In a stunning and unprecedented move, Brenda Biya, the daughter of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, has publicly urged Cameroonians not to vote for her father in the upcoming October 2025 presidential election. At 92 years old, Paul Biya is seeking an eighth consecutive term, having ruled the country for nearly 43 years, making him one of the world’s oldest and longest-serving elected leaders.
Brenda Biya’s appeal, which she shared through a heartfelt video on social media, has sent shockwaves across Cameroon and beyond. She called on voters to reject her father’s bid for re-election, citing the prolonged suffering and challenges the nation has endured under his leadership. Her message was clear and bold: it is time for change and a new direction for Cameroon.
This rare public dissent from within the president’s own family highlights growing frustrations among Cameroonians who have faced political stagnation, economic difficulties, and social unrest during Paul Biya’s tenure. Brenda’s call to action is seen as a significant moment in Cameroonian politics, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.
As the October election approaches, Brenda Biya’s outspoken stance adds a powerful voice to the opposition and civil society groups advocating for democratic renewal and reform. Her courage to speak out against her father’s rule underscores the urgency many feel for fresh leadership and hope for a better future in Cameroon.
The Viral Video and Its Explosive Content
Brenda Biya, known professionally as the rapper King Nasty, posted the controversial video on her TikTok account from Switzerland, where she has spent significant time. Although the platform quickly removed it, the clip spread rapidly across social media, amassing millions of views and sparking intense debates. In the video, the 28-year-old spoke in French, delivering an emotional tirade against her family and her father’s leadership.
Family Accusations – Brenda claimed her family had plotted against her life, including a chilling conversation with her father’s Chief of Staff who allegedly warned her of an impending drug overdose death. She expressed profound exhaustion, stating that “everyone wants her dead” and announcing a complete severance of ties with her parents.
Rejection of Support: She vowed to reject any future financial aid from her family, emphasizing her intent to rebuild independently, step away from social media, and relocate.
Political Plea: Pivoting to national issues, Brenda directly urged Cameroonians: “Do not vote for Paul Biya, not because of me, but because he has made too many people suffer.” She apologized for any past harms she may have caused and expressed sorrow that her own father had inflicted decades of hardship on the nation and even his family.
This raw, unfiltered message resonated deeply, blending personal trauma with broader political critique, and positioned Brenda as an unlikely voice for change.
Brenda Biya’s Background and Public Persona
Born on July 29, 1997, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Brenda is the second child of President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya. Her upbringing reflects the privileges of her family’s status, yet she has carved out a distinct path marked by independence and controversy.
Education and Early Life: She attended the elite Collège du Léman boarding school in Switzerland, frequented by children of global elites, before pursuing studies in Los Angeles, California. Back in Cameroon, she and her brother Paul gained admission to the prestigious National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM).
Entrepreneurial Ventures: In April 2020, Brenda launched Bree Culture Inc., a successful wig and hair extension business based in Beverly Hills, showcasing her business acumen beyond her family’s shadow.
Music Career: Adopting the stage name King Nasty, she debuted in the rap scene in 2024 with her single “C’est Mort,” available on platforms like Spotify. Her music often explores themes of personal struggle and identity.
Personal Milestones and Controversies: In 2024, Brenda publicly came out as a lesbian via an Instagram post featuring her then-partner, Brazilian model Layyons Valença. The announcement aimed to spotlight Cameroon’s harsh anti-LGBTQ laws but drew backlash, family pressure to delete it, and a subsequent breakup after private photos leaked online. Previous viral videos of her dancing and other personal expressions have also stirred public discourse in conservative Cameroon.
These elements paint Brenda as a modern, outspoken figure—flamboyant, resilient, and unafraid to challenge norms, both familial and societal.
Paul Biya’s Long Reign and the Context of the 2025 Election
Paul Biya, elected in 1982 at age 49, has dominated Cameroonian politics for over four decades, outlasting many global leaders. Now 92, his bid for an eighth term in the October 2025 election underscores concerns about longevity in power and democratic erosion.
Historical Grip on Power: Biya’s rule has weathered allegations of electoral fraud, human rights violations, corruption, and suppression of dissent. Cameroon faces ongoing challenges like the Anglophone crisis, economic inequality, youth unemployment, and separatist movements.
–Global Standing: As the world’s oldest elected head of state, Biya symbolizes an “old guard” of African leaders clinging to authority amid calls for generational transition. His absence from public view for extended periods has fueled speculation about his health and governance.
Election Stakes: The 2025 vote occurs against a backdrop of stifled opposition and limited opportunities for youth, with Brenda’s intervention amplifying frustrations over stagnation and poverty.
Her dissent from within the elite circle contrasts sharply with trends of dynastic succession elsewhere in Africa, highlighting internal fractures in the ruling RDPC party.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The video’s virality has ignited a firestorm of responses, from grassroots excitement to cautious political maneuvering, without any official word from the presidency.
Public and Youth Response:
Cameroonian youth, who form the bulk of TikTok users, have flooded social media with support, viewing Brenda’s words as validation of their grievances. It has pierced the “culture of silence” around criticizing the regime, potentially mobilizing voters.
Opposition and Analysts:
Political opponents hail it as an unexpected boost to reform calls, while experts note it reveals “cracks within the ruling elite.” Some see it as a catalyst for youth-led activism in a digital age.
Continental Echoes: Beyond Cameroon, Brenda’s stand resonates across Africa, where debates rage over long-tenured leaders like those in Rwanda, Mali, and elsewhere. It challenges hereditary politics and inspires defiance, redefining leadership through personal accountability.
Potential Risks: As the daughter of an authoritarian figure, Brenda’s safety remains a concern, especially given her claims of family threats. Her move could either empower change or invite retaliation, marking a pivotal moment for Cameroon’s future.
Brenda Biya’s bold appeal not only humanizes the push for democratic renewal but also embodies the youth’s demand for a Cameroon free from the shadows of prolonged rule. As election day nears, her voice may echo as a turning point in the nation’s story