SCOR MAGAZINE – L’âme d’une diaspora, la force d’un héritage

Dans ce nouveau numéro de SCOR MAGAZINE, nous vous invitons à un véritable voyage au cœur d’une diaspora africaine vibrante, résiliente et profondément engagée. À travers des récits authentiques, des analyses tranchantes et des portraits inspirants, notre équipe vous propose un regard neuf sur les enjeux et les réussites qui façonnent notre communauté à travers le monde.

Découvrez l’histoire fascinante de Simon Bell, figure emblématique au parcours légendaire. Plongez dans l’univers engagé de Franck Ghislain Onguene, qui décrypte avec lucidité l’état critique du football camerounais. Laissez-vous surprendre par l’art capillaire mis en lumière par Vivi Jo, un hommage à la beauté et à la créativité afro.

Côté saveurs, Pamsi’s Delicacies vous emmène à la découverte de la richesse culinaire camerounaise à Sydney, tandis que Wax Dey nous partage les coulisses de l’ascension fulgurante de l’Afropop sur la scène mondiale. Et pour finir, ne ratez pas notre focus sur Darwin en feu, l’événement phare de ce mois, ainsi que la chronique percutante d’Eric Cyr sur les réalités migratoires.

SCOR MAGAZINE, c’est bien plus qu’un magazine. C’est une voix. La vôtre. La nôtre.

Bonne lecture !

SCOR MAGAZINE – The Soul of a Diaspora, the Strength of a Legacy

In this new issue of SCOR MAGAZINE, we invite you on a journey through the heart of a vibrant, resilient, and deeply committed African diaspora. Through powerful stories, sharp analysis, and inspiring portraits, our team offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and achievements shaping our global community.

Dive into the inspiring journey of Simon Bell, a legendary figure whose story transcends generations. Read Franck Ghislain Onguene’s bold take on the urgent need to reform Cameroonian football. Be moved by Vivi Jo’s exclusive piece on hair artistry as a tool of identity and creativity.

On the culinary side, Pamsi’s Delicacies shares the rich flavors of Cameroonian cuisine from Sydney. Music icon Wax Dey reveals the secret behind Afropop’s global breakthrough, while Darwin en feu promises to be the standout event of May. Finally, don’t miss Cyr Eric’s compelling column on migration issues.

SCOR MAGAZINE is more than just a magazine. It’s a voice. Yours. Ours.

Happy reading!

Technological Innovations in Visual Journalism

By Sylvain Kwambi

Once constrained by heavy, costly equipment requiring complex technical setups, journalism has evolved significantly thanks to technological advancements. Visual journalism, which relies on capturing, processing, and disseminating visual information, has experienced groundbreaking progress that not only facilitates the work of reporters but also enhances the quality and responsiveness of news imagery like never before. The early 2010s marked a turning point in this transformation, particularly with the rise of drones, mobile journalism (MoJo), and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations have opened new possibilities in image capture, accessibility, and content processing. This article explores these technological breakthroughs, highlighting their impact on visual journalism.

Drones have revolutionised visual journalism by providing spectacular aerial shots at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Before their democratisation, journalists had to rely on helicopters or cranes, both expensive and logistically demanding options. By the early 2010s, media organisations began adopting high-definition camera-equipped drones. In 2013, the BBC and CNN used them to cover conflicts and natural disasters. In 2016, the FAA introduced regulations to govern drone usage, further facilitating their adoption. By the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, drones had become a staple, offering unprecedented panoramic views.

Drones enable journalists to access difficult or dangerous areas while providing innovative perspectives. Thanks to technological advancements, they now offer superior image stabilisation and real-time transmission, enhancing viewer immersion. However, their use presents challenges: regulations vary by country, and restricted flight zones exist. Additionally, privacy concerns remain a significant issue. Despite these constraints, drones have established themselves as an essential tool in modern journalism, with promising future developments.

Mobile journalism, or MoJo, involves using smartphones and mobile tools to film, edit, and broadcast reports in real time. This shift has been made possible by advancements in smartphone camera technology and the development of powerful editing applications.

MoJo gained traction in 2014 when Swedish broadcaster SVT produced the first iPhone-based news reports. By 2016, the BBC had launched a training program to teach its journalists how to create content using smartphones, granting them greater autonomy in the field. The primary advantage of MoJo is portability: a smartphone equipped with a stabiliser and a lavalier microphone is sufficient to produce professional-quality videos. Apps like LumaFusion and Filmic Pro enable fast editing, significantly reducing production time.

