More than just flesh and bones, we are Cultural Beings too…

More than 10 years ago, we lost the Queen of our family: My grandmother and it was a particular painful moment. Being her namesake, I remember this moment like it was yesterday and the events unfolding in the UK, have reminded me once more time of how special she was and how much important our roots and culture are. I would certainly lie if I say to you that I’m comfortable with every aspect of my traditions but I could largely say though that I’m proud of where I come from and I would like to tell you why.

Loving or loathing her, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II has shown to the World how much of a very special person she was. I do not know for you but I have now come to properly and fully appreciate the clout it represents to be Britain monarch and the head of state of 14 countries.?To see the proclamation of King Charles III in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and also many other Commonwealth countries across the World is something quite unique. After all, as it has been reported in the media, 9 people out of 10 in the World were born after Queen Elizabeth was crowned. So for all of us, it is a discovery to actually see how coronation procedures happen and then realise how much deep entrenched the United Kingdom and with this a big part of the Western World are to their traditions. For a split second, we got the feeling we are back in the medieval time. The traditional ceremonies are on full display, and we may even admit, a lot of us are not only curious but loving it. It then asked us a question: What about ours?

·????????Continuity and Stability

One of the first thing people in UK said on Queen Elizabeth is that she represented a level of continuity and stability. In a World that is fast changing, very much divided on many issues, having this reference point gluing together people is very important for society. It is exactly the same for our own traditions. I come from an ethnic group called “Bamilekes” in Cameroon and like many others in the country, we have specific practices that are dear to us and that we pass to our children from generations to generations. ?This is what cements us; this is what defines who we are. We are not better than anybody else, not less than anybody else but adherence to our culture gives us a sense of purpose in life.

·????????Principles and Values

Another characteristic associated with the late monarch was “selfless-service life”, this refers us to the system of principles and values one follows. One of the cardinal rules of my life is not to compromise at any cost with a set of principles and rules that are mine like integrity, honesty and service to others. These rules were passed on to me by parents, uncles, aunties, cousins who in their turn inherited them from their parents and so on and so forth. These values are highly promoted within our culture and you will not seen well if you transgress them, however wealthy you are.

·????????Business inspiration

Now let me share also a little bit of confidence. I come from a group that is recognised as being the Traders of the country. Many business people and wealthy individuals (I said many NOT ALL?? so please chill) will originate from this region and the surprising thing is, for many years as a young boy and teenager I had a problem with it. Probably because I hate prejudice and being stereotypes. I did not want people to immediately associate me to business at a very young age just because of where my family is coming from. I would have my father hanging around with many businessmen and businesswomen and I would automatically run away from it. How stupid I was!! I had all this experience at my fingertips and I did not take advantage of it at the time. And surprisingly, just see how life turned out. Fast forward, I’m fully into business helping other entrepreneurs figuring out how to raise awareness about their products and services and make money and I’m loving every part of it! If you want to find out more on thus, reach to me directly or through this link.

I’m not only proud of what I’m doing, but also proud to be an African and for the circumstances, proud to be ?a Bamileke.

(Image of Fo'o Sokoudjou, most likely new longest serving monarch after Queen Elizabeth. On the throne since 1953)

My simple message to you is: Be proud of your culture and traditions, they are the roots on which you are growing your tree.

And to my grandmother, I have this to say: no matter how long you have gone, Thank you, I love you and you are still The Queen for us…forever!

Tony Tiyou?is the founder and CEO of?Renewables in Africa (RiA)?is a Clean Energy Company raising Awareness about Renewable Energy in Africa and across the globe. Interested in our Awareness Program? Click?HERE?to find out more or talk with us on?Clubhouse.