Music of the Haut Oyapok: Oyampi and Emerillon Indian Tribes, French Guiana, South America

The geographically isolated Oyampi and Emerillon Indian tribes of French Guiana (now officially Guyana) have a combined population of only several hundred, yet that has not detracted from the creation of a unique and beautiful musical tradition that is employed in ritual, ceremony, and day-to-day activities. The Emerillon music on this 1980 release consists of songs sung by the village headman as he lays on his hammock at dusk, surrounded by his family. The Oyampi selections include Creole-influenced Carnival music and songs by boys going through the vigorous initiation ceremonies that will lead them to manhood.

Track Listing

101	Acha Ae Captain Monpera	00:27
102	Kono wah coupi mae Captain Monpera	01:10
103	Oh deto me Captain Monpera	01:08
104	Mickero pan to Captain Monpera	01:03
105	Oh pooh poh ne Captain Monpera	00:50
106	Myari cha Captain Monpera	00:52
107	Tapi jah Captain Monpera	00:30
108	Jema maruha Captain Monpera	00:46
109	Uh mae ae Captain Monpera	01:02
110	Yah hi ah Captain Monpera	03:03
111	Bone Flute (1) Wayampi man, Camopi	02:50
112	Bone Flute (2) Wayampi boy, Camopi	00:57
201	Ola Missieu Wayampi musicians, Camopi	01:39
202	Vaval Wayampi musicians, Camopi	01:47
203	Eka epu pah Wayampi boys, Trois Sauts	01:19
204	Mya ai Wayampi boys, Trois Sauts	01:19
205	Enga toia-le Wayampi boys, Trois Sauts	02:19
206	Epi mo po u pi ya ya ya Wayampi boys, Trois Sauts	02:24
207	Metal Flute: La-kel Kwi-o-li	02:09
208	Metal Flute Kwi-o-li	03:15