A spoken word poetry project titled "Bruises", tackling the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV), is set to tour Cameroon in a ground-breaking nationwide campaign. The Cameroonian Cultural Network (CCN) has selected Bruises as one of its flagship initiatives for a nationwide cultural tour, with all expenses fully covered by the network.
Mottanni and the Bruises EP cover
Led by acclaimed poet and spoken word artist Mottanni, the nationwide tour will include performances in four to five major cities across four or five different regions, between June and November 2025. The shows are scheduled to take place in key cultural centres, including one in Bamenda, in the North West Region, Mottanni’s home region.
Speaking to Hilltopvoices shortly after receiving the news of the selection, Mottanni shared his initial reaction:
“It was a pleasant and heartwarming surprise. To be chosen among many other good projects and poets is truly a privilege I don't take lightly. It’s a rare opportunity for me and my fellow poets and spoken word artists in this North West Region.” he said
The project Bruises features a talented collective of poets and creatives who bring personal experience, artistry, and passion to the theme of gender-based violence. Among the contributors are Lanjo Neindefoh Lanjo, Ringnwi Charles, Ngek Lois, Zita Light, Mbiaoh Victor Atemnkeng, Nubia Nahbi, and Phamous Ink, with Mottanni himself leading the initiative.
Each show will feature live performances of poems from the Bruises EP, interactive sessions with audiences, and discussions on how art can be a tool for social justice. The tour aims to stimulate community dialogue on GBV and empower survivors to break the silence.
Reflecting on what the opportunity means for his career, Mottanni shared
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for me. First, it affords me the chance to get more exposure for my craft, that is, making and meeting more supporters and fans of my art.
Secondly, it gives me the opportunity to meet and share with other artists and creatives in the field. This is also a chance for me to encounter some different cultures around the country, which will greatly shape my writing in the near future.”
Gratitude was a recurring theme in Mottanni’s reflections. He highlighted those who have played instrumental roles in his artistic journey.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Yembe Nfor of Y’G Inc. for always believing in me and pushing me to do better. To the producer and director of Black Swagger Poetry Slam, Akumbu Jones, thank you for giving me a platform or dare I say, a breeding ground to fine-tune and prime my art over the years.
I also want to express gratitude to my coach and personal trainer, Lanjo S. Neindefoh of Lanjo Coaching. To Hilltopvoices, for always walking with me and giving me exposure, I say thank you. And to all those who took part in the project, Ringnwi Charles, our producer and sound engineer, and the contributing artists Nubia Nahbi, Phamous Ink, Lois Ngek, Zita Light, and Atemnkeng Victor we made magic, and it’s happening.”
As the Bruises team prepares for this nationwide journey, their message is clear: gender-based violence must be addressed head-on, and art can be both the weapon and the healing balm. Through poetry, performance, and presence, Bruises is set to leave a mark on every city it touches one verse at a time.
By Bakah Derick
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