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Spotlight on Cameroon
Assiko, Ben Skin, Bikutsi & Makossa Music
By Hortense Fuller |
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There is a wide variety of music from Cameroon, however
until recently it was unavailable outside of Cameroon, particularly on CD format. If
one were lucky, they might find a handful of Makossa releases, but little
else. Styles such as Ben Skin, Assiko and Bikutsi, which are popular
within Cameroon and provide some of the more interesting listening
experiences, just could not be found. The result: the music buying
public has been largely unaware of these music styles and a generalization
about Cameroon music has wrongly emerged - that it all sounds like Makossa.
We are happy to report
that this is starting to change, with the recent availability of Ben Skin,
Assiko and Ben Skin releases on the international market.
The following spotlight on
Cameroon is intended to provide you with a selective list of artists that
are worth your time as you explore the diverse sounds from Cameroon, fondly
referred to as "Africa in miniature." We have attempted to provide
some initial background as to the music styles, artists and recommended
recordings to assist your discovery of Cameroon's music.
We have arranged our music
review by music style. Recent releases include both retrospectives of
classic hits worth your while, and modern dance-floor fillers. Many of
these will be available at your local African music store, although we can
recommend a few contacts: In New York try Sterns Music, in Washington DC try
the landmark Simba Records (large collection of Cameroon and also Congolese
albums, frequent updated shipments from Paris). You may also inquire
at Roger Miller's Restaurant, where we discovered some stocks of harder to
find Ben Skin and Assiko Releases. In London, try Sterns Music and in
Paris head over to Sonima Music or speak directly to TJR Records or JPS
Productions which are the companies releasing and/or distributing a majority
of these titles. Read
on, party on! |
Generic Map of
Cameroon, Central Africa |
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Assiko Music is music style of the Bassa people in Cameroon and
has, until recently, been unavailable on CD. Traditional Assiko music
is played on bottles and is largely a rhythmic style that is a visual feast
due to the exciting dances that accompagny it. Throughout Southern
Cameroon, Assiko Bars draw packed crowds who gather to watch dancers and
eventually participate themselves. We recently found two
excellent retrospectives of the classics of Assiko music, many of which I
grew up dancing to as a child. These are not classic reissues,
but rather modern-day re-recordings of the original hits of Assiko music.
That said, many of the Assiko legends, which are pictured below on the cover
of "Le Dictionnaire de L'Assiko",
do participate on this great album. Assiko music is characterized by
its dancing style and rhytmic use of bottles for percussion. Due to
the use of bottles, it is a popular and versatile music that can be played
almost anywhere. The famed Assiko dancers often dance while balancing
large, full (33, Beaufort, etc) beer bottles on their heads, in a display of their dancing prowess.
Often by the end of the dance, the bottle is empty, yet the dancer has been
continously dancing. The "Encyclopedie d'Assiko"
also highlights many of the compositions from the legendary Assiko singer Jean Bikoko
Aladin.
His compositions, as well as songs by other composers, are presented in tasteful, up-tempo non-stop medleys that pulsate with constant
tempo shifts and
melodic turns. You will notice from many of these releases that the
medley fashion found favor among the Cameroon music producers. Not to
fear... these albums listed here are excellent and worthwhile releases.
Message to the wise, caution while attempting Assiko dancing at home! |
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"Le Dictionnaire de L'Assiko"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35 |
"Encyclopedie D'Assiko"
JPS Production, 17, Ave du Dr.
Arnold Netter
75012 Paris Tel #01-43-43-05-96 |
| Featuring a host of
Assiko legends on one disc, this collection will certainly satisfy your
initial quest in discovering "Just what does Assiko music style, and its
singers, sound like?" Arranged by Nkono Teles, the album features
singers Jean Bikoko Aladin, Kon Mbogol, Marie Claudette Hiag, Bebeto, Mballe
Manu, Empereur Mbock Vincent, Paul Balomog and Soul Creance.
