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Editor’s Note “On International Women’s Day, let us all pledge to do everything we can to overcome entrenched prejudice, support engagement and activism, and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.” ~ UN Secretary General, António Guterres. Hello everyone. Welcome to this Women’s Day issue. The International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their communities and countries. With this issue, we focus on a young woman who in the truest sense, never left the country for “greener pastures” abroad or turned towards the trend of “selling what they have to get what they want”; but rather is achieving her goals (despite the social media bullying and judgements) and following her passion in a society where the woman’s place is believed to be in the kitchen. By reading her story and individual journey, I hope more young women get inspired and focus on achieving their dreams despite the circumstances surrounding them. Happy reading and happy women’s day! Ebangha Njang Editor-In-Chief, Sa Majesté Magazine. Email: samajestemag@gmail.com
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An efficient product they say doesn’t need much hype, everyone rushes for it. This statement could be very applicable to ”Auntie Felicia”, who has effortlessly won the hearts of all and sundry. At a time when the budding Cameroonian comedy sphere is replete with a dizzying number of artists who promised more than they delivered and then faded into oblivion, Kwoh Elonge has brought a fresh touch and is so far living up to the hype. It would be hard for someone to boast that he doesn’t know about the famous trotters stew or the Virtuous Women’s meeting or even Caro and Dorcas. Auntie Feli’s skits could only be likened to prime time news, everyone watches it, even the kids. The versatile PR and Communications professional and PhD scholar is a man of many feathers. Sa Majesté Magazine caught up with him in this exclusive interview! SMM: Tell us who Kwoh Elonge exactly is! 4 SA MAJESTÉ MAGAZINE
Auntie Felicia: This question has become increasingly difficult for me to answer. I have grown to accept that I am different things. I can be as versatile as I allow myself to be. But for starters, I am a PR and communication professional. I have worked as Bureau Head of Communication for Elections Cameroon for 10 years before moving to the South West Regional Assembly as PR and Communication officer. I am wrapping up a PhD. I am a writer and a TV host. Now, I am a comedian too. I love laughter; books, and movies.
SMM: Wow! Impressing resume. Follow your passion. So why did you decide to get into cross-dressing comedy or drag com- Think quality over popularity and shock value edy if I may call it that too? Auntie Felicia: It was quite arbitrary, to be honest. I say this because I could actually do comedy without the physical transformation. But I wanted to do something more challenging. Something that took me out of my comfort zone. Something that could be seen as new, unique and relatable. Cross-dressing seemed like a logical option because for a long time, I had been fascinated by the complexities of the feminine; the beauty, the layers and the substance of womanhood. I have always had a deep admiration for the women around me, and that allowed me to study them. When I decided to finally do comedy, I thought this would provide me more range. SMM: Why the name “Auntie Felicia”? Any special ties to the name? Like maybe that’s the name of a mom/aunt/grandma, etc.
Auntie Felicia: Auntie Felicia came from gut feeling. It had a ring to it. Like the sound of the name carried the essence of the character I wanted. I have a friend whose name is Felicia. She is very different from the character but something about the name was very convincing. SMM: “Auntie Felicia” to me is the next door neighbor or mom/auntie. If you had to describe the character “Auntie Felicia”, what would you say about Auntie Felicia? Auntie Felicia: You are right in that. Auntie Feli captures someone or persons around us. We all know someone who behaves that way or demonstrates part of the character. I have repeatedly said Auntie Felicia is inspired by my mom. Inspired meaning it is not a photocopy of her but I had internalized a lot of her mannerisms and way of talking that I translate into the character. The stories are not necessarily her own life stories. But truly her body language and facial expressions were to die for. So to answer your question, Auntie Feli is exactly who you’ve described; a mom, next door neighbor, aunt, sister, sometimes ourselves. SMM: How did your family and close friends take it/ welcome the product “Auntie Felicia”? Auntie Felicia: This is quite interest-
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ing because many of my close friends had been pushing for me to do comedy. Somehow they believed I will excel. I think most people tag me “comedian” on first encounter. No matter how intellectual I get, I remained very funny, it would seem. I grew to know this. I don’t think that my friends however, thought I would get into comedy as Auntie Feli. They were expecting more of stand up or me just being myself. So to some, when I started, they did not necessarily believe in it succeeding. I think they knew it would be funny but had reservations about how it would be received by a very conservative society. My family for the most part was very indifferent. I think they were the hardest to convince. They seemed not to care either ways. Now they are my greatest champions. Hahahahah.
