In Cameroon, most parents are so concerned and sometimes choose careers for their children. But this is not the case with Ngowe Esimo Bake. At just 16, he has turned his passion for videography and cinematography into a career.
Entertainment is at its peak in Africa; a multi-million dollar industry that has uplifted so many economies in Africa. This industry has made big names in the likes of Daphne Njie, Stanley Enow, Wizkid Dayo, Davido, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Mic Monsta, and a host of others, all sharing content that transports the African culture to the rest of the world.
Not long ago, while swapping from one WhatsApp status to another, from contacts to contacts, a certain video grabbed my attention.
In that status video, I noticed a teen with a LUMIX Panasonic Gh5; directing a music video of an up and coming artist. Who gives such an expensive camera to a kid? I pondered.
But I was shocked to the bones after a little background check.
Esimo has a drive and passion for video directing and advertising. He believes he will become one of Africa’s best video directors just like his elder brother, Dr Nkeng Stephens.
Dr Nkeng Stephens is a multi-award-winning creative director, self-taught, and one of Africa’s leading creative directors. He has directed more than a thousand music videos and a dozens of short films.
“Growing up in the presence of a creative and mentor like Dr Nkeng will automatically push you to be a productive and focus driven person,” said the form 5 student.
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| Dr Nkeng Stephens of CPE |
“First, we had a little camera at home. So whenever my brother goes to work, I stay back at home, record, and try to edit my impoverished videos at that time. So When my brother saw I had a passion for video editing and cinematography, he offered me a gift, the most beautiful I had prayed for–my first ever editing computer,” Esimo narrates.
‘’At 14, I paid undivided attention to my brother’s work ethics and how he shoots and edits videos. I would grab a seat and sit close to his work station, watching the screen like forex traders watch signals. That’s how my interest and passion for cinematography kept burgeoning. He taught me how to play with the gimbal and various angles to get the perfect shot and when to take another shot,’’ Esimo told us.
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| Esimo shooting and directing. Behind the scene |
Esimo has shot and edited 8 official music videos for up and coming artists in the likes of Ki$kid, Marc Cedric, Mboko Prince, Kiddy penamboko, Stankis Stunner, Vaako, and Ziggy.
“I’m open to working with Cameroonian artists: I charge 500,000 for a dope music videos.”
Esimo is a valid specimen of what an African teen should be, especially in this digital age where everyone needs a digital skill.
What are you waiting for? Contact Esimo on +237 680-010-084 for your next video shoot.
Written by Sama Tanya of Bequadi
Watch Music Videos Shoot by Esimo