MoJo also facilitates real-time broadcasting via platforms such as Facebook Live and YouTube Live, making news more immediate and interactive. However, it has limitations, particularly regarding image quality in low-light conditions and credibility concerns. Despite these challenges, MoJo has become an indispensable tool, especially for digital media and social networks.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in visual journalism by streamlining content analysis, editing, and automated distribution. Since 2018, tools like Reuters’ Lynx Insight have enabled journalists to process vast amounts of visual and textual data efficiently, optimising their workflow.

AI is also being used for image creation and manipulation through software such as DALL·E and MidJourney, although these technologies raise ethical concerns regarding misinformation and visual credibility. Additionally, AI enhances video quality by stabilising footage, up-scaling resolutions, and generating automatic subtitles. In 2022, NBC News implemented a real-time subtitle system, improving accessibility for a wider audience.

Despite these advancements, AI-driven journalism poses challenges related to verification and ethics. Journalists must remain vigilant about image authenticity and the risks of manipulation. While AI represents a revolution in visual journalism, its use must be carefully regulated to maintain information reliability.

Technological innovations have profoundly transformed visual journalism, equipping reporters with more efficient and accessible tools. The rise of drones, the development of mobile journalism, and the integration of artificial intelligence have enabled visual journalists to become more autonomous, swift, and effective. However, these advancements also bring challenges, particularly concerning regulation and journalistic ethics.

In an era where visual content plays a crucial role in news dissemination, these technologies will continue to evolve, constantly redefining the practices of visual journalism.

Photo: https://journalismcentral.com/?p=1152

Media and Social Networks: How the Journalist Must Stand Out from the Influencer

By Sylvain Kwambi

The rise of social media has profoundly transformed journalistic practices, changing the way information is disseminated, produced, and consumed. Real-time coverage of events has become increasingly popular, thanks to formats like short videos and tweets. This spontaneity has reduced the time it takes to transmit information while democratising its production, with citizens contributing to journalism through platforms like Twitter or Instagram. Social media has also changed the economic models of media, with a loss of advertising revenue to platforms like Facebook and Google, pushing newspapers to adapt through digital subscriptions or collaborations.

Unlike an influencer, who focuses on creating engaging content, often with commercial motivations, a good journalist distinguishes themselves through several key elements that reflect integrity, rigor, and responsibility in handling information. Here are six elements that should mark this distinction:

1-Objectivity and Impartiality:

image: https://izea.com/resources/journalists-and-news-influencers/1

A journalist strives to present facts in a balanced way, without bias. The goal is to inform precisely and comprehensively, giving voice to all parties involved. In contrast, an influencer may have marked personal opinions and express subjective judgements, often influenced by commercial partnerships or a specific audience.

2-Fact-Checking:

Image: https://centrafriquecheck.org/centrafrique-check-celebre-la-journee-internationale-du-fact-checking/

Journalists follow strict protocols for verifying information before dissemination, cross-checking sources and validating data. Influencers, on the other hand, may sometimes spread unverified or sensational information for the sake of attractive content, without the same level of rigor.

3-Professional Ethics:

Image : https://nationalpress.org/topic/why-journalism-ethics-need-a-major-reckoning-too/

A good journalist adheres to a code of ethics, which includes transparency about sources, avoiding conflicts of interest, and respecting individuals’ privacy. Influencers, while they may have personal ethics, are not held to the same professional standards, and their relationships with brands can influence the way they communicate.

4-Depth of Analysis:

Image: https://www.bark.us/blog/social-media-influencers/

A journalist’s work involves an in-depth analysis of the subjects they cover, providing an informed and thoughtful perspective. Influencers, in their communication, often prioritise lighter, entertaining, or promotional content, with a lack of deep critical analysis.

5-Social Responsibility:

image: https://shorensteincenter.org/building-compelling-value-propositions-for-digital-media-subscriptions-and-memberships/

A journalist is aware of their role in society and considers the consequences of their words on the public. They aim to enlighten readers on social, political, or economic issues. While influencers also have an impact on their audience, their approach is more entertainment-oriented or product promotion-focused, and they may sometimes neglect the social impact of their messages.

6-Long-Term Commitment:

Image: www.freepik.com

A journalist typically works in a sustainable manner, building long-term credibility with their audience. This includes a relationship of trust and respect, based on the quality and consistency of their work. Influencers, on the other hand, may be more focused on immediate success and engagement with their community on specific platforms, sometimes with a more opportunistic approach.

Work: The path to success

By Sylvain Kwambi

Working diligently is a crucial element in achieving success and building a fulfilling life. Consistent effort and dedication can lead to personal growth and the realisation of one’s goals. Productivity at work and achieving your ideal life involves conscious effort and positive habits.

These results can be observed with small changes in daily routines that can yield significant improvements in both areas. A balanced approach to work and personal time creates a foundation for overall well-being.

To achieve this, the public authorities have a crucial involvement through social policies. Supportive governmental policies can play a significant role in fostering a productive work environment.

