Music of the Haut Oyapok: Oyampi and Emerillon Indians, 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	Elder Oyampi at Camopi	02:50
112	Bone Flute	Young boy at Camopi	00:57
201	Ola Missieu	Camopi Oyampi musicians	01:39
202	Vaval	Male singers	01:47
203	Eka epu pah	Male singers	01:19
204	Mya ai	Trois Saut Oyampi musicians	01:19
205	Enga toia-le	Trois Saut Oyampi musicians	02:19
206	Epi mo po u po ya ya ya	Trois Saut Oyampi musicians	02:24
207	Metal Flute: Melodic Tune: La-kel	Kwi-o-li	02:09
208	Metal Flute	Kwi-o-li	03:15