The Sao Kotoko Festival in Yaoundé will celebrate one of Central Africa’s oldest civilizations, showcasing their rich heritage and traditions from January 23-25 in Yaounde.
This aspiration was highlighted in Yaoundé on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the National Museum, during a press conference led by the President of the Festival’s Organizing Committee, Oumar Ali, in the presence of other committee members and representatives of the Sao Kotoko Cultural Association. The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Arts and Culture. The occasion also served as the official announcement of the 6th edition of the Sao Kotoko Festival of Arts and Tradition, scheduled to take place from January 23 to 25 at the National Museum in Yaoundé.
The festival will be a vibrant celebration of the Sao Kotoko people, an ancient civilization hailed as the cradle of Central African heritage. It promises to showcase the rich traditions and enduring legacy of a community often described as “the great healers and masters of fishing.” “The Sao Kotoko civilization is one of the oldest in the world and undoubtedly the oldest in Central Africa,” stated Oumar Ali. “This festival is a unique opportunity to share their extraordinary culture with a national and international audience.”
The Kotoko people, descendants of the legendary Sao, inhabit areas around Lake Chad, spanning Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria, and Ghana. Known for their terracotta artistry and profound knowledge of water, the Kotoko’s traditions are rooted in solidarity and coexistence. With the theme “Culture and Tradition of the Sao Kotoko People: Between the Past and the Present – A Lever of Solidarity and Living Together,” the festival aims to transcend boundaries. It seeks to showcase Kotoko traditions through traditional dances, thematic conferences, art exhibitions, and culinary delights.
“Our goal is to bring the Kotoko culture out of its original environment and share it with the world,” explained President Oumar. “This is not just about celebrating history but about creating a platform for cultural exchange and understanding.” The festival’s relocation to Yaoundé, intended to gather over 250 inhabitants from the Logone and Chari Division—far from the Kotoko’s ancestral lands—underscores the importance of openness and inclusion. “It’s a step toward building bridges between cultures, as envisioned by Léopold Sédar Senghor’s concept of universal civilization,” the organizer added. As Cameroon prepares to honor the Sao Kotoko’s remarkable legacy, the event serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of culture. In the words of the organizers, “This is more than a celebration—it’s a call for solidarity and mutual enrichment.”