Percussion is provided by Emmanuel Mading and Nkono Teles. The album
features four long medleys (approx 12 minutes each). The first, "Assiko
Jean Bikoko" is a medley of this artists famous works. Next, "Assiko
Aladin" continues with additional hits by this father of modern Assiko
music. The third medley features hits by Kon Bogol, while the last
song focuses on the new generation of Assiko artists, aptly titled "Assiko
Nouvelle Generation". |
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A similar concept
as "Le Dictionnaire," this album is produced by the other major force in
Cameroon music production, JPS Production. Arranged by Makossa legend
Papillon who has a knack for crisp production and hit-minded music, only two
singers are shocased on this release, Olivier and Polo, although the
compositions again mine the vast treasure trove of historic Bassa music.
Accentuated by strong percussion and intriguing song progression, this album
is not only a dance floor filler but is interesting enough musically to find
a permanent place in your stereo. |
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"Le Testament du Ben Skin"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35 |
Perigord & Les Amis Sinceres de
Paris
"Pou Maza Ben Skin"
Contact #00-336-11-64-73-62 (Paris)
Contact # 00-237-340-0261 (Cameroun) |
| The tried and true "medley" method by the
TJR team actually works wonders with Ben Skin. Instantly recognizable
to those who have heard it before, Ben Skin pushes percussion and piano to
the forefront of music. It's hard to explain, but the piano does a
sing-song rhythm that underscores each composition. It provides a rich
backing melody and rhythm upon which singers and animators strut their
stuff. Three Medleys focus on hits of the Bamilike Ben Skin
repertoire, and many of the great Ben Skin compositions are featured here.
They are structured so as to keep you moving on the dance floor, this is
great party music. Songs include: "Men Bam Na Attention" (13'20),
Tchou Tchegue Notre Patrimoine (11'17) and Mebwouo Le Bien Fait (15'27).
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An outstanding
release, and literally like no other Ben Skin release on the international market in terms
of its sheer musical versatility. Because this is an independent
release with unspecified pressing amount, word to the wise...f you see this in your local
African music store, grab it up before it is gone. Ben Skin, the
music often associated with the Bamilike of Cameroon, is energetic,
melodically unique and under-represented on Cameroon musical compilations.
Luckily for us, Perigord & Les Amis Sinceres de Paris have not forgotten
their roots and recorded this traditionally rooted treasure in Paris.
The result, an
outstanding Ben Skin release of above average production quality.
Intense, hypnotic call-and-response vocals ride the unique harmonics of the
Ben Skin style. An added plus, thundering percussion and a sing-song style
instantly familiar to Ben Skin fans form the foundation of the compositions. There is something
instantly hypnotizing and almost addictive about music.
The variety on this release is
exceptional. Start your listen by skipping right to the last
song of the set, "Generic," which is exactly what it says it is -
a pure percussion of generic Ben Skin which is as good of a representative
Ben Skin song as any I've heard.
This is some of the most
exciting percussion music we've heard from Cameroon that isn't a field
recording. Contrary to popular belief reinforced by some sappy Makossa
releases of recent years, percussion does have a very strong place in
Cameroon music (see Assiko music) and this
entire disc illustrates this fact. "Generic" is a full eight
minutes of thundering percussion that is deeply melodic. Crank up the
stereo and let this song engulf you, be ready for the floor to shake.
This is Ben Skin straight up.
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| Music of the Beti
of Cameroon, this music is steeped in traditions of the forest, including
balafon and the mystical Mvet harp. For an in-depth understanding of
this musical style, please see AfricaSounds' in-depth
"History of Bikut-si Music in Cameroon"
[LINK] |
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"K-Tino, Rantanplan & Fam Ndzengue"
M.C. Pop Music
Tel #336-68-03-52-61 (Paris) |
"Le Testament du Bikutsi 3"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35 |
| K-Tino has become
one of the most consistent and exciting performers in Bikutsi music.
Don't be turned off by her lewd lyrics, she is one of the best.
Bikutsi has always been known to push boundaries with its lyrics, and K-Tino
is a modern day master of the music. We would recommend
any of her releases, but an added plus with the release pictured above is
that she joins
forces with two other shining stars of Bikutsi - Rantanplan and Fam Ndzengue,
so you basically get an excellent Bikutsi compilation with this release.
