The outgoing Italian Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Filippo Scammacca Del Murgo, has described Cameroonian artists as some of the most talented in the world. He made this statement during an audience granted to him by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mpkpwatt, on October 24 at the Conviviality Hall of the National Museum. This audience was part of a series of farewell meetings as Ambassador Filippo concluded his four-year diplomatic mission in Cameroon.
When asked by journalists to appraise Cameroon-Italian relations during his tenure, HE Filippo stated that it was not his place to give an official assessment. However, he shared his personal observation that Cameroon possesses a wealth of talented artists—a level of artistic endowment few countries can boast. He emphasised that this artistic prowess is a quality of human capital that should not be neglected. In his view, Cameroon has many highly talented young people who deserve greater recognition, not only from abroad but, most importantly, from within the country.
The diplomat expressed his great appreciation for the work Cameroonian artists have produced on a practical level, spanning visual arts, music, and theatre. He specifically highlighted Cameroonian painters, whom he described as fantastic, even if they are not yet widely known internationally. He confirmed that Italy recognises Cameroon’s significant capacity in the artistic domain, which encompasses both major arts and new technologies.
“You have this talent that needs to be better recognised,” he noted, adding that Cameroon will participate for the third time in the finals of an award and a major exposition in the field of contemporary arts. The diplomat also acknowledged the remarkable foundation laid by the prominent Cameroonian-born curator Koyo Kouoh, who was designated to be the Contemporary Arts Commissioner of the Venice Biennale 2026 before her unfortunate passing in May of this year. From his perspective, those in the arts should invest a little more effort in perfecting their work to meet international standards, thereby attracting more investors and partners to help project their extraordinary talents.
Ambassador Filippo commended the great work being done by Minister Bidoung Mkpwatt to develop and implement government policies for the arts and heritage sectors. This includes supporting artists and organisations, preserving cultural heritage, promoting cultural expression, and creating platforms where artists can showcase their creativity and exhibit their artworks. In a symbolic conclusion to the meeting, the Minister presented Ambassador Filippo with a sculpture. The Minister added that the ministry is open for a visit anytime, highlighting that in Cameroonian tradition, official functions may end, but fraternity does not.
By Solange Tegwi