In a rainforest in southeastern Cameroon live the Baka pygmies, for whom music is an important part of life: they use song and dance for various rituals, to heal, to promote a sense of community, but also purely for fun. The guitarist Martin Cradick and singer Su Hart were so impressed by the Baka pygmies that from 1992 they started a musical collaboration with them under the band name Baka Beyond.
The band gradually grew into a multicultural whole with musicians from England, France, Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana and Sierra Leone. The music is a true fusion of Celtic and West African music. The source of inspiration remains above all the Baka music and with the proceeds of the royalties the living conditions of the pygmies are improved. For example, a Music House was built at their own request that offers better recording options. Thanks to a stable line-up for many years, the musicians are perfectly attuned to each other. Add to that the beautifully recorded musical contributions of the Baka pygmies and it should be clear that the sixth album Rhythm Tree is a milestone in the history of Baka Beyond. (SvdP)more
