Home Box Video 1

22/09/2023

THE AFRICAN CULTURE HITS MY SPIRIT DIFFERENTLY

In the heart of a busy African village, under the warm embrace of the sun, a vibrant array of traditions and customs spread out each passing day.

It's a place where time seems to move at its own leisurely pace, and the rythm of life is dictated not by the ticking of clocks, but by the beating of drums.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a blazing orange glow across the Savannah, the villagers gather around the bonfire.

Elders with wisdom would share tales of ancestors who have walked on the same red soil, with their voices carrying the weight of centuries.

The young ones would listen with wide eyes and eagerness, absorbing the stories like a sponge soaking up in water.

"African culture", I say, "it hits my spirit different"

The heart of African culture lay in its connection to the land.

It's the way farmers toil the soil with hands, nuturing crops that sustains not only bodies but also spirits.

The rythm of their work is like a dance, a dance of life and sustenance, an unbroken chain that streches through generations.

And there is music, oh, the music! The villagers would gather to celebrate, their voices lifted in harmony with the drums that echoes throughout the night.

But perhaps, what strikes my spirit most is the sense of community. As Africans, we share in each other's joys and sorrows, offering a helping hand without hesitation.

And in the midst of adversity, we have this communal bond that holds us upright. A bond to remind us that we are never alone.

Our African culture indeed hits the spirit differently, leaving an inerrasable mark on all who are fortunate enough to experience its embrace.

18/09/2023

Our Cameroonian Accents Are Unique and Can Be Sometimes Quite Funny😂

Cameroonian accents are diverse and vary depending on the region and tribe.

For example, people from the North West, West, Far North, Adamawa, Littoral, etc have a way they talk that can make you easily point out their origins.

Some people find the accents funny, and that's okay as long as it's not used to belittle people.

The other day, I was in a zoom meeting with some white foreigners, talking about how tech is the current new gig in our society.

I was the only African out of the 10 participants.

When it got to my turn to speak, I noticed how everyone went mute to listen to how I'll speak.

They all felt surprised that I didn't try to fake it like others would do.

Why would I try to even fake something that would not end well?😂😂

The stress in trying to speak or be someone else is too much for a soft Cameroonian like me to bear😅

There a whole lot of things that sound better and funnier when said with our normal accents.

Just picture yourself discussing with a white and imagine how boring the conversation would sound.

And you discussing with your fellow Cameroonian, imagine how lively and funny it'll be.

Let's stop copying what you can't maintain and know your accent is UNIQUE ✌✌

I want to use this opportunity to thank you all for the AMAZING birthday wishes of yesterday. Home Box Video 1 truly appreciates ❤.

Have a great Monday and a blessed week ahead. ENJOY!!!

17/09/2023

Happy birthday to the CEO of Home Box Video 1.

As you step into this new age,

May your mind be filled with inspiration, and your heart with elation.

May your hands continue to create wonders, and may your creativity shine brighter.

May you continue to grow in wisdom, good health and prosperity.

Enjoy this day like no other and have a blast.

Happy birthday Gobina Simon. ENJOY!

30/05/2023

Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse history, culture, and people. It is home to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural landscapes in the world.

From the towering snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the lush green rainforests of the Congo Basin, Africa is a land of stunning beauty.

It is a continent with a rich and diverse history and culture, and home to over 1.2 billion people, speaking over 2,000 languages.

Despite its many challenges, Africa is a continent on the rise. The economy is growing, and there is a growing middle class. We are also a leader in renewable energy, with a number of countries committed to 100% renewable energy by 2050.

There is much to be proud of as an African. From our rich history and culture of dance, music, food and art, to our resilience, we are definitely not holding back on our values.

Let's appreciate us for who we are despite every setbacks and problems our continent is currently facing.

What aspect of being an African are you proud of?. Let's know in the comments.

26/05/2023

The opening ceremony of UB at 30 yesterday at the university's campus.

It started with a matchpast and other activities continue today. Stay tuned for more updates.

25/05/2023

University of Buea (UB) AT 30🥳🥳🥳

From humble beginnings to where UB is now, it has grown and evolved, thanks to the hard work and dedication of its stakeholders, staff, students, and alumni.

Over the years, the institution might have faced numerous challenges, but it has always remained committed to providing the best education possible to all its students.

