Lapiro de Mbanga (interview)

Cameroonian musician Lapiro de Mbanga comments on his situation in the prison, and on his cause. The video interview was recorded by Freedom to Create in the prison in Cameroon in November 2009.

In September 2008, Lapiro was sentenced to three years imprisonment. Sharing a cell with more than 50 persons, Lapiro's health has deteriorated as hygiene conditions and food are substandard.

"But this will neither stop me nor my music," said Lapiro, who has a long history of voicing the frustrations of the people in Cameroon. Lapiro de Mbanga believes that music can be used as a strong tool against corruption and power abuse, and he has become a symbol of peaceful resistance to the erosion of democracy in Cameroon.

Opposing constitutional amendment in 2008, which not only provided the president with immunity from prosecution for acts as president, but even allow president Biya to run for unlimited re-elections, Lapiro de Mbanga wrote the song 'Constitution Constipée' (Constipated Constitution), which inspired demonstrations all over the country.

Lapiro de Mbanga -- described as an "unceremonial sheriff of the backyards" -- was selected in 2009 to receive a special Imprisoned Artist Prize by Freedom to Create "in recognition of his courage and outstanding artwork" by a distinguished panel including world famous conductor Daniel Barenboim and Geoffrey Robertson, one of the world's foremost human rights lawyers.

Courage and creativity
The Freedom to Create Prize celebrates the courage and creativity of artists around the world, who use their talents to build the foundations of open societies, promote social justice and inspire human spirit. More than 1,000 artists from more than 100 countries were nominated in 2009.

The prize is 25,000 US dollars, which can be used in support for the release of Lapiro and his family who has suffered immensely since his arrest last year.

Motivation
The motivation of the panel read:
"As an ambassador for the freedom to create, his example will give voice to countless artists around the globe who use their talent to create a brighter future for all. Freemuse also represent those artists, some yet unheard of, who are sacrificing their personal freedom and safety on a daily basis in order to make our future brighter for all."

Ole Reitov from Freemuse added: "As Lapiro points out, this is also recognition of all other artists out there who are suffering suppression and illegal imprisonment. And Lapiro is still not a free man, so we will continue to campaign for his release together with our sister organisations."

Recognition to Freemuse as well
"Freemuse is waging a vital war in support of musicians on the world's frontlines who are using their freedom to create to oppose injustice and oppression. It is through the tremendous dedication of organizations like Freemuse thatthe sacrifices of artists, such as those made by 2009 Freedom to Create Prize winner Lapiro de Mbanga, are being made public on a global scale," said Freedom to Create Vice President Bernard Stringer.

You can read more about Lapiro on:
http://www.freemuse.org

and about the prize here:
http://www.freedomtocreateprize.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Cameroun
• music censorship
• imprisonment
• interview
• african music

[kittyluv013]

i'm from North Carolina, USA(United States of America), and i'm doing a project on him! any information someone could send me would be great! or if someone could get me a translation of his song to english that would be great i having trouble finding it! plus does anyone know if i could possibly send a letter to him?

[freemuseorg]

@kittyluv013

Hi, can´t help you with Englishb translation but have address if you want to write him a letter. please contact me on freemuse at freemuse.org

best regards, freemuse director

[gwabente]

Lapiro the Great. How many Cameroonians will readilly die for their country? I bet anyone, very few!

[YUNICKJ]

YEAH, I CAN HELP YOU WITH THE TRANSLATION, INBOX ME AT niconeviche@yahoo.com

[blackdiamond80able]

we should organise a free lapiro march in washington London and Paris for the world to know that Paul Biya is a tyran.

[aristoo222]

im proud of you lapiro, you are a true patriot. Your outspokeness through your music is a good weapon to fight that rotten government in cameroun. I wish we had many like you who were prepared to sacrifice rather than betraying our course of freedom for their selfish goals. may the Lord guide you in all your aspirations. We are and will always be behind you. love from Norway

[yokoyokoyoko2009]

Free Lapiro

Free Lapiro

Free Lapiro

[yokoyokoyoko2009]

Free Lapiro

Free lapiro

Free Lapiro

[blessngwa]

he's rite

[ambeche]

@kittyluv013 TO contact him is very easy. Contact a Cameroon newspaper and write an open letter to him. That should be a start!

[attilah57]

@kittyluv013 I can help you with translations. just drop me a message. it would be maybe difficult for your letters to reach him but try, you never know. but I have strong doubts as the leaders of the country would block it and prevent it from reaching the intended destination.