The story begins in 2021 when Jack Dunn and Maika Skjonsberg arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon, where Maika had been deployed to work with the UN. An avid hip hop dancer herself, Maika took Jack to one of her classes to take photos, and Jack was quickly infected by the energy and extraordinary skills of the dancers and proposed that they collaborate on a project.
Jack had a rough concept in his back pocket, which involved filming a subject whilst the background shifted and he was convinced that with the diverse styles of dancing and the irresistibly photogenic landscape of Yaounde, they would create something unique. One thing Jack didn’t have was authentic music.
However, Jack was fortunate enough to meet some musicians whilst attending a Hash House Harriers run (which involves running up a mountain and drinking a beer). The musicians introduced him to Keubou Fidele, a producer who had worked with many big names in Cameroon. Keubou agreed to both write and produce the music for the video.
With their combined talents and the beauty of the city as their backdrop, the group crafted the film Yaounde Kwatta Dancers, which recently screened in Yaounde and is now being viewed online all around the world.
