TIPTOPSTARS

Popularly known as K-Town, Kumba, headquarters of Meme division in the South West region of Cameroon is a showbiz haven, at least as far as the English-speaking part of the country is concerned. This is thanks to some dynamic young people amongst them, Ebako Derrick. But unless you call him Drick West, many won’t know you are referring to the multi-talented artist.

Soft-spoken and admirable, the 1.70m-tall actor who hails from the Barfaw tribe is a film actor, director, writer, poet, singer, fine artist and gives every reason for Cameroon to be proud of such a talented and illustrious son. “Nature is my first source of inspiration,” he told TIPTOPSTARS in his home town Kumba recently.

It is this inspiration that has made Ebako tick for more than two decades during which time he taken part in several music projects and either featured or directed films including Who is responsible, Infidelity & the Betrayer, Vengeance in K-Town, Hidden Killer, Assarori, Maleya Mitoti, My Wife Your Mother and Take a Chance. He also featured in Joe walkie’s Sacrament, the first ever movie produced in partnership with Nollywood in Kumba, starring Emmanuel Franz, Alenne Menget and Maru Gatscaya.

For one thing, Drick west uses his good English articulation, fluency and mastery of lines to attract his audience. “He is a great actor and I enjoy working with him,” this writer remembers Maru Gatscaya, one of Kumba’s most renowned filmmakers telling him some time ago. West confirms that his fans have been a great booster to him. “The crowd around me each time I’m caught walking along the streets of K-Town,” he revealed.

Drick West who still boils with vigour aims high and has much in store for his fans. He love watching movies, reading and would always be caught swimming. Out of the pool, you would always find him stylishly dressed in some spectacular “showbiz” outfit.