The institution has become a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive, while graduating thousands of students annually.

As we look to the future, we are excited about the innovative opportunities the institution is creating.

Let's continue to support it in every way possible, as it kerps striving to provide the best education possible to all.

Looking forward to many more years of success and knowledge.

UB, A PLACE TO BE💪💪.

If you ever passed through this institution, let's hear your remarks about it in the comments. What was your stay in UB like?😊😊

Click on the link below to watch the complete video on our YouTube page👇👇

https://youtu.be/qiOR12nKSIs

12/04/2023

Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change and protect the environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is a major contributor to global warming. They also release oxygen, which is essential for human and animal life.

The One Man, One Tree campaign is an opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact on the environment. By planting a tree, you are not only helping to reduce carbon emissions, but you are also creating a habitat for wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and improving air quality.

Trees also have numerous economic benefits. They provide shade, which can reduce energy costs in the summer, and they can increase property values. In addition, trees are a valuable resource for the timber industry, providing jobs and income for many people.

The benefits of planting trees are clear, and the One Man, One Tree campaign is an easy way for individuals to get involved. Whether you plant a tree in your backyard, in a community garden, or in a public park, you are making a difference.

So, why not join the One Man, One Tree campaign today? By planting a tree, you are not only improving the environment, but you are also leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Let's work together to create a greener, healthier planet.

10/04/2023

Are you a movie lover who has always wondered how your favorite films were made? Do you have a passion for storytelling through the lens of a camera? If so, then this cinematography masterclass is perfect for you.

In this class, you will learn the art of visual storytelling, from the basics of camera operation to advanced techniques in lighting, composition, editing and more. You'll also get hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment and professionals, giving you the skills you need to bring your creative vision to life.

Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker, cinematographer or just looking to expand your skills, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and connect with other like-minded individuals. So don't wait – join us from the 25th to 28th of April, and start your journey towards becoming a master of the art of cinema!

25/03/2023

14/03/2023

We live in a time where skills get obselete as the days go by.

What are you doing to remain relevant in terms of skills in this our ever evolving skillful world?.

We bring to you one of the recent most sorted after skills in the field of entertainment; Cinematography by two outstanding and experienced professionals - Rene Ettat and Gobina Simon.

Updates about registration will be available by tomorrow. Stay glued to our page as this is not something to miss out on.

24/02/2023

Wondering about your touristic experience at Mount Cameroon?.

Worry no more!

Mount Cameroon has a lot of touristic opportunities and below is one.

This is the hotel facet of the mountain houses tourists. It is made up of rooms and other beautiful aspects which can be discovered when you visit it.

It's a beautiful scenery of flowers, buildings, greenery and fresh air. Let's explore the mountain tomorrow.

Photo credit: Evambe

24/02/2023

Yes, it's finally here!

The long awaited iconic Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is finally here and taking place tomorrow.

The race which is celebrating its 50th anniversary of outstanding athletes, sponsors, spectators, supporters and tourists has been consistent since its creation.

What are you doing tomorrow?. Join us as we all celebrate this Golden Jubilee.

But before we celebrate tomorrow, what is your take on the mountain race since its creation?. In terms of the Federation, sponsors, athletes and spectators.

What are the innovations, improvements and its impact on the population of the Anglophone Cameroon?.

Photo credit : Evambe

21/02/2023

Today, we join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Mother Tongue Day.

It is a day annually celebrated to promote the awareness of linguistic, cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Cameroon being a host to over 230 languages is not left out. Let's all celebrate this day in our schools, churches, workplaces, meetings, markets and any other place we find ourselves today by speaking and listening to music in our mother tongue.

17/02/2023

Our culture holds stories and riches that are still largely untapped.

Child emancipation into our cultural values should not be neglected. The African child is our future cultural society and a replacement of our ancestors.

The importance of intergrating a child into a cultural group in his environment from his time of infancy should be worth considering. Unfortunately today, it is not so.

Children learn a lot at an early age. Almost everything a child does while growing up is something he has learned from his environment and people.

Culture, is not left out from their learning process. The importance of having a good understanding of our cultural values should be motivated and upheld.

The process of modernization and urbanization is almost wiping out the development of the traditional African child.

