Farewell to a Maestro, Fomanka Tumbu Bartholomew aka Careca,
I can only sigh saying; it went by awfully fast my dear friend and brother, Careca. You gave none of us the opportunity to exchange last minute pleasantries and final adieus. It is simply unbelievable to accept this terrible news splashed across headlines on the internet. Like many of your fans, I sat here slack-jawed reading the eye-popping remarks posted on facebook. Bottom-line; a dynamic fellow with unlimited potentials succumbs to God’s summons to come Home. An authoritative voice falls silently precipitously; a great heart stops suddenly following His order. A cradle of affirmative and inspirational energy is committed back to eternity from where he came. A chivalrous soldier of the Cross of Hope has returned to be with his beloved Father in heaven. It is with gratitude yet paralyzing despair that we mourn the fleeting of a path blazing young man. We are devastated by the crushing demise of an institution of a man; Fomanka Tumbu Batholomew.
This enterprising, vivacious, funny, and Jesus-loving Fiango man will be missed in our hearts forever. A true brother, a dear, dear friend and a quintessential Kumba Boy transitions to the other side of glory. What a loss! A truly beautiful soul expires; the deafening roar of a lion fades away in the morning sun. The anointed iron man of God fought hard but failed this time to conquer the merciless wrath of death.
Kumba is bereaved. The whole of Cameroon is poorer because of this great loss of one of her finest. Though it was a rather short one but Boy, without a doubt you lived a life full of wonders and glory. As you have forced me to ponder on my own mortality, I can say you lived your life gratifyingly. You accomplished a lot in your short sojourn on earth; I am sure you will accomplish more in heaven. You had a rare tenacity and determination to reach for the Olympus in whatever task you enlisted.
The fond memories we shared will be cherished for the balance of my own days loaned me by God.
You were the kind of steadfast friend who knows the truest meaning of loyalty like a US Marine. I thank our heavenly Father for the privilege, however briefly, to be able to call you a friend.
O Tholo, you not only left oversized footprints in the sands of time but the footprints are etched in stone. Back in the day in Petit CCASK, you pushed us to the limits to dance break dance and Zaiko Langa Langa.
A first-rate ‘sappeur’, you used to raise your trousers above your navel like Joe Bala and Papa Wemba. You called yourself griffeur with fondness for Maurice Emdé,Charles Jourdant, Opanka sandals etc
You were known for your flamboyant personality with a ribald ‘njakri’ and zest for the finer things in life. Your skills, competitive ferocity, sportsmanship ratcheted up the Under 16 soccer games in Town Green.
Your most remarkable memory is cutting ‘docky’ for the multitude drunk from the high of Falling Bush.
The economic safety and hope you brought to many families trapped in impossibilities is extraordinary. Because of the Marshall Plan you gave them, these fellows will always wear broad smiles in your honor. Your tireless and often thankless sacrifices to the less privileged will be rewarded by the Man above. If you can hear me, I must tell you that you were a gift of all seasons and the right reasons.
May the Angels of the Lord receive your virtuous soul with red carpet, confetti and rose petals thrown. I will be wearing a black wrist band in your memory, my departed childhood friend and brother.
May you find eternal rest with Him, Tholo; I will never forget the wonderful person you were. As a fellow traveler in life cascading the valley of sorrow, a step at a time I promise to join you soon. What can I say? You will forever be sorely missed and I know in the right time we will be reuniting again. Boy, we will definitely meet again and as usual I am sure your welcoming arms will be wide open.
Good night to you Tholo, until when we shall gather to depart no more. Everlastingly, H. Bate AGBOR-BAIYEE (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio- USA)