bakwerirama

The story of Ndondondume a'mbenga'a maliwa (The monster/creature from down the sea)

[There are several versions of this story. This is the version told by the elders in Zhopho Mokongo (Great Soppo), Buea]

Narrated by Mola Lyombe Eko

There was a very pretty girl, Molonga. Her skin was like burnished ebony, her eyes, long neck, and walk reminded everyone of a graceful antelope. The news of her stunning beauty was spread far and wide by the birds. Suitors came from all the Mokpe villages from Mwangai to Mokunda, from Wonadikombo to Wonakanda. She had one defect, she was proud. She refused to marry any of the men who wanted her hand in marriage. No one was good enough for her.

No-Lingana (I Shall Love You) - A Song by Miss Lee

The story of Etekele and Princess Mboti or the struggle between true African love and loyalty to tradition. By Miss Lee

No-Lingana - Miss Lee

Oso na Esu - The Parrot and The Owl

The story below is a Bakweri folktale culled from a collection of proverbs, fables, riddles, etc., put together by Carl Bender during his first stay in Buea between 1899 and 1919. These were later published in 1921 in a 122-page book written in German and Bakweri and titled: “Die Volksdichtung der Wakweli: Sprichworter, Fabeln, Marchen, Parabeln, Ratsel, und Lieder” [Folklore of the Wakweli: proverbs, fables, tales, parables, riddles and songs.]

The English translation of the story is by Mola Lyombe Eko

THE LEOPARD AND THE GOAT

AFRICAN JUNGLE TALES originally collected and retold by C.J. Bender
Haldeman-Julius Company, 1919

Again, we invite your comments on this story. Do you know a different version or interpretation?

The Leopard and the Goat were friends. One day they went out camping together. They built themselves a hut in a secluded spot in the jungle, where they could live and do just as they pleased.

After they had everything in shape, the Leopard went hunting. He met with unusual good luck and returned with much game. On this they lived for a number of days.

Then it was the Goat's turn to furnish supplies. But instead of going after the game himself he went to a hunter and bought what he wanted in the line of food. He also bought a leopard-skin which the hunter offered for sale.

When he reached home, the Goat hid the leopard-skin back of the hut, but the meat he took along inside.

Why the Weaver Bird and the Woodpecker are Enemies

Comments Invited

This and other stories that are going to be posted here in the coming months were collected, retold and published by Rev Carl Bender in 1919 under the title: "African Jungle Tales". Many of of us listened to some of version of these same stories as children. Bender clearly wrote for an American or European audience, and although his writing is on the whole sympathetic and very progressive, some of today's reader might consider some of the language dated by today's standards. We would like readers to comment and "reAfricanize" the stories. A lot of folk tales had accompanying songs. If you remember the wordings of the songs, please post them too.

The Woodpecker and the Weaver-Bird one day went on a hike together. When they saw that they could not reach their destination the same day any more, the Woodpecker suggested that they build huts for themselves in which they could put up for the night.

"All right," said the Weaver. And they went to work.