Social protection, labour law, regulation of activities, public health policies, quality of public transport, education and training are among other important areas which must be at the heart of the government’s concerns. These measures can create opportunities for individuals to thrive and contribute to society.

Focusing on priorities and managing time effectively are key elements of success. Remember that personal growth and professional achievements often complement each other.

Feature image: Reflecting on the value of hard work. Photo: Sylvain Kwambi

Kocee’s powerful reflection on life and death

By Sylvain Kwambi


Cameroonian artist Kocee’s consistency is revealed once again on this release which combines beautiful musical sounds with a painting of society described in simple words.
Stranger, featuring the Ivorian artist KS Bloom, shows the universality of the message.
The beginning of the clip is freaking out, given the mysterious setting that reminds us of “Thriller” by pop icon Micheal Jackson, before contrasting with subsequent scenes. From the first words, the clip immerses us into a universe of normal family life but incomprehensibly combines with images that refer to kind of afterlife, out of step with the narrative.

Then KS Bloom comes in, which unlike the previous scenes, presents a different scenario, a little more in tune with the narrative.

Nevertheless, the festive celebration of the death of a loved one by loved ones shows us that “all of us are strangers on this earth”, and that whatever our social status during life, all this will remain on this earth at the moment of our departure, because we’ll not take anything away.

Featured image: KS Bloom (centre, left) and Kocee in the Stranger video. Photo: YouTube

5 key rules for driving tests

By Sylvain Kwambi

Getting ready for your driving test can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you’ll be hitting the road with confidence in no time. Whether you’re a first-time driver or retaking the test, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

Common mistakes to essential tips, here are five key rules you need to pass your driving test on the first try.

No.1: Take control

Adopt a positive attitude which will help you to break down fear, stay focused, and be relaxed during the driving test. This requires good sleeping the night before, not consuming alcohol or any form of drugs, and carefully reviewing the questions.

No.2: Know what to expect

During the exam, many skills will be required from you by the examiner, and knowing how to react is crucial. Knowing the rules is imperative, as well as a good assessment of the different scenarios you will face on the road.

No.3: Don’t forget anything

Fear on the exam’s day can play tricks on us, and forgetting is one of them. We must make sure that we bring with us the required documents. The advice is to gather your paperwork in a safe place the day before.

No.4: Check your blind spot

This practice is often neglected by learners, who are concentrating on the steering wheel with their eyes focused on the road ahead. And yet, beyond the road rules, it’s one of the keys of safe driving. Before entering the road, changing lanes or negotiating a turn, it’s essential to check your blind spots. To do this, you must look to the left and/or right of your shoulders after checking your mirrors, before taking any initiative on the road.

No.5: Have a good attitude

When facing the examiner, you must not lose control. You must remain serious during the evaluation process, polite and respectful. Don’t try to impress him by going too quickly, take your time to evaluate all situations and be ready to anticipate.

Remember, the examiner is not your enemy, they are simply examining your ability to drive safely.

Featured image: An examiner explains what will happen before hitting the road. Photo: Oregon Department of Transportation/CC/Wikimedia Commons

Press Freedom: Cornerstone of Democracy and Good Governance in the World

By Sylvain Kwambi

In many countries, press freedom is threatened by restrictive laws, direct censorship, or physical intimidation. Journalists and media outlets that dare to criticise the ruling power often face legal action, arrests, and even physical violence.

According to the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, countries like Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands stand out for respecting this freedom. On the other hand, countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are among the most repressive, where journalists are often imprisoned, and media is tightly controlled by authorities. African states are no exception.

For example, between January 2023 and October 2024, journalists Martinez Zogo (Cameroon), Ismail al-Ghoul (Palestine), and Victoria Roshchyna (Ukraine) were killed under tragic circumstances. Since 1992, CPJ has recorded 2,367 journalist deaths, including murders, crossfire casualties, and other dangerous assignments with confirmed motives. These incidents underscore the significant risks journalists face worldwide in their pursuit of reporting the truth.

One of the fundamental principles of press freedom is the independence of the media. However, often subject to economic or political pressures, they become unable to fulfil their mission. And yet as the fourth estate, helps oversee political power, a crucial role to democracy, ensuring transparency, informing citizens, and holding governments accountable.

It is therefore crucial that governments, international organisations, and civil society work together to protect and promote press freedom through clear legislation that guarantees freedom of expression and access to information, while also protecting journalists from physical and psychological attacks.

Freedom of expression is not only a right for journalists but for all citizens. With the rise of social media and digital platforms worldwide, the spread of misinformation has become a major challenge for press freedom.

Defending this freedom is essential for the health of democracy, for the balance of powers, and for the preservation of human rights worldwide.

Photo: socialstudieshelp.com