Jan 31, 2025
holy shit you guys, I'm so enchanted to have found this archival footage of Francis Bebey, legendary Cameroonian musicologist, author, philosopher and intellectual giant. His writing about the dignity, complexity, and history of African traditional instruments is incredible, and he is so warm and kind in this interview - he is just a joy to watch. (also you'll learn cool stuff about the hindewhu flute used by the BaBenzélé of the Central African Republic)
You can hear the instrument in action in this song, which is from the perspective of a BaBenzélé person scoffing at the men of the cities:
