René Marcelin Esso Elokan, the founder of the famous Yaounde choir, died in France on April 12, 2013.

The choral music family in Cameroon is bereaved. René Marcelin Esso Elokan is dead. Lovers of Madrigal choir in Cameroon will no longer listen to the angelic voice of the great chorister. He died on April 12, 2013 at Charleville Mézières, France, following an illness.

Born on February 22, 1941 in Douala, René Marcelin Esso Elokan was a retired public works engineer. He was the first director of roads in Cameroon. After retiring from the public service, he taught in the Catholic University of Cameroon (UCAC) and other higher institutions of learning in the country. He was equally a consultant in the Ministry of Public Works. He created the choral group called "Le Choeur Madrigal" in 1972.

He also held a diploma as "Maître de Chants." Top choristers such as Greg Belobo and other top stars were trained by him. René Marcelin Esso Elokan hails from the Littoral Region. He was the first child in a family of seven. He lives behind a wife, four children and three grandchildren to mourn him. He will be remembered for his choral music which is described today as a university wherein one learns while practising.