Leaving her village of Kamine on the morning of Saturday, August 31, 2024, little did Shey Stella imagine that she would return home as the champion of the Misaje Shaa Festival. As she made her way to Misaje town, the cool morning air carried the hopes and wishes of the day’s events. With the weight of her hopes and dreams on her shoulders as she carried a 20litres jug on her head, Stella joined 14 other women who had also qualified for the grand finale after a series of rigorous zonal competitions.
The Misaje Shaa Festival, now in its twelfth year, has become much more than a celebration of the traditional locally brewed drink called Shaa. Supported by the Unite for Health Foundation, a health institution dedicated to promoting maternal and child health, the festival was way bigger than previous years. For Stella and the other participants, the stakes were high; not just for the cash prizes but for the future of their families, Shaa unions and communities.
As the sun rose higher, Misaje town was filled with excitement. Crowds gathered to witness the festival, which has grown into one of the most important events in the Subdivision, drawing attention from far and near. The air was thick with the aroma of traditional foods, and the rhythmic beats of drums and xylophones from masquerade groups echoed through the streets. But for Stella, all that mattered was the competition ahead.
The finalists were called to the stage one by one to hand in their containers filled with Shaa. The judges, seasoned experts in the craft, tasted and deliberated, weighing each entry’s quality, flavour, and adherence to traditional methods. Stella’s heart like the rest of the contestants pounded as she waited for the results. She thought of her children, of the struggles she faced to keep them in school, and of the long nights spent perfecting her Shaa recipe.
Finally, the moment came. Her name was announced as the winner, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Overwhelmed with emotion, Stella could hardly believe her ears. She was handed the grand prize 500,000 francs CFA by the traditional rural of Misaje after a public count. Tears welled up in her eyes as she clutched the envelope, thinking of the school fees that would now be paid, the business she could now expand, and the better life she could provide for her children.
“I am so happy and thankful to Dr. Ndansi Elvis and the Unite for Health Foundation for this opportunity. With this prize, I will be able to pay my children's school fees and expand my Shaa business. This festival has truly changed my life.” Stella said, with her voice full of gratitude
But Stella was not the only one whose life was transformed that day. The second-place winner, Yindeh Rosaline, walked away with 250,000 francs CFA, while the third-place winner, Chebi Vecline, received 150,000 francs CFA. Each of the other 12 finalists received compensatory prizes of 50,000 francs CFA. The smiles on their faces told the story of how this festival had given them hope and the means to improve their livelihoods.
“Winning this prize means I can do so much more for my family. My child who is a product of this competition will be writing the GCE this year and this will help me take care of her needs. I’m grateful to the organizers especially Dr Ndansi Elvis for this opportunity. It’s a dream come true.” Yindeh said
Chebi Vecline, too, was full of plans for the future. “These agricultural inputs will help me grow more maize, which is essential for my Shaa business. I am deeply grateful for this support and will use it to improve my family's livelihood,” she shared.
Even those who didn’t make it to the top three felt the impact of the festival’s generosity. Each contestant received a bag of fertilizer, a sprayer, a hoe, a cutlass, and two bottles of glycol; all crucial tools for boosting maize production, the primary ingredient in Shaa brewing. These inputs were donated by the Unite for Health Foundation under the guidance of Board Chair Madam Florence Buchanan from the United States.
One of the contestants who didn’t place in the top three reflected on the support they received. “Though I didn't win the top prize, the tools and resources we have been given will make a huge difference in our farming and Shaa production. I want to thank Dr. Ndansi and the Unite for Health Foundation for their continuous support.”
Alongside the Shaa brewing contest, scholarships were awarded to 25 vulnerable primary school children from Misaje, Dumbu, and Mbessa. Each child received a school bag, books, pens, rulers, and a 10,000 francs CFA contribution towards their school fees, making up a total scholarship package of 25,000 francs CFA per child. This scholarship scheme started by Dr. Ndansi Elvis in 2012, has been a lifeline for many families.
Beyond the economic and educational impact, the festival also celebrated the cultural diversity of Misaje. A tug of war between the butchers of Dumbu and the drivers of Misaje ended in a draw, with both teams sharing the prize. Traditional dance competitions saw the Nkulu dance group from Dumbu take first place, followed by Nchane and Mbessa.
The Muslim community also participated, showcasing their culinary skills in the Massa (fried corn cake) competition. Mohamadou won first prize, receiving 100,000 francs CFA, while Amina Sariki took second place with a prize of 60,000 francs CFA.
The Divisional Delegate of Arts and Culture for Donga Mantung, Muluh Cyril who witnessed the event from beginning to end, took to the stage to commend the festival’s organizers. He nkted that the Misaje Shaa Festival has set a standard as the first and only Shaa festival in Cameroon, with a direct impact on the lives of the people. This according to him is an example of how cultural celebrations can drive development.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Dr. Ndansi Elvis addressed the community from New Jersey, USA, via an amplified audio call. He reflected on the festival’s origins and its mission, reminding everyone that this celebration was in honour of his grandmother, who had sold Shaa in Misaje many years ago. He noted that the Shaa Festival is not about politics but about giving back to the community that raised him. He maintains that the objective is to put smiles on the faces of women and their families, ensuring they can send their children to school and improve their livelihoods. He then went on to declare that he has no political interest whatsoever in Misaje or even Cameroon as a country.
The Misaje Shaa festival has grown from a modest cultural celebration into a powerful tool for economic and social development, leaving a mark on the lives of the women and children of Misaje Subdivision.
For Shey Stella, the journey back to Kamine that evening was one of triumph, carrying with her not just the title of champion but a renewed sense of purpose and the promise of a brighter future.
By Bakah Derick
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