Ismaël Bidoung Mkpatt is indeed at the centre of an ironic challenge launched by young journalist Dariche Nedhi on his Facebook page.
The idea is to take a photograph spoofing the highly reverential salute of the Minsep (also known as Mini pampam, based on his comedy persona in the 90’s) to the President Paul Biya.
Last Thursday indeed, during the reception for the Indomitable Lionesses given by Paul Biya at the Palais de l’Unité, Ismaël Bidoung Mkpatt nailed it by holding his hand out to the president, his head bowed in an ostentatious fashion and his feet at least 3 metres away from his boss.
The parody gave way to all kinds of positions to show one’s “profound respect” for the person greeted. Since Saturday, internet users from various walks of life (artists, sports people, journalists, etc.) have been stretching their imagination to join the “kowtow” movement or “Bidoung Mkpatt Challenge”.
Photos and videos have thus been shared to demonstrate the fantastic salutes. A business is even being developed; for tee-shirts printed with #BidoungMkpattChallenge. For the moment, the winner of this politically incorrect game has not yet been declared. The original is probably unbeatable…
M.N.M.