In a heartfelt moment before Brazil’s recent match against Uruguay at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, R superstar Vinícius Júnior received a certificate recognizing his African roots. This honor, tied to the Tikar tribe of Cameroon, was part of the Golden Roots campaign, launched in conjunction with Black Awareness Day—a significant occasion in Brazil aimed at celebrating Afro-descendant heritage.

The recognition came after Vinícius underwent DNA testing to uncover his ancestry. Holding the certificate on the pitch, he shared the moment with millions as the image quickly went viral.

“I didn’t know this before, but now I do, and I’m so happy,” an emotional Vinícius said after the ceremony. “Now it’s time to win the match—let’s go!”

His father echoed the sentiment, expressing pride in their Cameroonian lineage. “It’s so important for us to know where we come from. Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry. Learning we’re connected to Cameroon is a source of great happiness.”

Roots of the Tikar People

The Tikar people, Vinícius’s ancestral tribe, are part of the diverse ethnic mosaic of Cameroon, which is home to around 294 ethnic groups. The Tikar traditionally inhabit the Bamenda grasslands of central Cameroon, alongside groups like the Bafia and Bamún, with whom they share common ancestry and linguistic ties.

The Tikar are known for their farming expertise, cultivating crops such as sugarcane, cassava, cocoa, coffee, and bananas. They are also skilled blacksmiths, the only group in the region practicing the craft.

According to historical accounts, the Tikar trace their origins to a royal conflict within the Mbum kingdom. Legend has it that the Belaka (king) expelled his son, Klo, after an alleged scandal. The phrase “Ti Kàlà Jè”—meaning “Get out of here”—is said to have given rise to the name Tikar. Following their expulsion, the Tikar established the first Tikar kingdom, Kimi or Bankin, around the 13th or 14th century, after settling in the Tumu region.

A Campaign for Cultural Awareness

The Golden Roots campaign, which celebrates the African ancestry of Brazilian figures, is one of the most ambitious projects aimed at highlighting the influence of African culture on Brazilian society. A key component of the campaign is the production of a film exploring African ancestry, with Vinícius as its central figure.