Each song is a hit. K-Tino offers her "Anthologie," a medley of sorts
showcasing some of her most recent hits and with each segment the medley
steps it up a notch in terms of tempo and emotion.
Next, "Face a Face Pedale" sets you right in the heart of one of Yaounde's hit bikutsi bars,
where you can imagine yourself dancing til dawn and then some with your
partner to the hypnotic sounds of the balafon-guitar. Pedale is a
style whose dance mimics that a of a bicycle being pedaled, listened to the
rhythm you can almost imagine yourself pedaling away on the dancefloor...
One observation... on each of these songs, when the solo guitars drop
out halfway through the song, you'll notice the bass and percussion step it
up and turn the song almost dub-like...
Close your eyes and you are transplanted to Yaounde, be it Escalier or
Carrosel bar. Next, Rantanplan provides a medley with "Rana Mouvement"
which has a mesmerizing guitar solos which circles throughout
the song. After these three extended numbers, you will still be
presented with another 6 long Bikutsi songs to dance to. An excellent
way to scope out some of the recent talent on the Yaounde music scene.
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The Testament du
Bikutsi series has grown in both size and popularity over the past couple of
years. Each of the volumes is recommended, in part because the vast
repertoire of Bikutsi Music is so large that these series only scratch the
surface in terms of the music's creativity and popular appeal. As
Bikutsi quite literally is a dancing music, the medley format works well
and, with good quality production, this deserves to be in your collection.
Volume 3 features is a small yet
crisp production featuring two singers, Pedro du Cameroun and Richard
Amougou-Tanus, with Francis Nyada on bala-guitar, Patou Efam on Bass, Touch
& Waguy on Keys and Touch on Percussion. Four songs are presented in
medley fashion: First "Ailier Gauche Pedale" presenting songs by Opick
Zorro, Egobo Emerent, Atebass, the legendary late Zanzibar, Les Tetes
Brulees, Effa Paul, Sclub Sagath and Georges Seba. Some of these songs
might strike a familiar chord as they are from the Les Tetes Brulees
repitoire. The second medley is called "Pedale Triangle" and features
music by Rogers Star, Zele le Bombardier, Fam Dzengue, Ebando Show, Messi
Martin, Obal Bass and Abanda Aviateur. The third medley is called
"Sentimental Bol" and features music by J.P. Kaiti, Pedro du Cameroun, Pasto,
Fam Dzengue, Oncle Medjo and Messon. Finally, the fourth medley
features music by the late Sala Bekono, Nkondo Sitony, Mbarga Soukous, Aloy
Javis, Eboue Chaleur and Taps Le Sentimental.
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"Le Testament du Bikutsi 4"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35
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"Le Testament du Bikutsi 5"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35
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| Volume 4 features a
larger Bikutsi team with many singers including Ange Ebogo, Emergent Tanus,
Richard Amougou, Petiti Charmant and Eboue Chaleur. Solo guitar is by
Achille Otele, Rhythm Guitar by Francis Nuada, Bass by Patou Efam, Keys by
Mine Dieudonne and percussion by Waguy and Francky Tosa. Again, four
medleys are presented. First Medley is "Bikutsi Classe Plus,"
featuring songs my Ambroise Meyong, Emerent Ebogo, Nylon Azeme, Anderson
Owona and Les Veterans de Yaounde. Medley two is called "Bikutsi
Cerveau" and features songs by the late Sala Bekono, Eboue Chaleur, Lucky
Manga, Gaston Ondoa Akono and Elysee Essama. The third medley is
called "Bikutsi Panach" and features songs by Rantamplan, Roger Mballa, K-Tino
and Christopheline Bush. The final medley is called "Mvog Ada
Mouvement" and features songs by Sitony Nkodo, Elysee Essama, Taps Le
Sentimental, the late Sala Bekono and Eboue Chaleur.
