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Cameroon: Baka Pygmy Music

Various Artists
Cameroon: Baka Pygmy Music

The Baka people inhabit the rain forests of Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Gabon. Outcast from neighboring societies due to their short stature and nomadic lifestyle, the Baka have retained their own language and forms of cultural expression. Baka music is signified by polyphonic vocal choirs, with several melodies sung simultaneously, and polyrhythmic percussion. The “singing the song” is done by the women, while the men “march the song” (dance). The only musical accompaniment is percussion consisting of drums, rattles, and iron blades struck against each other. This mid-1970s recording was made by Simha Arom and Phillipe Renaud. Arom, a noted expert on the music of central Africa, also co-wrote the liner notes. In addition to this album, Arom’s recordings are featured on more than a dozen other albums in the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music, including Musical Sourcesand Symphony of Nature.

*Content Advisory: Smithsonian Folkways Recordings holds a large volume of sound recordings, some of which were recorded almost a century ago. Preferred terminology has changed throughout the history of our catalog’s existence. This publication reflects wording that was preferred at the time, though it may be used pejoratively today.
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Track Listing

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101
Baka men and women performing buma ritual
04:52
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102
Baka girls and children
04:55
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103
Baka men, women and children
04:08
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104
Ten Baka girls
02:43
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105
Four teenage Baka girls
02:33
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106
Baka healer and ritual participants
04:49
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107
Six Baka women
04:53
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108
Baka children
04:21
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109
Ten Baka girls
07:50
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110
Baka men and women performing buma ritual
06:23