Homes, schools and the environment keep educating the intellect of children and leaving out the importance of cultural identity.

There is a high need for the socialization and intergration of the child. This is for them to grow up in a community where our cultural values are secured and emulated.

14/02/2023

Happy valentine's day to us all. With the love we have you all, we have decided to put up a simple quiz so our winners can benefit from a token of airtime.

Here goes the quiz : Name any romantic locale around the Fako Division that you can recommend for a tourist attraction.

11/02/2023

It's yet another year and moment to celebrate our youthful existence. At this time, we need not dwell on our painpoints, but reflect on how to become agents of social change, development and progress.

Being young is a synonym of life, positive change, resilience, emancipation, hope, strength, progress and future.

Most at times, we will not get everything we desire. This does not mean everything is lost. This moment gives us a room to pick up our blank sheets and epitomize our creative abilities to turn these pain points into opportunities.

The youth is visionary, strong, courageous, hopeful and creative.

Let us learn to make the society we live in livable for us all, build positive relationships and build a personality that defines us as a prominent and promising generation.

Happy youth day from the entire HBV1 crew to you all.

The pictures used below for demonstration are of youths at the Molyko stadium.

10/02/2023

11th of February is around the corner. What are your memories of it?.

Mine is of one of the most popular street snacks: akara cassava "makara".

It is made from grated cassava and pounded banana. The cassava is grated and drained, while the banana is pounded to a smooth paste. Both are mixed together, with a pinch of salt added to it and fried in hot palm oil.

Sweet, organic, palatable and affordable are the words that perfectly describe this mouth-dripping snack.

In most fields where match pasts are being done, there are always a variety of other things present. For example bread, eggs, popcorn, sugarcanes, beignets etc but, makara always stands out as the most affordable of them all.

There is no class of person who detests this snack. It is being eaten by the rich, middle class and the poor because of its taste and natural flavour.

Apart from relating it to our youth day celebrations, makara is also eaten in ocassional grounds, homes and streets.

It is commonly seen being hawked along both rural and urban streets in Cameroon by kids and elderly people.

The noise coming from the voices of these hawkers combined with horns of vehicles gives a perfect description of a busy street.

Happy youth day in advance and let's not all forget to save some money for "makara"

08/02/2023

The Mount Cameroon Race Of Hope.

Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in West and Central Africa. It is made up of volcano rocks, forest and animals suitable for tourism.

Annually, a race of hope is organized for athletes to hike the mountain to its summit and back, in order to win amazing prizes.

The first race took place in 1973 and has been going on since then.

It attracts about 5000 visitors and on-site spectators, and 500 athletes who contend up and down the steep and slopes, covering marathon length course of 26miles.

The event is always endorsed by the paramount chief of Buea, to petition the gods for their blessings. This is because, the mountain serves as a sacred place for the local Bakweri people and they refer to it as"Mongo-mo-Ndemi" (Mountain of Thunder).

Also, the Bakweris believe that the mountain is protected by a god called Epasa Moto, who is half man, half stone.

The Mount Cameroon race of hope cannot wrap up without the acknowledgment of the Queen of the mountain; Sarah Etonge. On her head, is an unbeatable crown of 7victories and she is undeniably the queen of the race.

Apart from being just a race, it is also a touristic event for athletes, Cameroonian nationals and non nationals. This is because, it sells out touristic sites like the Ecotourism Centre with a token payable by visitors.

The race this year will be the best of its kind since its creation. This is owing to the celebration of its 50th anniversary, and has been slated for the 25th of February.

The current president of the Athletics Federation, Motombi Mbome who is a son of the soil, will also be present for the celebration as it will mean a lot to him.

07/02/2023

Sometimes, our quest for more will take us to discover new places, people and ideas.

With the zeal to discover more, life always seem to launch stormy waves at us which pushes us back to where we we began.

The only choice at this time is to always start over. While starting over, we need to be creative on how to surf or paddle through the waves if they resurface.

We all want to be resilient and triumphant. We want positive final results, but not the failed attempts that precede it.

We fail to understand that life is a balance between giving into the ease of distraction or overcoming the pain of discipline.

Our friends, families or acquaintances can sometimes make us feel authentically connected and better when the waves hit hard.