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Volume 5 features
another large Bikutsi team including singers Ange Ebogo, Tanus, Richard
Amougou, Petiti Charmant, Eboue Chaleur, Meyong Ambroise, Dominique Essama,
Cathy Chaise, and K-Tino. Solo guitar is by Achille Otele, Rhythm
Guitar by Francis Nuada, Bass by Patou Efam, Keys by Mine Dieudonne and
percussion by Waguy and Francky Tosa. Four medleys are presented including "Bikutsi
Mouvement des Maries" featuring songs ny Sitony Nkodo, Rogers Mballa, Etems,
Etranger Ohandja, Elysee Essama and the late Sala Bekono. The second
medley is "Women's Ambiance Bikutsi " featuring songs by K-Tino, Uta Bella,
Marthe Zambo, Chantal Ndongo, Fabiola Mimie, Beti Betti, and Cathy Chaise.
The third medley is calle d"memorium Bikutsi" and features Mann Olomo, Ondoa
Akono, Semengue, Opick Zorro, Sala Bekono and Bisso Solo. The final
medley is called "Bikutsi Sekele" and features songs by Lucky Manga, Govinal,
Sitony Knondo, Chouchjou Bienvenue, Atangana and Sala Benkono. |
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Makossa
- Honorable Mention |
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Kamer All Stars
[Featuring Manu Dibango, Salle
John, Yves Ndjock, Penda Dalle, Guy Nsangue, Henry Njoh, Edgar Yonkeu,
Charlotte Dipanda]
JPS Productions
17 Ave du Dr. Arnold Netter
75012 Paris, France |
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Move over Cuban All Stars, move over Haitian
Troubadours, move over Buena Vista... the same thing that worked for you has
now been applied to the richness of Cameroon's musical tapestry. First
volume in a modern series that features classic tracks of the Makossa
repertoire reworked under the best of modern studio conditions. If you
were waiting for one CD to give a friend as an introduction to Cameroon
music, or if you yourself were looking for that release, this could very
well be it.
With artistic direction by none other than "soul makossa" legend Manu
Dibango, this collection stresses the versatile musicianship of some of
Cameroon's legends on vocals, bass, guitar, percussion, piano and horns.
The inclusion of singer and composer Salle John on these tracks is a welcome
surprise and timely tribute. Along with Dibango, Salle John represents
an elder of living Cameroon artists, for each has penned countless
classics that have kept the dance floors hot. For years Salle John has
produced some of the most compelling compositions in Cameroon, but besides
for the TJR "Makossa Connection" series that features two of his songs, we
were unable to locate his other solo releases on CD. This year,
finally, we are welcomed with two releases: this all-star album along with
his self produced "best of" CD.
This collection is a must-have in
your collection. For die-hard Cameroon music fans, many of these songs
will be familiar, but they are reworked in a creative fashion and musical
depth. By breathing
new life into the classics, these veteran artists reveal why the golden era
of Makossa (mid 70's thru 80s) had some much depth. It is a music that
can still be mined with nuggets of musical creativity still being unearthed.
The standout track is clearly "Soul Essewe" a folklorique reworked under the
magic Salle John, resulting in the traditional dance floor hit of the year.
Approximately half the songs have the feel of Manu Dibango, not surprisingly
they are his compositions. But the inclusion of these master musicians
make each song different and varying. "Dikossa La Cameroun" leads of
the disc in a subtle and lush fashion, crisp musicianship and tender vocals
invite the listener in for a 10 track journey through the musical landscape
of Cameroon. We look forward to the next installment in this series. |
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Classic
Makossa (Re-Issues) |
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"The Best Of Salle John"
Production Salle John
Douala, Cameroun |
"Best of Makossa, Vol 2"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35 |
| One of the veterans
of Makossa music, Salle John needs little introduction, although it is
shocking how hard it was, until now, to locate his music outside of
Cameroon. This has all changed, and you are urged to pick up this
"Best Of" release which generously gathers 12 of his better songs in one
convenient package. And these are long, explosive Makossa songs here.
