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U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band Brings the Sound Home for “First Fridays”

To honor departing Cultural Affairs Officer Noelle Wright-Young, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy organized a special edition of the monthly “First Fridays” entertainment program. The organizers bid farewell to event founder Ms. Wright-Young and featured, in addition to Cameroonian musical and dance talent, the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band. The U.S. military band, in country as part of the Africa Partnership Station USS Fort McHenry marine security training visit, performed American favorites spanning the James Brown era up through contemporary rap.

Public Affairs Officer Lonnie Kelley, Cultural Affairs Specialist Gladys Shang Viban, and Cultural Affairs Assistant Mathias Tientcheu took turns thanking Ms. Wright-Young for her initiative in uncovering and showcasing unique talent on the Cameroonian musical scene. Inspired by a tradition in the African-American community in the United States, Ms. Wright-Young kicked off First Fridays in Yaounde, in May 2006. The program weaves social themes, such as HIV/AIDS and civil rights into a social awareness program that touches youth and families alike. First Friday programs create a welcome mat for U.S. and Cameroonian creativity and foster mutual understanding between the two cultures.

Performing with the same gusto as the seven-piece U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band were “human boom box” Thierry Olemba, the serpentine Les Genies de l’Assiko dance group, X-Maleya, and Ayanga Dance. In the heat of the cross-cultural moment, performers from both sides of the Atlantic inspired the public to rise to the challenge and try out a step or two on stage. An on-stage back flip by one of the Naval band saxophonists reassured the audience that the group and meant rhythmic business.(Photo gallery)