A Conversation with Reputable Writer Nkemngong Nkengasong John, Cameroon

Nkemngong Nkengasong John interview

Florence Mbi Nchia is a Ph.D. student of African Literature from the University of Buea, in the South West Region of Cameroon. She is currently working on her thesis entitled “Postcolonial Narratives and the Discourse of Power in the Works of Helon Habila, Nkemngong Nkengasong John, and Yvonne Adhiambu Owuor.” The researcher seeks to investigate the role of historical contexts in literary artefacts as inspired by Catherine Gallagher and Stephen Greenbalt’s assertion in Practicing New Historicism who emphasize that New Historicism is not aimed at demoting art and discrediting aesthetic pleasure, rather it is concerned with finding the creative power that shapes literary works outside those narrow boundaries in which it had hitherto been located, as well as within those boundaries. The researcher feels privileged having this conversation with the Cameroonian writer of high repute, Nkemngong Nkengasong John.

Florence Mbi Nchia: It is an honor to speak with you Professor Nkengasong. I am an avid reader and while I have read many African novels, I am quite contented working on two of your works: Across the Mongolo and The Widow’s Might. The Widow’s Might resonates with the common abuse of widows in our society when they lose their husbands and creating an awareness on such malpractices is what I find invigorating in your novel.

In the Across the Mongolo, it personally comes across as a premonition that depicts vividly the present crisis of injustice, discrimination and marginalization that has led to a lot of unrest in the North and South West Regions of the country. The use of satire, wit, and historical narrative makes the book a great read. Do the 18 Hills of Attah in your first novel in any way match the number of hills in Lewoh Fondom in real life?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: I consider that my work is the product of the creative imagination and I cannot in any way attempt to match it with reality. Critics often vary in their interpretations. While one critic/researcher may think the 18 hills represent the hills in one location, for another the hills may represent something else. Under such circumstances the writer may mislead the critic/researcher if he takes a definite stand. The critic/ researcher may have to do extra work to get information from other sources, information that should match with hers/his own perspectives in the critique of the fictional works.

Florence Mbi Nchia: Cultural values are embedded in the novel. With the great diversity in cultural norms from one region to the other do you call your Fon by name, or you use titles and attributes? I am not really clear if “Atemangwat” is a name or a title for the Fon. Does it have a meaning, if so can you please elicit the intended meaning?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: It is possible in my tribe to call the “Fon” by name but it must be proceeded by a title of attribute in this case the title could be “Fon” or “Atemangwat”. The title “Fon” is usually used in the grass field tribes including those in the Nweh tribe to signify “Chief”. In the Nweh tribe specifically, “Atemangwat” is the title generally attributed to paramount rulers. Literally considered, it refers to “the only one who shoots and slaughters” (especially in the case of leopards and lions).

Florence Mbi Nchia: You are prominently known as Cameroonian poet, novelist, satirist, critic, and playwright, nonetheless, most of the blurbs of your literary works do not carry any information about the primary and high schools you attended. Can you tell us more Prof., about your elementary education?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: I did my primary school in Catholic Mission School, Fotabong and Government School, Mamfe. My secondary school was Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, Fontem and high school, Government High School, Mamfe.

Florence Mbi Nchia: Most literary scholars have made links between your personality and your works especially your craving for truth and justice in society. What is your take on that Prof.?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: Critics and literary scholars have a right to their opinions. How they view my works and my personality is entirely their responsibility and I will most humbly wish not to comment on that. However, Truth is the fundamental principle for living in a peaceful society, for attaining harmony which is badly needed in the world today, for achieving unattenuated progress in the world. Unfortunately however, the world no more listens to the voice of Truth; it no more reveres Truth the foundation upon which a harmonious society should be built. One of the major causes of pain in the world is the illusory nature of our policies, practices, conceptions and ideologies. Therefore, a writer, if he/she has any real value for his/her works must seek to debunk the illusory world which we have created as a result of our bitter souls.

Florence Mbi Nchia: I happen to be a past student of Our Lady of Lourdes College Mankon, Bamenda (1985-1990), and my moral values and perspective in life was very much shaped by this prestigious mission boarding school. It developed the interest of reading and literacy at a very young age for me. Could this also be your experience in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, Fontem?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: I possibly share the same experience with you, maybe because both institutions begin with “Our Lady…” Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College which is my alma mater provided and still provides a solid moral foundation for its students. Being a boarding Mission School many values were shared and incorporated especially those which enforced a harmonious existence, the fear and the respect of God and knowledge as the bedrock of socio-political and economic development and advancement of humanity. I think the school greatly shaped my life and vision of the world today.

Florence Mbi Nchia: Formalists advocate the intrinsic reading of literary texts, which in my reckoning does not help in the interpretation of literary artifacts. Do you feel same Prof?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: I don’t think I have the competence to propose a critical model for discussing my creative works. As stated earlier, the best way to lead critics and researchers astray is to yield to their quest to interpret your own works or suggest a method of interpretation for them. It is the critic’s/researcher’s role to analyze, interpret and evaluate a work of Literature. His/her perspectives in discourses related to the works will depend on the critic’s metaphysical valued judgement. Besides, the plethora of contemporary literary theories creates one of the most complicated yet enjoyable terrains for current academic discourses. It is the place of the critic/researcher to decide the form of critical inquiry that best suits hers/his perspectives.

Florence Mbi Nchia: In my reading of The Widow’s Might, I observed the author neither places Akwenoh on the modernist nor traditional side. I felt good when she refused seating on the bare floor after losing her husband, but saddened when she finally succumbed to the degrading widow’s rite. Did the author have a reason for this?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: The author may not have a reason for creating such a situation but the critic may find one based on the linguistic evidence from the text. Again, I plead to leave the interpretation of my works to the critics and scholars.

Florence Mbi Nchia: I am just getting to knowing you closely Prof., and I am full of appreciation for your unique writing style. Besides the wonderful and inspiring writer that you are, can you state some of the duty posts or appointments you have had as a teacher and university lecturer?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: Many thanks for the compliments which I think make the writer know that his sleepless nights have not been in vain. As concerns duty posts or appointments, unfortunately, I have not been so much favoured. I have NEVER asked or lobbied for one. And I am not complaining. My most exacting task is that of a writer which to me is a divine appointment and to which I am committed both self and soul to make the world a better place in my own little way.

Florence Mbi Nchia: What about your family status Prof.? Hope I am not asking too much?

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: I am married with several children.

Florence Mbi Nchia: Thanks so much for taking the time to open up about yourself and your literary works. I am very grateful Prof., for the inspiring conversation. It is the first of its kind that I am having. I feel privileged conversing with you as it has given me an insight to understanding the mind of the writer of so many literary texts that I have read.

Nkemngong Nkengasong John: It was great pleasure sharing my thoughts with you. I wish you good luck with your venture.

Reference
Nkengasong, N. (2019, March 10. Interview by F.M. Nchia [in-person]

Florence Mbi Nchia
Department of English
Higher Teachers Training College.
The University of Bamenda- Cameroon

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