The climax moment of the annual ritual cycle (thedeath and the birth of the year) is the Abine-Mfor which is performed every December by the Bafutpeople to celebrate and glorify the following events:
a. The bloodless revolution that toppled Chief Nebachi of Mbebili.
b. The covenant at Nsani-Akaa between Feurlu and
Mbebeli people recognizing Feurlu as the only traditional chief of Mbebili after the overthrow and subsequent suicide of Chief Nebachi. A shrine commemorating this event is located in Nsani Akaa Mbebili.
c. The union of Mbebili and Bukari villages to give birth to Bafut.
d. The achievements of various Bafut Manjong war societies or houses in various battles and wars.
e. The sovereignty of the Fon of Bafut within the Bafut territory, this sovereignty is symbolized by the “itǐmbɔɔabenə” located at the Bafut palace plaza
f. The end and rebirth of the year. Characteristics of Abine-Mfor Abine-Mfor is always characterized by the following activities:
a. Honour to ancestors (offerings, sacrifices, libations)
b. Dancing
c. Feasting
d. Exchange of traditional gifts amongst Bafut people
e. Ritual parades by Palace secret/cult societies
f.
Gun firing, parades and displays by manjong
societies
g. Family re-unions and meetings
h. General fanfare and jubilation in the Bafut Fondom
Abine-Mfor Orchestra
The orchestra of the Abine is made up of:
- 6 traditional drums of various sizes
- 4 flutes
- A choir
- 2 elephant tusk trumpets
- Traditional iron foot rattles
Four flute songs characterize the music that is
performed for dancing. These are the: - Lele song
- Akwareh song
- Sawa song
- Boom song
The first three Tikari songs were introduced into
Bafut by Mfor Feurlu and the fourth song (boom song)
was received from Bali Kumbat and introduced in
Bafut by Mfor Abumbi I who reigned from 1852 to
1932.