Blaise B and the Case of the Dress Code

I’ve always thought that Cameroonians have a problem with obeying rules and regulations. I’m not sure if it is a natural inclination to chaos or a genetic penchant for insubordination or, perhaps even, a political statement to the powers that be, stating that since we cannot unseat you, we will run around like a headless chicken... metaphorically, and not figuratively speaking.

Whatever it is, it has destroyed us more than it has helped us. Sometimes chaos leads to order afterwards but in our case, our disregard for simple rules has led to accidents (when a bike runs a red light) or to a few people profiting from the whole chaos while the rest of us sink under. With no hope in sight.

Take the “Saving Mbango” movie premiere for example. Most of us have seen how much work EMBI Productions, under the stewardship of Stephanie Tum has put into the build-up of the movie premiere. Not only did the movie get top sponsorship, but EMBI productions has been churning out valuable content on social media that has been teaching a lot of people who follow that page, so much about the movie industry in Cameroon. Bang my head against the wall as much as I can, I cannot remember any other production house that has done that.

All this to say that the premiere of “Saving Mbango” was a well-thought, well-prepared event.

And so it was for that reason that one of the things that went into the thought process for the event was how guests ought to be dressed. No doubt because the producers and all who worked on the movie wanted to give a certain image to the premiere, especially since, inevitably, pictures would end up on social media.

And so they asked that all those who would come for the premiere follow a certain dress code. I remember it was described as “native chic,” or something of that sort. Simple. No fluff, no extra fat. Just NATIVE CHIC.

But here comes his vocal highness, Blaise B. Oga was decked out in a pair of shorts, tee-shirts and sports shoes, looking like he was going for a backyard summer poolside barbecue. I mean, we would first have to have the summer. Pascal came out like he was going for an album photoshoot. But in the face of Blaise B’s conspicuous accoutrement, we can even forgive Pascal… just a little bit.

I have seen a few photos of the event and everyone else in those photos respected the dress code. Eliane Achu of 237exclusive for example, did so, looking quite regal, and even Kwoh Elonge of Unfiltered. Turns out he dresses as good as he rights. Good for him, because I was quite sceptical.

Guys, there are no two ways to say it; Blaise B coming going to that premiere in his vous voulons shorts is just downright disrespectful. I know some people might come with the argument “oh, he’s an artist, and they are usually edgy people.”

Well, you can still be edgy and follow the dress code. And besides, there is nothing edgy about short, tee-shirts and a pair of sports. I wear that to sleep when I want to exercise in my dreams. And he had the effrontery to even pose for the camera, and with a wry smile.

I understand that we live in a culture where themed parties are not really that much of a thing and people usually think those who do such are either bougie, or trying to act bougie. Personally, I have broken a few dress code rules myself. I generally don’t like people telling me how to dress, especially when the party itself doesn’t warrant a dress code.

I was once invited to an all-white birthday party for a baby’s one-year-old birthday party. First of all, I think those parties do not make any sense because the baby in question will not remember anything. So I decided to skip out, much to the displeasure of my cousin who invited me, and to that of my imaginary girlfriend who lives for such nonsense.

Best believe if I were to go for the “Saving Mbango” premiere though, I would follow the dress code, and gladly so. Especially with how much work was put into the awareness campaign. The occasion definitely warrants it.

Blaise B should have known better than to appear like that. Looking like a tour guide on the Machu Picchu.

- Wandji Wilfred

📸: Joan Ngomba

. **The figurative meaning of “to run around like a headless chicken” means to appear to be busy while really not doing or accomplishing anything.