02/15/2026
Memorial Remarks for
Ndi Nkwete Foh Tenkiang (David Tenkiang)
David Tenkiang carried the traditional title of Ndi Nkwete Foh Tenkiang, which means Second in Command in N'veh Chiefdom. He was my Nkwete — my right hand, my number two — and his passing is not only a personal loss, but a deep cultural one for our Chiefdom and for the entire village of Mmuock (Fosimondi).
He was named and popularly known David Muchia, or simply Dmou, because he was my younger brother. Coincidentally, we shared the same chiafie name — I was named after my sister’s husband, and he was named after his mother’s father. Since my sister was taking care of both of us when we were young, they called him Dmou-chia, which means small Chiafie. And I became big Chiafie, because I was his big brother.
David Tenkiang who became Ndi Nkwete Tenkiang till his passing unto eternity, was a father of six and a deeply caring, devoted father to his children and wife and the entire Royal family of Foh Tenkiang. He was loved by everyone, especially because of his joy, his warmth, and his incredible gift for dancing. When it came to Makossa and other modern dances, he was unmatched. He was also a powerful cultural dancer (Asamba, Akohnzang, Ajeng, Kezah-fou, Mengzong) - whenever he stepped onto the floor, he stole the stage. People gathered just to watch him dance. The entire Mmuock community will forever miss him in this aspect but his memories will last for generations.
Beyond his joy, he carried a sacred responsibility.
As Nkwete Foh Tenkiang, he was the one who performed all the traditional duties in my absence. He held the cultural balance of our Chiefdom and our village. He was deeply involved in the secret societies and rituals — everything depended on him.
He grew up beside my late father, who taught him all aspects of our culture. He traveled often to Bangang in the Western Province, to Bafu, Fongo-Tongo, and Bawaju, collecting traditional dues on behalf of my father, who was a chief and a slave master in the old system. Through this, my brother learned responsibility, leadership, and the deep codes of our people.
He lived in the village, but also spent time in Douala and Nkongsamba, where he worked as a butcher. Later, he returned to the village to farm. After some time, he moved to Limbe, where he found work with a contractor for SONEL. When he retired, he decided to settle permanently in Limbe.
In Limbe, he became the cultural pillar of MUDECA-Limbe and N'veh Chiefdom there. He organized Chiefdom and family meetings, led traditions, and did everything he could to preserve and promote the culture of our land, even far from home.
My brother was a happy man. He loved family. He loved people. He had friends of all ages. And above all, he loved to dance. He brought joy wherever he went — to the Royal family of N'veh Chiefdom, to his community, and to everyone who encountered him.
He lived his life fully, with happiness and generosity, until the early morning of January 1st, 2026.
I spoke to him the morning before. He told me he was in the hospital, that he was doing okay, and that he would go home in the evening and take one last drink. I went to bed around 1:30 a.m. here in the United States. When I woke up at 9 a.m., I was told that my brother was no more.
I wish I had time to say goodbye.
I wish I had time to see him again.
Even to give him one pill, two pills — just to feel I did something.
I wish I had time to say bye to my brother.
This experience has taught me something very painful, but very important:
we must live our lives fully, every day.
Because we never know who will leave us, at any moment.
During my New Year’s toast, I thanked God for allowing us to cross into the new year. I said that not everyone made it across — that some people might even be passing at that very second. I never imagined that my own brother would be one of them.
Thank you everyone who has been supporting the the Fotenkeang Royal Family and the people of N'veh Chiefdom.
We truly appreciate your presence, your love, and your prayers.
His funeral program and celebration of life would be made known publicly very soon.
Thank you all.
HRH Chief Fotenkeang
Delaware, USA