Standouts include "Mbota Sodom," the stirring "Ya Helene," and "Kribi Nya
Band Ho". You will find Salle John's voice instantly recognizable and
likable, it is warming and comforting as a legendary figure's message should
be. Absolutely essential to your music collection. |
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Music from the
golden era of Makossa... one look at the great vintage pictures on the cover
should tell you that! Featuring Axel Mouna, Francois Knotti, Ebeny
Ngosso and Manulo, the bassline is ultra funky on this release. When
we refer to the vintage era of Cameroon music, we mean the moment in time
when the funk element was heavy, the zouk element was just arriving but not
altogether there yet, and the horns were crisp and tight. String
orchestras were sometimes brought in, but more often the sounds was that of
a vintage sound. This compilation brings together some classic songs
by great artists, and is a worthwhile addition to your collection. |
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"Les Black Styl's - Des Annees
1970... Souvenirs Vol.2"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35 |
"Emile Kangue & Penda Dalle"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35 |
| Only
a couple CDs that have been
released by The Black Styl's, including this and the Black Styl's
A Paris
"Les
Pionniers du Makossa"
(which has a real classic album photos). For those of
you not familiar with Black Styl's, the group was legendary in the 1970s for
its funky Cameroon influenced Makossa with large doses of Soul, Funk and R&B
flavor. Yet not once did Les Black Styl's loose their roots, they
remain one of the classic groups of the golden era of Cameroon Makossa, and
the groups musicians, including Yves Lobe, Toto Guillaume, Emile Kangue and
Francois Nkotti all became prominent solo artists and legends of the Makossa
style of music. There is no better place to start appreciating Les
Black Styl's then this collection, which collects over 15 of their hits from
the funky 1970s. There are some daring musical moments on these songs,
the group many times played into un-chartered waters, which makes a
retrospective such as this all the more important. |
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Emile Kangue was
part of the legendary Makossa group Les Black Styl's, while Penda Dalle has
been a guitarist and composer who, as Manu Dibango referenced on the new
release Kamer All Stars, is one of the few living guitarists who can really
get that Douala feeling across his guitar. This release is part of a
series of TJR Records that celebrate "le duo" collecting classic works of
two legends on one CD. As a general rule, these Duo collections are
all worthy additions to your music collection if you aim to have a diverse
representation of Cameroon music. The songs on this set range from
dance floor fillers to nostalgic numbers and even slows (ballads with
nostalgic hint). Emile Kangue's solo work continues in the tradition of
Les Black Styl's as it was his lead vocals which so characterized their
vocal compositions. On a side note, Emile Kangue, who has relocated
the USA, has release a new album that shows this veteran musician is keeping
it strong. |
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Merengue Music of Cameroun |
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"Le Testament du Merengue, Vol 2"
TJR Music, 34, Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris Tel 01-53-41-09-35 |
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Le Testament du
Merengue explores a little known style of Cameroon music known as Merengue...
not to be confused with the internationally renowned style popularized in
the Dominican Republic. The interesting aspect of this release (there
are two volumes out) is that it is the only series that appears to showcase
the Merengue music style on CD. Four extended tracks are included,
showcasing some impresive Beti compositions by none other than Messi Martin
(the father of Bikutsi who many claim invented the balafon-guitar style of
guitar playing that now dominates modern Bikutsi music). The songs, as
in the other Testament series by TJR Music, are medleys that are fashioned
in an appropriate pace and tempo. The songs are slower paced, meant to
be danced or sung with your partner, and showcase a more relaxed style of
music than what is usually produced. The majority of the other songs
are by Ambroise Meyong, a musical veteran. Worth an exploratory
listen and will certainly diversify your musical collection. |
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Ben Decca "Saphir"
JPS Production, 17, Ave du Dr.
