BBC - Radio 3 - World Music

Baka music audio feature

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Music is the life-blood of the Baka Pygmies, the rainforest people of the Cameroon. Everyone sings and plays and the music is used to enchant forest animals before the hunt, to cure illnesses and to overcome disputes. The UK band 'Baka Beyond' have been playing music inspired by their visits to the Baka for over ten years.

On this visit, at the request of the Baka, the band are taking a timber-frame builder to build a Music House in the forest. The Baka are treated with disrespect by the local Bantu people because they are Pygmies. They hope the Music House will improve their status in the community. Radio producer Eka Morgan watches the Music House going up amidst the sounds of Baka life. This feature was first broadcast on October 16th 2004 in World Routes.

Baka Beyond are currently on tour throughout England until 7th November. To look up their tour dates and find out more about the band and the Baka see:
http://www.baka.co.uk

Baka Beyond's new CD, which includes recordings from the Music House, will be released in March 2005.

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