A public lecture and film premiere on the return of African cultural heritage will hold in Bamenda on Saturday 8 November 2025. The session, titled “Restitution 101: A History of Excuses”, is convened by Shey Bulami Edward (PhD), a researcher and cultural activist who contributed to the Open Restitution Africa project.
Dr Bulami served as a case study researcher on the restitution of the Ngonnso cultural object from Nso Cameroon, one of several African case studies developed by the initiative. After the research phase, the project produced documentary films drawn from the different countries involved. Saturday’s event marks the premiere of the film based on the Ngonnso, Cameroonian case.
Speaking ahead of the screening, Dr Bulami Edward told Hilltopvoices that the lecture seeks to deepen public understanding of heritage restitution and its meaning for African societies. He described the gathering as an opportunity for scholars, students, the media and cultural promoters to reflect on ownership, memory and identity.
The event is expected to bring together an audience of around 100, with emphasis on academia, students, journalists and cultural actors. After the screening, a moderated discussion will explore the historic reasons given for withholding African artefacts, the progress made so far, and the responsibilities of African institutions in the process.
Dr Bulami Edward
Open Restitution Africa has championed research and public engagement across the continent on the return of cultural objects taken during colonial rule. Dr Bulami, who holds a PhD in Oral Literature and works as a researcher, educationist and anthropologist with the Ministry of Secondary Education, has been a vocal advocate for community-centred approaches to heritage.
The lecture is scheduled to begin at 10.00 am.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
Tel: 694 71 85 77