But in the end, we need to remember that we have just ourselves to look up to, in finding hope and courage to paddle through the waves.

06/02/2023

Kwacoco and Mbanga Soup A.K.A Timba Na Mbusa.

Traditionally known by the Bakweri people as "Ngonya Mosaka", the dish is made from grated cocoyams and palm nuts pounded into a flavorful sauce.

In Cameroon, most traditional meals are plant-based and "timba na mbusa" is not different.

The palm nuts are often harvested from plantations or, locally grown palms around. Same as the cocoyams.

It is called "timna na mbusa" because, it is assumed that, each time you visit a Bakwerian and he serves it to you, you immediately have the feeling of revisiting his homestead.

The dish is of no doubt delicious and nutritive because, it is prepared with some home-grown traditional spices. For the cocoyams, it is prepared plainly except for the fact that salt is being added to it and tied in plantain leaves after grating.

For the mbanga soup, after the palm nuts have been boiled and pounded, the paste is extracted and put in a separate pot to be cooked. Spices like onions, bush pepper, pepper, crayfish are added to it to intermingle with the paste.

As we all know, there is always a secret ingredient to every meal. That of mbanga soup is a leaf called "manjuweli". It is used to tie the bush meat or smoked fish that is being added to the soup, giving it a distinct flavour. The leaf is said to be very medicinal and very scarce nowadays though, can still be found in some village corners.

When the cocoyams have been cooked for about 1hr30mins, it is put down from the fire, untied from the leaves and cut into smaller portions.

The mbanga soup is then put in a bowl and a process called "seseh" (mixing together) is done. To wrap it up, the bush meat or fish is been added to the dish and ready to serve.

It is usually eaten with hands in homes, traditional fares, meetings, parties, restaurants etc.

02/02/2023

We Must Step Up Our Action For A More Nature-Positive World.

Our environmental challenges need innovative and creative solutions for a more sustainable livelihood.

We are no strangers to problems presented to us by unclean environments.

As warning signs of careless waste disposal continues to mount, we continue to lose nature faster than it can be restored.

As years go by, populations of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and fish remain on a constant decrease.

This is because, more than 70% of the earth's surface have been significantly altered by human activity. From careless waste disposal, to felling of trees and inproper usage of our natural resources.

The rich and huge benefits of nature to humanity can only continue if, we maintain and protect our environment. We need urgent action for a more nature positive world.

Photo Credit: For Earth's Sake.

02/02/2023

A Natural Side View Of The Limbe Atlantic Ocean.

Nature is our system's life support. From being our major provider of food, medicine, water and shelter, to gifts in terms of beauty, art and spirituality.

While some of what nature provides us is measurable, most of what nature provides us is simply beyond measure.

There is no question that the earth has been a reliable planet to trees, man, water, animals etc.

Everything ever needed by humans to survive and thrive has been freely provided by the natural world around us.

We need to constantly remind ourselves of what nature gives us free-of-charge and protect them.

01/02/2023

Happy new month of February to everyone.

We at HBV1 wish you a happy new month filled with lots of positives and amazing opportunities.

As a production house based in Buea, our services are outlined on our flyer below. We offer nothing but premium services.

Call us or text us today if you need any of our services. Thank you.

31/01/2023

Have you ever wondered why the meals of our mothers, grandmothers and most people in the village always taste natural and delicious?.

Some people say our mothers/grandmothers have a secret ingredient. Well, I am not here to counter that. But, there might be something more to it in which we need to discover.

Despite the existence of their secret ingredients, there is a secret and sacred place where these ingredients come from.

Below, is a traditional cupboard (lidded handwoven basket), used by our ultimate rural chefs for the storage of their secret ingredients.

Our mothers in different villages of the different regions in Cameroon, valorise this basket as a storage facility for their ingredients.

It is often hung over the fireplace and attached to the ceiling (mbanda).

They fill it with smoked fish/meat, traditional spices, vegetables, maggi, salt etc. This is because, they believe the basket keeps these things safe from cokroaches, rats and other destructive insects.

Not only that. Some mothers use it to keep their soaps especially "savon" and "sabulu" for preservation against quick melting.

Though with the introduction of alternative modern receptacles, our rural Cameroonian mothers would never trade these baskets for anything.

They are and will always remain part of our cultural identity, art and creativity.