Arnold Netter
75012 Paris Tel #01-43-43-05-96 |
"Longue Longue" - Prince Eyango
Presents
Preya Music
Los Angeles, CA #301-202-6355 |
| A legendary singer of Makossa
music, praises is often given to
Ben Decca. And for good reason. He is a legend, and he's got
vocal pipes that can do acoustic gymnastics and also bring a tear to your
eye. Perhaps one of the most versatile singers from Cameroon, Ben
Decca is at home both on the most scorching Makossa dance floor fillers as
he is at singing a Cameroon Slow... mournful, nostalgic ballads that are the
Douala language version of the Mourna. In addition, Ben Decca employs
the top production standards and this album is no exception... all live
instruments, scorching horns, tight rhythm, looping solo guitar braced by
the solid Makossa rhythm guitar, sultry yet tight harmonies... and a touch
of nostalgia. If you are longing for the golden age of Makossa, do not
forget that some artists are still living that golden age today! A
very well varied and exciting release. For a more complete
understanding of Ben Decca's mastery of the nostalgic Cameroon Slows, pick
up the compilation of his ballads appropriately titled "slows" that was
released a couple years back. Or anything else in his back catalogue,
for that matter. |
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Longue Longue is
the new sensation in Cameroon and throughout the Makossa loving communities
of the Diaspora. Produced by USA based Prince Eyango (who has some
very impressive solo albums and productions already under his name) it
appears that Eyango has scored big with this production due to its immense
popularity on the dancefloor and at the music stores. During a recent
trip to Washington, DC every music store we went to confirmed that Longue
Longue is the most popular new artist on the Cameroon market. Only
time will tell if he will maintain this popularity as well as Petit Pays
has. This release is well produced, with a tight set of
musicians including guitarists Prince Eyango, Jimmy Eitel and Eric Se Fou.
The eight tracks not only have strong dance-floor attraction, but the
compositions show a sensitivity that makes us believe that this new star is
here to stay. |
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Petit Pays "Maestro"
JPS Production, 17, Ave du Dr.
Arnold Netter
75012 Paris Tel #01-43-43-05-96 |
Moni Bile "Conviction"
JPS Production, 17, Ave du Dr.
Arnold Netter
75012 Paris Tel #01-43-43-05-96 |
| Years ago, Petit
Pays was the young star, now he is mid-aged legend and has successfully held
on to his popularity while producing a string of releases (at least annual
solo releases as well as those by his group, a formula perfected by Koffi
Olomide & Quartier Latin). Petit Pays may now be seasoned, but he
still pushes boundaries and shocks, and this leads to his popularity.
From the days of when he posed naked on his album cover, to the crazy
references in his music, to his sometimes bizarre real-world actions, he
draws the interest and intrigue of the public's eye. The last few releases by Petit Pays
have taken the rhythm to new heights, with excellent production quality.
This album is no different, it fuses many styles yet remains uniquely his
own sound. Once you've heard Petit Pays, you will instantly recognize
him forever after. |
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Moni Bile has been
one of the more popular stars in Cameroon, who excels in his ability to
compose fine quality, diverse sounding music, as is evident on this album.
This theme is definitely true - the legends of Cameroon that are able to
hold on to their popularity do so by offering a wealth of musical and poetic
ideas through their compositions. This album starts with an
ultra-tight Makossa number, then it branches out to explore many paths
before winding its way back to the Moni Bile classic sound. The album
is an entire movement of sorts, it flows as a whole and after a couple
listens, you won't be able to get some of these tunes out of your head.
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Manu Dibango "B-Sides"
Melodie/Soul Makossa
Widely Available |
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We had never heard
Manu Dibango as melodic as this, and chances are you haven't either unless
you have collected all the B-Sides from his singles and vinyl releases over
the years. Happily, Melodie has done this for us. "No Sax Here"
states the linear notes, and how true they are. If you thought Manu
Dibango was a great sax player, wait until you here him on the modern day
balafon. His mastery of melody and composition are all the more
evident on the lush and varied songs provided on disc one of this double CD.
"Miango Ma Tumba (village news)" starts off mellow enough, but builds into
quite an orchestration. Standouts include "Dakar Streets," the Latin
flavored "Besoka on salsa" and the solitude of "African Night Blues."
The second CD features DJ mixes of the numbers and additional ones featuring
the vibraphone. |
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