Cameroon: Baka Pygmy Music

Various Artists

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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 ancient forms of cultural expression. Baka music is similar to other pygmy ethnic groups’ music around Africa, 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 simple 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.

Track Listing

101	Music for the Buma Dance	Baka Pygmies	4:52
102	Hut Song	Baka Pygmies	4:55
103	Orycterope & Pangolin	Baka Pygmies	4:08
104	Song for Gathering Mushrooms	Baka Pygmies	2:43
105	Song to Attract Game	Baka Pygmies	2:33
106	Music for the Nganga Dance	Baka Pygmies	4:49
107	Lullaby	Baka Pygmies	4:53
108	The "Water Drum"	Baka Pygmies	4:21
109	The Humming of the Bees	Baka Pygmies	7:50
110	Music for the Buma Dance	Baka Pygmies	6:23

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Cameroon: Baka Pygmy Music

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