KEFAH Queen Mothers in Aghem Clan uphold a Tradition of Nobility

November 23, 2016
DUNIA Contributor
Posted in Black Stories Lifestyle & Culture Our Women

(Image credit: Amah John Paul, Aghem Development Forum on Facebook)

WRITTEN BY MRS CELINE ABENG

Kefah is a traditional initiation institution centered around a spectacular cultural dance called UFUAH in the Aghem clan of the North West Region of Cameroon. It is a noble and highly respected institution for both men and women where one gains an esteemed traditional title after initiation.

Criteria

Child bearing/infertility: There is the aspect of procreation which is never given an oversight in the initiation process. The female candidate must have gone pass child bearing age. And the highest consideration is given to a woman who is barren and has never had children. This is the reason why most of the members are of the wisdom age. They are a high class of queen mothers in the clan of exemplary character and dignity.
Character/Morality: A candidate must have good conduct and moral rectitude.
A male candidate must have first gained the title of “Buachong” from the traditional initiation institution for the men.

Requirements

The candidate must undergo a grooming period. The initiation process entails a lot of expenditure on huge quantities of both foodstuff and products of animal husbandry. It is of course very light for a candidate who can be supported by relatives, friends and well-wishers. All the requirements can either be fulfilled immediately or rationed and supplied installmentally depending on the capability of the candidate.

Once initiated one is awarded the title of “NYIEYCHONG” and he/she joins the honourable chariot of “UFUAH”.

The Dance

Ufuah dance instruments are special and the melody is outstanding and very inspiring.

The Queen Mothers typically perform when one of them is called to eternity, when invited to grace both national and personal occasions, and when one of them is hosting a get-together.

Some high profile events in which UFUAH has thrilled audiences include the 50th anniversary of Cameroon Armed Forces in Bamenda in November 2010; the 60th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Yaounde, October 2014; in Garoua for the anniversary celebration of Waza National Park. An atmosphere of respect, honor and awe descends upon these occasions whenever it’s time for Kefah Queen Mothers to perform.