Pioneer Years in Song
On behalf of the MAGGSOSA Pioneers, Neba Michael, a fourth batch pioneer recalls the first few years of GHS Mamfe in poem and song. Neba relieves the and invokes the memory of the Nightingale Choir, he once conducted and composed some of her music. In this setting, Neba remixes the melody of Nupa Simplice’s “We were one when the white man came with his big sense” with harmonious tones, specially composed to chant, home a story. You may play the audio and sing along.
Where were you
When Grammar School Mamfe started
In nineteen sixty-nine?
We were there
When Grammar School Mamfe started
In nineteen sixty-nine
We came
In numbers, all genders
both students and formators,
From West and East Cameroon.
In numbers, all genders
both students and formators,
From West and East Cameroon.
We had Ako-Arrey Samson
As Pioneer Principal.
Our first classrooms were
in Government School – Egbe-Kaw.
Before we move on
to our new home located in Mile One,
Constructed by CABULCO.
Long distance treks to school
In the heat, no water at times,
We focused on our mission.
Then the sad story of Victor’s death in Manyu River.
And still we moved on,
with zeal and confidence
We gained truth and wisdom –
The grace of devoted teachers.
Sanctions from Pa Ngwa Hans,
A soothing campus to study in,
Landscaped by Pa Ndenge.
We had a beautiful lifestyle on Campus!
Flavoured with Sports and Morning Prayers,
Food for the body and spirit.
With the Nightingale Choir
We expressed gratitude
To God and the Nation in songs.
Through traditional dances
In the cultural club,
We upheld the heritage of our land.
“Who well”, performed by the Drama Club,
Show-cased our life style beyond Mamfe Town.
The love of dear mothers, we recall
who fed us each day
with begniet, rice and beans,
How could we not excel!
In the years ahead we witnessed,
First graduates of the school
In nineteen seventy-four.
Then came in Seventy-five
Principal Joseph Wambo
With a new dynamism:
A generator, water system, dormitories on campus.
The football field, tennis court, movies on Campus.
The infirmary for our welfare.
Lunch for all, on special feast days.
At the helm of this new dynamism,
Came the second cycle with the prestigious name
Government High School Mamfe x3
O yea, O yes!
Government High School Mamfe x3
O yea, O yes!
Yes! we were there,
When grammar school Mamfe started
In nineteen sixty-nine.