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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 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

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101
Music for the Buma Dance Baka Pygmies 04:52
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102
Hut Song Baka Pygmies 04:55
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103
Orycterope & Pangolin Baka Pygmies 04:08
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104
Song for Gathering Mushrooms Baka Pygmies 02:43
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105
Song to Attract Game Baka Pygmies 02:33
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106
Music for the Nganga Dance Baka Pygmies 04:49
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107
Lullaby Baka Pygmies 04:53
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108
The "Water Drum" Baka Pygmies 04:21
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109
The Humming of the Bees Baka Pygmies 07:50
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110
Music for the Buma Dance Baka Pygmies 06:23