Creates New Images for African Children In African Historical Fiction
Interview With Pamela Anchang, Editor, The Immigrant Magazine
TIM, Art & Entertainment, Book Review, Pamela Anchang
Cameroonian born is an actress, author, and CEO of the Indie production house African Pictures International. She has appeared in several international movies including One Night in Vegas, and ‘Black November‘. Referred to as “Young Oprah” by Cameroonian singer Said Barah in one of his songs called Sahndra Fon Dufe, she is an inspiration to many talented young women in Africa. In an interview with The Immigrant Magazine, she shares more about her vision and how she is succeeding in crafting her own path in this often daunting industry.
Who is Sahndra Fondufe?
I am a young African woman from Cameroon, with a driven mind and an open heart. I seek to make an impact in the world around me through my artistic gifts, which is why I chose to pursue a career in writing and acting. Because I love what I do and have pure intentions, I believe I can use my talents to inspire people all over Africa in particular, and the world in general to follow their purpose and rediscover themselves.
How would you describe your journey from childhood to the great artist that you are today?
Interesting. I wouldn’t say I have reached the highest level of my journey yet, but to answer your question, I was born in Cameroon, where I spent most of my life. I went to Lourdes College for seven years. Those years were very formative. I was lucky to fit into different peer groups: the dancers, the writers and poets, the singers, the cool kids and even the uncool kids. I soon came to realize that I was good with people, and I could relate with them irrespective of where they were from or what language they spoke. I later went to the University of Buea where I studied law and journalism. I had such a blast in ‘Uni’ and I got to even widen my artistic talents in all departments. I danced professionally for a hip-hop group and dabbled with acting and event hosting. I soon moved to LA where I attended the New York Film Academy. As soon as I graduated, I got my first role on a small indie movie with a shoestring budget. Several movie roles, commercials, and an Amazon bestselling book later, here I am, working on expanding the brand.
What inspired you to become a writer?
A need to be heard. I had a message… I still do. I want young African children to read an African book as their first book, and watch an African animation as their Elmo. I want them to know Bimpe or Sakah or any African name as their Barney or Scooby Doo. The amount of self-hate in the adult community that leads to issues like skin bleaching etc., stems directly from a lack of representation at the early stages of growth. That’s where I come in. It’s my vision to change that in my lifetime, and maybe I am asking for too much, but that’s what I’ve felt personally, and I seek to implement it through my voice and collective efforts.
Your latest book “YEFON” will be released soon. What is it about?
At face value, it’s the story of a young girl who goes against all odds to pursue an education, in a 1940s village where education for women is banned by native law and customs. The upcoming children’s book is an adaptation from the adult book “Yefon”: The Red Necklace, which is the first part of a trilogy.
The story inspires the young African child to find their inner “Yefon”, an acronym, which stands for Young, Empowered, Focused, Original, and Nurturing. In conclusion, “Yefon” is a movement, which seeks to create young superwomen.
Is “Yefon” a universal experience or is it a personal journey about your life?
I think fear is a universal illusion. So, yes. “Yefon” is a universal experience. It urges readers to find their inner “Yefon” like I aforementioned. It takes courage to embark on a journey like that… any journey at all: making a decision to become a doctor, a scientist, a business owner, even to have a child, any of that stuff.
It’s important to dissolve fear to get to the highest level, so yes.
As a multi-talented artist, what else does Sahndra do?
In addition to writing, I act movies and host a video blog every Wednesday on YouTube. I am also an activist and speaker for women’s rights and education.
My vision…. Hmmm… I would say my vision is to turn “Yefon” into a mega successful, profitable franchise that will provide jobs and opportunities for talented minority artists, and equally serve as a platform to support all-round education for children who don’t have the opportunity just as “Yefon” did.
On a more personal note, it is my vision to inspire others through all my platforms to discover and pursue their purposes, and fall in love with themselves, flaws and all.
What is your message to others who like you aspire to accomplish their dreams?
Be proactive and focused. People don’t understand what focus means. It means narrowing your mind, and ignoring every other factor and just paying attention to that one thing that you want. It’s hard, possibly but it’s doable. Don’t believe me? That’s fine too. Also, I think you must practice long and hard to perfect your craft. You only get paid what you’re worth out here in these streets.
LOL. In three words, just do it, consistently.
What are your hobbies?
I love cooking, traveling, reading and spending time with my best friends discussing about everything and nothing. Our chats go from talking about a random ant walking by to the state of the human mind. Trust me, you want to be a roach on the wall to listen (not that I have roaches In my house lol) but, you get the point, I love them. Lol.
But seriously, I love hanging out with my friends because our conversations are seldom about who is wearing what and other mundane stuff. I literally always walk away conversations with my friends with new knowledge. And that is fast climbing to the top of my hobby list.
How can readers purchase a copy of “Yefon”?
You can buy a signed copy from my website, www.sahndrafondufe.com. You can also order it from Amazon by just entering YEFON: The Red Necklace. The Children’s Book will be launched on November 7 in North Hollywood.
The address is: 10842 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601, from 4pm to 9pm.
If you would like to RSVP for this event, please kindly click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yefon-childrens-book-launch-booktour-fundraiser-tickets-18837655936
The book will be available online for sale on both platforms after the launch.
What can we expect from you in the near future?
Legendary Success. LOL. (Kidding but not kidding).
(Wollup, wollup!) Thanks a lot for the interview, and thanks to all of you who stopped by to read. You could have been watching “Empire” instead. LOL. But for real, I appreciate it. If you want to connect, you can do so @sahndrafondufe on Instagram and Twitter, and www.facebook.com/sahndrafondufeofficial on Facebook.
You can also visit my website at: www.sahndrafondufe.com and connect with me on my video blog at www.youtube.com/afrikangirlanswers.
And for the book lovers, you can order a signed copy of my book from my website. For bookings and enquiries, contact: iistarmgmt@gmail.com.
Peace out.