Cameroon is mourning the death of Foly Dirane, which occurred on March 26, 2026, at the Yaoundé General Hospital. An emblematic figure of the Cameroonian audiovisual landscape, Foly Dirane leaves behind an indelible legacy, marked by more than 26 years of career and the imprint of a cult show, « Délire ».
Born in 1958 in Bafoussam, under the name Tafen Adrien Veyreton, Foly Dirane was originally from Bangoulap, in the Ndé department. His journey took him from France, where he spent part of his childhood, to the University of Yaoundé, where he studied criminal law. However, the judicial world did not correspond to his aspirations, and he finally abandoned his studies. It was in response to the mockery aroused by his choice that he adopted the pseudonym « Foly Dirane », a way of assuming his originality.
Before becoming a television figure, Foly Dirane explored other avenues. He was a teacher, directed the Collège Sainte-Beuve in Bangangté, then moved to Douala where he led promotional caravans. It was there that his talent as a speaker was revealed. In 1987, he joined CRTV thanks to his former classmates from Lycée Leclerc, journalist Eric Chinje and Denise Epoté. He hosted several shows such as « Dance Cameroon Dance », « Cocktail aux Décibels », « V comme Vedette » and « Tam-Tam Week-End ».
In March 1991, Foly Dirane proposed to the Director General of CRTV, Pr Gervais Mendo Zé, a special program for April 1st, a large-scale « April Fool's Day » for viewers. The success was such that the show, called « Délire », became a weekly event. For 26 years, « Délire » was an institution of Cameroonian audiovisual, revealing more than 80 young talents and raising youth awareness of social issues. The show aired every Saturday and was dedicated to revealing the talents of Cameroonian youth.
In 2016, Foly Dirane was forced to leave the presentation of « Délire », a sponsor wishing to rejuvenate the image of the show. This departure was an ordeal for the one who was the soul of the show.
A man of many talents, Foly Dirane was a host, director of the film « Amours Amères » (2010), musician, screenwriter and teacher. In recent years, illness had kept him away from the stage. His legacy lives on through the generations of artists he has inspired and the show « Délire », which remains etched in the collective memory of Cameroonians.
Foly Dirane leaves behind the memory of a passionate and committed man, who marked the history of Cameroonian television. His influence continues to inspire many young talents.