Auntie Felicia: First, “Auntie Felicia” is not a representation of women. That would be a terrible misconception. Auntie Felicia is for the most part a fictional character who has been developed by me. There are elements about her that people will like and relate and things people will not like. The goal however is for people to get perspective on the character and for people to laugh. It is not a representation of ‘womanity’ and I don’t think anyone could represent an entire gender with diverse individual differences using just one fictional character. That will just be creating caricatures. SMM: That is very accurate! How do you blend all these activities; work, writing , being “Auntie Felicia” etc?
Auntie Felicia: It’s never truly easy but as I get older I have learned how SMM: Aww lol. What to multitask, how to acwould you tell those on- cept that which I cannot lookers who hold that do, and value co-operyou might be indirectly ation and team work. I criticizing/ making fun have a powerful team for of women in your com- all the spheres where I edy by impersonating operate and so I am able one? to go by. I still have to work on my chronic ten-
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dency to procrastinate. Baby steps. SMM: I procrastinate a lot too. A. LOT!!! Lol. Have you considered collaborating with other big African cross-dressing comedians? Auntie Felicia: I am a fan of collaboration and I think everyday of possible collaborations with other comedians. Not necessarily cross-dressing comedians. I do admire the work of Dave Chapelle, Chris Rock, Trevor Noah, Zics Aloma and many others because I find their content to be outstandingly inspiring. I just want to collaborate with these great talents and not necessarily box myself as a cross-dressing comedian. I am a comedian. SMM: Congratulations on all your success as “Auntie Felicia” though! I see the brand deals and everything. How does this new success change or impact your life? Auntie Felicia: Hahahahaha. I am truly grateful that my work has attracted some very reputable brands from UrPharm, to the US Embassy to Pru-
dential Beneficial, the list goes on. It is quite humbling but I think it speaks to the work, the hardwork and the high standards we hold ourselves to. So I am truly thankful. I think I am more comfortable or getting much more comfortable financially. Hahahah. I am still trying to deal with the attention. I am mostly indoors. And trust me I like outdoors but that seems like impossibility now. Not that I’m complaining. SMM: Hahaha! Not that you’re complaining huh? For any upcoming acts, any advice to the people who want to follow your path. Auntie Felicia: Follow your passion. Think quality over popularity and shock value. Remain humble and have a longterm plan for your passion. Make it sustainable and don’t back down to naysayers. SMM: Thank you so much for this time out your busy schedule Kwoh. We appreciate a lot! Auntie Felicia: No, thank you. I’m flattered! But I wanted to do something more challenging. Something that took me out of my comfort zone.
Connect with Auntie Felicia/Kwoh Elonge on social media: Facebook: Auntie Felicia / Kwoh Elonge Instagram: @felicia_egowururu / @ kwohelonge
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Did you know? That: - On February 28th 1909, the now-dissolved Socialist Party of America organized the first National Women’s Day, which took place on the last Sunday in February? - In 1910, Clara Zetkin—the leader of Germany’s ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party—proposed the idea of a global International Women’s Day, so that people around the world could celebrate at the same time? - On March 19th 1911, the first International Women’s Day was held; more than 1 million people in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark took part? - In 1917 after a women’s protest in Russia for “bread and peace” as a way to protest World War I and advocate for gender parity, the provisional government then granted women in Russia the right to vote? - In 1975, the United Nations—which had dubbed the year International Women’s Year—celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th for the first time. Since then, the UN has become the primary sponsor of the annual event and has encouraged even more countries around the world to embrace the holiday and its goal of celebrating “acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history
of their countries and communities.”? -International Women’s Day is a day of celebration around the world, and an official holiday in dozens of countries. Afghanistan, Cuba, Vietnam, Uganda, Mongolia, Georgia, Laos, Cambodia, Armenia, Belarus, Montenegro, Russia, and Ukraine are just some of the places where March 8th is recognized as an official holiday? -International Women’s Day is a combined celebration with Mother’s Day in several places. In countries such as Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, and Uzbekistan. On this day, children present their mothers and grandmothers with small gifts and tokens of love and appreciation? - In 2011, to honor the centennial of the first International Women’s Day event, President Obama declared the entire month of March “Women’s History Month” in the United States? - Every celebration has a theme? The theme for International Women’s Day, 8th March, 2022 (IWD 2022) is, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all. #breakthebias.
