Mvet Oyeng, musical art, practices and skills associated with the Ekang community

Overview

Mvet Oyeng is a cultural tradition that is practised by the Ekang community. It entails the singing of a series of epic stories, accompanied by dancing and the playing of a traditional stringed instrument. The audience actively participates in the performance by playing drumsticks or clapping, singing and engaging with the storyteller. The term ‘Mvet Oyeng’ refers to the stories, the storyteller, the instrument, and the musician. There are two forms of Mvet Oyeng: sacred and popular. The sacred form is used during important events and follows a strict initiation process for transmission, whereas the popular form is more flexible and is performed during public celebrations and modern shows. Mvet Oyeng involves different roles, which vary according to the form and include the performers, the sponsors who organize events, and the craftspeople who make the instruments. The practice is passed on informally through ritual and hands-on learning. Women can be storytellers, particularly in the popular form, but do not typically make or play the instrument. Mvet Oyeng contributes to the transmission of local history, language and community values and fosters respect, justice, cooperation and peace. It also promotes conflict resolution, strengthens social bonds, and helps preserve the community’s identity and shared memory.

Domains

Details

Countries

GabonCameroonCongo

Inscribed

2025

Register

Representative List

Reference

2253