Kopolo

The charming tropical rainforest recordings of this Cameroonian pygmy group have won them quite a fanbase. Unfortunately, this latest instalment arrives with a note of sadness as a couple of the young and highly promising group members have recently died. This latest instalment sees them once again under the guidance of producer and guitarist Martin Cradick. Best known as leader of Afro-Celtic fusionists Baka Beyond, Cradick has been working with Baka tribal music for 20 years. He deserves plaudits for his tenacity in both recording the music of this ethnic tribe, but also for helping raise awareness of the plight of the Baka – as their habitat and way of life becomes increasingly threatened by the modern world.

This album was recorded using a solar-powered temporary studio established by Cradick in the rainforest. It is mostly a collection of compositions performed by a small combo comprised of acoustic guitarists, percussionists and singers. There are some electric guitar overdubs that, as on previous recordings, work well in complementing the rural and organic nature of Baka Gbine perfectly. The singing is less polished than on earlier recordings and I detect less emphasis on the unique Baka yelli style, which features extraordinary inter-woven yodelling. You’ll still hear examples of the ethereal yelli, but most of the singing is more earthy and unrefined. This is another hugely entertaining album from the Baka extended family.