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In a mutually beneficial relationship, the Baka people of East Cameroon’s musical tradition combined with Irish Celtic influences to form a multicultural musical group whose aim is to help the indigenous people retain their traditional and ancient lifestyle. Martin Cradick and Su Hart spent time with the Baka in the winters of 1992 and 1994, living their lifestyles in every aspect, hunting, gathering and playing traditional music. This led to forming the group, Baka Beyond, and albums were soon recorded. Musically, the combination of cultures results in a diverse and unconventional sound that is both catchy and accessible. By establishing One Heart, a global music charity, the Baka receive royalty fees for their contribution to the CDs, there-by keeping vital funds flowing into one of the poorest communities on earth. Music is a large part of Baka lifestyle, living in the forest with an absence of background noise, only hearing natural sounds. They develop a unique sonic awareness that makes them exception-ally musical. This, combined with the tradition of story telling and performing ceremonies through rhythm and song, makes music a fundamental part of the Baka existence. Since it was formed, Baka Beyond has raised over £60,000 via royalties and donations all of which has been used in ways that benefit the Baka in the long term. The One Heart Project funded the Music House, a communal building built by the Baka themselves using a frame made from one single Sapeli tree, a huge hardwood native to Africa. The Music House provides a place to play and record music. Music is not the only way that the One Heart Foundation has benefited this community. They have been pro-vided with identity cards to help them protect their human rights as well as some basic medicine supplies. Future plans for the charity include a medical centre that will practice both western medicine and traditional Baka forest techniques. This, along with other projects is a way of preserving their way of life while accepting the inevitable western influence. The Baka people need to raise more funds to expand on other community projects but also to help them achieve both recognition and respect from their Cameroonian neighbours and the rest of the world. By supporting Global Music Exchange, you will be helping the Baka retain their rainforest culture in a changing world. Rhythm Tree (named after the buttress tree whose giant roots are used as a bass drum) is their most recent release and reflects the dynamic and natural relationship the artists have gained with each other. Top class musicianship and solos from all the instruments makes each song a whole new experience. You can purchase this CD and earlier releases, become a supporting member or make a gift donation to the organisation. Contact: March Hare Music, This is one of many stories available from Positive News newspaper. For more stories like this please visit: www.positivenews.org.uk (Source: Positive News: http://www.positivenews.org.uk) (In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.) |
The Baka Beyond