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Lucien DAMBALLET, known nationally under the pseudonym KOTARA (Grandfather in the national language, Sango) joined Radio Bangui in December 1958 as a seedling. But to the great surprise of all journalists, he is a great host! This will very quickly attract the attention of the general manager of the time Mr Clément Thierry TITO who will entrust him with a small slice of animation for children from 11.30 am to 1 pm. The show was called "Bientôt Midi". During a trip to the Ivory Coast between 1972 and 1973, President Jean Bedel Bokassa who had DAMBALLÉ Lucien in his interview team pleasantly surprised to discover the great talent of the latter and back in Bangui, Bokassa ordered him to become a freelancer for Radio Bangui, between 72/73. When DG Clément Thierry TITO became Minister of Communication, Arts and Culture under the reign of President Kolingba André, he gave DAMBALLÉ Lucien the chance to become a presenter at the Central African radio and he was also entrusted with "Bientôt Midi" another segment entitled "Les Contes et l'oralité de chez nous". Despite his loyal services in the cultural field, KOTARA DAMBALLÉ Lucien did not receive any honorary distinction until 2017, on Labour Day on May 1st, thanks to the Central African Theatre Federation chaired by NDAKE Régis Norguez who will include him on the list of recipient actors. Thus he will receive from the hands of the Head of State the medal of Commander decorating him on March 1st 2017 as a Commander in the order of Arts and Letters.
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