This newly edited volume, Bali Nyonga Today covers about thirty years
of (1985-2015) developments in Bali Nyonga, Cameroon. Already
well-established as a city-state prior to German colonization in the
19th century, Bali Nyonga continues to adapt to national and
global changes since its incorporation into the modern state of
Cameroon. With fresh contributions from 12 leading scholars, this volume
covers a wide variety of themes and issues including; geographical and
historical updates on Chamba migration and settlement in its present
homeland in Northwestern Cameroon, an in-depth description of Bali
Nyonga cultural associations within the country and the Bali diaspora in
the United States, the coexistence of traditional and modern religious
worldviews, traditional medicinal practices and life-cycle rituals of
significance. Of noteworthy are two chapters devoted to Mungaka, the
language of the Balis and its revival in the context of new language
policies and developments in African linguistic. Spiced with numerous
photos, many of which have never been published, the book is a welcome
addition to studies in contemporary African history, culture and
society.