About the Tukubum Cultural Festival
Showcasing the cultural heritage of the Bum people, a covenant for peace, unity, and renewal.
The Tukubum Cultural Festival is an annual celebration of the heritage, resilience, and unity of the Bum people of the North West Region of Cameroon. Born from ancient traditions and renewed through modern vision, the festival serves as a bridge between past and future, home and diaspora, culture and peace. It is a time when the people of Bum, along with friends and visitors, gather to celebrate their shared identity through dance, music, art, cuisine, and dialogue.
The Festivals Vision & Mission
In the Jisibumi language, the word Tuku means “Day.”
Tukubum therefore means “The Day of the Bum People.”
Origins and Meaning
The Meaning Behind “Tukubum”
Historically, it referred to a sacred day of agricultural blessing, when the goddess of farming was believed to move across the land to ensure fertility and abundance.
Over time, the name took on a new, symbolic meaning marking the day the Bum people stood for peace and reconciliation during inter-community dialogues.
Today, Tukubum represents both renewal and reconciliation, a day when hearts open, hands join, and the spirit of unity triumphs over division.
Our Core Values
What We Stand For
Bringing together families, clans, and communities around shared traditions.
Healing divisions and renewing dialogue through culture.
Preserving the music, crafts, rituals, and wisdom of our ancestors.
Inspiring youth through cultural knowledge and community pride.
Promoting responsible tourism, local crafts, and economic revival.
The People of Bum
A Proud and Peaceful People
The Bum people, known as the Buma, are custodians of a rich cultural legacy rooted in agriculture, communal life, and spirituality.
Bum Subdivision is made up of eight Fondoms, Bum (central), Sawi, Saff, Jull, Mbuk, Mbamlu, Faat, and Mungong. Each is led by a Fon, supported by notables and traditional councils that ensure peace and harmony
Leadership & Partnerships
Led by Tradition, Strengthened by Partnerships
The festival is organized by the Traditional Rulers of Bum — the Paramount Fon, the College of Fons, Ardos, and Sarikis, in collaboration with the Tukubum Organising Committee. It is supported by government institutions such as the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, and development partners including UNESCO, Great Bum Foundation (GBF), and the Bum diaspora organizations.
Together, We Rise – Bum Ahead, Ahead!
“Tukubum is not just a festival. It is our heartbeat, our heritage, and our hope for tomorrow.”
Join us as we celebrate the beauty of unity and the power of culture. Let’s preserve what our ancestors built and pass it proudly to the next generation.
