The Cameroonian press is mourning the death of Foly Dirane, an emeritus radio and TV host, on March 26, 2026. According to News du Cameroun, he died after a long illness.
Adrien Tafeng, his real name, was an emblematic figure in the Cameroonian media landscape. Several times announced dead in the past, he had always managed to defy bad luck until this day.
Foly Dirane marked several generations with his flagship programs broadcast on Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) in the 1990s, including "Emergence" and "Délire". He also contributed to the training of many hosts and journalists who are practicing today. His show "Délire", launched in 1991, allowed many young people to assert themselves in the world of music, while benefiting from training in singing, diction and stage performance. The production of "Délire" ceased in 2016, but its influence endures, having contributed to the emergence of a new generation of artists in Cameroon.
Beyond his career as a host, Foly Dirane was also a multi-talented artist: singer, musician, director, producer, actor and trainer. Born in 1958 in Bafoussam, he began his academic career in Yaoundé before obtaining a DEUG in law. He also taught at Sainte Beuve College in Bangangté and Integ in Douala.
In 1987, he met Eric Chinje who opened the doors of CRTV to him. He then hosted several shows including "Dance Cameroon Dance".
Foly Dirane also participated in the fight against corruption in his country, as part of a Transparency International campaign in 2011.
Married to Tatiana Dirane, he was the father of several children from previous marriages. According to some sources, he had Alzheimer's disease since 2018.
Many testimonies praise his pioneering role and his positive influence on Cameroonian youth. For many, Foly Dirane was a role model and a source of inspiration. He leaves behind an important legacy in the media and cultural landscape of Cameroon.
In 1989, he won the Golden Spike for animation.