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The New Gender:
My Take on Female Impersonation in Comedy ‘Do you have to impersonate women to be funny?’ A few people have asked me. You know, the occasional stranger in comment sections or the curious friend. It doesn’t surprise me anymore that this question comes up because to some people blurring gender lines is a nonstarter, quite a discomforting undertaking and for some it is not their thing. Curiously however, I came to realize the question is mainly about impersonating the female gender. It might be because of a growing trend. We don’t see much of it happening the other way round. It might be that the male gender might not provide enough comic material. Might not have enough nuance, complexity and layers to it, or that women (female comedians especially) don’t just see the shades of humour that could come from impersonating men in ways that
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I did not get into comedy as a desperado. I wanted to be impactful. To change the game. could bring laughter. Then there’s the other aspect of the uneasiness that many wrap under the muffler of curiosity. That of sexuality. A culture of homophobia means that some people box any form of impersonation of the other gender as an indication of a person’s sexuality. Never mind that this is done for comedic purposes and not necessarily to depict the daily life of the comedian. It is make believe but leave it to the cultural police to superimpose ignorance unto an art form. The puzzle is whether a person’s sexuality makes them funny? I think the answer is evident NO. When I gave myself the freedom to do what has been an eternal itch for
me—comedy, I had to think of what I am bringing to the table. I have never lived as a woman, I have not been an Auntie Felicia and yet, those who know me, will attest to my sense of humour. Many will argue I am funnier as Kwoh Elonge than as Auntie Felicia. But I wanted to bring something fresh to the Cameroon comedic scene. I wanted to take the stage hostage, grab attentions and challenge myself further. It required studying the character I designed, giving it three dimensionality, make it relatable and believable. I felt that our comedy lacked a lot in terms of being relatable. It lacked the type of substance that was authentic and generalizable. Auntie SA MAJESTÉ MAGAZINE 11
Felicia is years of meticulous work, studies, and fine-tuning. From speech patterns, to gesticulation to body expressions, everything is intentional. I did not do comedy as a last resort. Years of hard work has provided me options. For starters, I am completing a PhD, have worked for the government for eleven years and have ample experience in media, communication and public relations. So on paper, at least, I did not get into comedy as a desperado. I wanted to be impactful. To change the game.
I couldn’t believe by my comedy, this became more like evangelism to me
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In 2017, I lost my mother. It is loss I have never truly recovered from. I don’t think it is possible to heal from the stab but we look for healthy ways to cope with the pain. My mom was very much like Auntie Felicia and also very different. So, it is part fiction and part reality. Environment provides most of the inspiration behind the Auntie Felicia narratives. We all can identify a parent, an aunt, a relative, a neighbour who is Auntie Felicia, who carries the essence of the character. My expressions are inspired by my mom. She had a way of talking that was just incredibly hilarious. I had flirted with the idea of writing a memoir with her at the centre. Many friends had urged. But Auntie Felicia felt like the right way to do it. So in many ways in acting her mannerisms, not necessarily her stories, I am getting back a piece of something I lost; the most important person I had.
Though I had been working on several characters to use if I eventually got into comedy, Auntie Felicia started like a joke on a show I cohost—Freaky Table. Then I did a few more jokes and it became a longer joke that turned into comedy. After listening to thousands of stories from fans and people whose lives have been touched in ways I couldn’t believe by my comedy, this became more like evangelism to me. A that brings happiness to people. Every time I think of relenting or laze around, procrastinating, I think of the lady in America who calls me to tell me she’s been out of the country for 26 years and is able to relive experiences of home through Auntie Felicia. I think of the lady battling depression in the UK who tells me daily, my comedy gives her hope, or a friend’s elder brother on life support, who watches Auntie Felicia to bring spark to his life. This is more than come-
dy. It is a life mission. Every mission needs to be sustainable. And that means creating content. I had to think of how to make this sustainable. This required putting together a powerful team of creatives. I call them weirdoes but they are truly geniuses. I also had to think about financial sustainability because let’s face it, that has killed many dreams. My model then was to do comedy that could cut across all age groups, be devoid of po-faced vulgarity and stereotyping so I could attract the right businesses. In three months we have reached more than 40.000 followers on Facebook alone. That’s a milestone, unprecedented especially amongst Anglophone Cameroon artists. It is testament to the realness of what we strive to do and how relatable it is. So far, we have worked with some very reputable institutions and business
like the US Embassy, the Canadian Embassy, etc and signed a multi-million brand ambassador deal with UrPharm Inc. It has not been all milk and honey. A friend once asked me what I think of detractors who constantly want to derail with speculations about my sexuality. Truly, I am unbothered. This is usually a very loud minority that you don’t have to be fazed by them. I just keep going. Doing more. It is how you frustrate bullies. By being focused and succeeding. I think that women are just the best. And this is not lip service but a conviction. Perhaps, just perhaps by me doing this, by me showing the beauty, complexity in the feminine, many will get to understand and respect women more. If this were a lady impersonating a guy, it would have likely be considered cool. I figure this is a direct insult at the female gender as a lesser one. So females are cool if they SA MAJESTÉ MAGAZINE 13
aspire to do the manly but if a man should impersonate females then he is debasing his status. That is complete bullshit to me. My mother was the rock of my family. I should aspire more to her standards than anything else.
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This is more than comedy. It is a life mission.
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What Do Yo
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ou Think Of
“Auntie Felicia” ?
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