prospective musicians with the aim of promoting the Cameroonian culture in the university milieu. The 87 members who make up YUM today meet every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to train and sharpen their skills in singing and playing instruments. And, they do it so well, thanks to the ingenuity of young guitarists, pianists, percussionists and singers.

Apart from the annual University Games, YUM has performed at several events including the 2007 International Business Fair for Students and the 2008 National Festival of Arts and Culture (FENAC) in Maroua. The orchestra also performs at weddings and anniversaries.

But why can't YUM put an album in the market? "We would do that if we had adequate financial means," said a member of the band. Mouelle further told us some time ago that YUM receives little or no financial support from the university but would not forget the former Rector, Dorothy Njeuma's largesse who provided the orchestra with instruments. He however said YUM receives an annual subvention of 100,000FCFA from the Ministry of Higher Education which is grossly insufficient.

Fortunately, the lack of money has not distorted the beautiful sounds of their voices nor instruments. They still put up a wonderful show that makes YUM products, proud of now renowned musicians such as: Ateh Bazore, Donny Elwood, Majoie Ayi and the SG at the Cameroon Prime Minister's office, Jules Doret Ndongo.