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Rhythms of Change |
Photo: Baka jam
by Sam Rawlings
The Baka People of East Cameroon are a forest-dwelling community of semi-nomadic pygmies. Living in the forest with an absence of artificial background noise, only hearing natural sounds, they develop a unique sonic awareness that has made them exceptionally musical.
Su Hart and Martin Cradick first encountered the Baka in 1992 carrying little more than a guitar, a mandolin, a bag of salt and some women’s clothing. "I was struck by their music and how everybody got involved,” said Martin. The two musicians engaged with the tribe, combining traditional Baka influences with Celtic harmonies to create Heart of The Forest, a recording of the Baka people made in the forest. Spirit of The Forest was recorded in England and was the debut album of the now international baka beyond. Since these initial recordings the group has grown, both in members and popularity. Now truly international, the band tours in America and Europe and consists of members from six different nationalities.
The One Heart Foundation was established to allow royalties from CD sales to be paid directly to the Baka. One Heart, a term coined by the Baka women, represented the way they wanted funds to be put into projects that would benefit the whole community, such as an education centre and a pharmacy using both western and traditional medicine.
One Heart also aims to educate everyone about indigenous peoples, in the hope these traditions and cultures can be preserved. The Foundation offers music and dance workshops in schools, led by Su Hart, where children can learn about these unique cultures and hear first-hand accounts from forest dwellers.
Baka beyond and the One Heart Foundation has raised more than 60,000 pounds via royalties and donations, all of which has been used to benefit their community in the long term.
Contact: March Hare Music,
Email: gigs@baka.co.uk or mailing@baka.co.uk
Websites: www.baka.co.uk
and/or www.forestpeoples.org
The Baka People of East Cameroon are a forest-dwelling community of semi-nomadic pygmies. Living in the forest with an absence of artificial background noise, only hearing natural sounds, they develop a unique sonic awareness that has made them exceptionally musical.
Su Hart and Martin Cradick first encountered the Baka in 1992 carrying little more than a guitar, a mandolin, a bag of salt and some women’s clothing. "I was struck by their music and how everybody got involved,” said Martin. The two musicians engaged with the tribe, combining traditional Baka influences with Celtic harmonies to create Heart of The Forest, a recording of the Baka people made in the forest. Spirit of The Forest was recorded in England and was the debut album of the now international baka beyond. Since these initial recordings the group has grown, both in members and popularity. Now truly international, the band tours in America and Europe and consists of members from six different nationalities.
The One Heart Foundation was established to allow royalties from CD sales to be paid directly to the Baka. One Heart, a term coined by the Baka women, represented the way they wanted funds to be put into projects that would benefit the whole community, such as an education centre and a pharmacy using both western and traditional medicine.
One Heart also aims to educate everyone about indigenous peoples, in the hope these traditions and cultures can be preserved. The Foundation offers music and dance workshops in schools, led by Su Hart, where children can learn about these unique cultures and hear first-hand accounts from forest dwellers.
Baka beyond and the One Heart Foundation has raised more than 60,000 pounds via royalties and donations, all of which has been used to benefit their community in the long term.
Contact: March Hare Music,
Email: gigs@baka.co.uk or mailing@baka.co.uk
Websites: www.baka.co.uk
and/or www.forestpeoples.org
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