Baka Beyond
The original Afro-Celtic danceband inspired by the music of the rain forest.
After 20 years of mixing African and Celtic music in equal measures Baka Beyond has become one of the finest danceable bands around, creating the sound of the global village. Not just a touring band, Baka Beyond have a unique relationship with their inspiration – the Baka Pygmies of Cameroon – sending royalties to help their development projects, and even touring with Baka musicians.
Baka Beyond was conceived in 1992 by British musicians Martin Cradick after a 6 week visit to the Baka Forest People deep in the heart of the Cameroon rainforest. They were struck by the Baka's generosity of spirit and joy of life in hard circumstances which is reflected in their music. Martin and Su wanted to bring the spirit of this music back home so they recorded the album SPIRIT OF THE FOREST released under the name Baka Beyond which pushed them into worldwide recognition.
In order to make sure that the Baka get their fair return for their compositions they also founded the charity, "Global Music Exchange". So started this very positive African – European collaboration.
Since these early beginnings when the term "world music" barely existed, Baka Beyond has evolved into a multicultural, dynamic live stage show with worldwide album sales. Band members have hailed from Brittany, Cameroon, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Congo, Uganda and Ghana as well as Britain. Each musician brings their own influence and talent to the music creating a unique spectacle and honoring a lesson learned from the Baka people, "everyone is to be listened to".
The current touring unit are bringing the SPIRIT OF THE FOREST to festivals in UK and USA. Martin Cradick (guitar), Su Hart (vocals) and Clyde Kramer (drums) have all spent time living and playing music with the Baka Pygmies in their rainforest home. Ayodele Scott (percussion) brings the rhythms and color of his native Sierra Leone into the mix, while all these elements are grounded by the solid Congolese grooves of Kibisingo (bass). The lineup is completed by Ellie Jamison (vocals) who is returning to Baka Beyond after a bit of a break to bring 3 children safely into the world.