31/01/2023

*An Aerial Drone Photo of Gbea, Present Day Buea.*

Gbea, currently known as Buea, was founded by a skilled hunter called Eyah Njie Tama Lifanje. He was the son of Tama and grandson of Lifanje, who used to leave Bomboko to go hunting with his friend, called Nakande.

Eyah Lifanje during his hunting expedition, trekked long distances to a whole lot of places.

Hunting in those days was so fun that one could live for a week or two in small huts built by them or fellow hunters.

Lifanje on his hunting voyage one day, decided to build a hut in this strange place to smoke his newly hunted animal.

In the course of smoking his animal, he discovered something. Something much interesting and intriguing; fertile soil with fresh crops growing naturally due to the good climatic condition and water availability of his current location.

Being pleased with these remarkable findings, he named his new settlement "li-gbwe-ya" (LiGbea) and later on changed it to "gbwe-ya" (Gbea) which means *to do* or *to work*.

It was a surprising yet, fulfilling discovery for him. Carrying on with the zeal to discover more, he planted some few crops and returned to his family.

After a few weeks, he decided to bring over his wives and noticed that the crops he had planted, were doing exceedingly well. This motivated him to plant more crops and gardens to his new found settlement.

This settlement became permanent, as his friends and relatives later decided to join him.

This is why Gbea is sometimes referred to as " *Gbea Eyah Njie Tama Lifanje" - "Gbea the village of Eyah Njie Tama Lifanje".*

Gbea was later on changed to Buea by the Germans, due the absence of the letters "GB" in their alphabet.

Located at the base of the active volcano, present day Gbea (Buea) is a smart, hospitable and innovative town with thousands of settlers. No wonder, most of its settlers call it "A state on its own".

28/01/2023

SUNSET - The Beautiful Scenery Above Us.

It's weekend and time to refresh our minds with the blessings of nature. We bring to you this sunset setting above the Limbe Atlantic Ocean.

The setting portrays a romantic environment, an appointment for leisure and reconciliation. It surrounds our minds with thoughts of going back home in tranquility.

Sunsets are amazing. Aren't they?. I have heard beautiful stories of long lasting friendships and acquaintances created from the its gaze.

To enjoy some of life's enriching moments, we need to connect with very little but meaningful things given to us by nature.

Sunsets falls among these meaningful things given to us by nature to connect with.

They bring some chill to the air accompanied by last splash of sunrays. The bliss and charm of it can never be ignored, especially when we keenly look and connect with it.

This is why the town of Limbe is called "The City of Friendship".

27/01/2023

If you have never danced to the beating and rythm of a drum, you definitely have not experienced tune.

The heartbeat of Africa and music is the drum. Its sound, style, craft and use is often used to transcend rituals, music and symbolism.

In Cameroon, traditional dances like the "Njang", "Cha Cha", "Bikutsi", "Assiko", "Bensikin", "Djimassa" etc uses the drum as one of the main elements of melody.

As the saying goes "One hand cannot tie a leaf". Same as, the drum cannot produce all the beautiful melodies alone. It is often accompanied by gongs, whistles, loud horns, rattles, xylophones etc. All these instruments come together to bring out stories, cultural appeal and musical ecstasy.

Dancing to the rythm of a drum is common in all villages in Cameroon. Often, villagers and people would prefer dancing bare feet despite the hot or cold nature of the earth's surface.

It is so magical how the beats bring people together. It eliminates the idea of people belonging to different and separate communities through its beats, across the vast majestic plains, valleys, slopes and hills in Cameroon.

26/01/2023

There is more in Africa that costs so little to look good, outstanding and traditionally presentable.

It is marvelling to see how complete our African regalia can be by complementing with beads. From a simple neklace to glowing bracelets.

Beads are an integral part of African history from time immemorial. They function as money, power, wealth, beauty and fashion.

The blend and composition of the colors and designs communicates a variety of ideas. From energy, creativity, talent, arts, nature, sorrow, tribal recognition to royalty.

Beads are amongst the most intriguing and important symbols in our African culture. They represent royalty, gaming, tribal loyalty etc, depending on the artistic imaginations and designs.

They speak the language of beauty, culture and tradition. A language that tells us the story of trade with foreigners, migrations and lost empires.