For over 30 years, Baka Beyond has been blending African and Celtic music into an electrifying mix that’s got everyone dancing! Their music isn’t just about beats; it’s about bridging cultures and spreading joy.
Original inspiration for Baka Beyond, Martin jamming with the Baka
Inspired by the Baka Pygmies of Cameroon, Baka Beyond doesn’t just play their music – they live it. Martin Cradick and Su Hart, the brains behind the band, were so moved by the Baka’s spirit during their first visit to the Cameroon rainforest that they knew they had to share it with the world. Their album “Spirit of the Forest” catapulted them to global fame, but they’ve stayed true to their roots.
To ensure the Baka people benefit from their music, they set up the charity “Global Music Exchange” and still visit the same Baka extended family every year to ensure that they continue to benefit.
From humble beginnings to a multicultural phenomenon, Baka Beyond’s stage shows are a testament to the power of music to unite us all. With band members hailing from across the globe, each bringing their own unique flair, Baka Beyond honors the Baka philosophy: “everyone is to be listened to.”
Join the celebration and let the music take you on a journey around the world!
The current touring unit are bringing the Spirit of the Forest to festivals in UK and USA. Martin Cradick (guitar), Su Hart (vocals) who have both spent time living and playing music with the Baka Pygmies in their rainforest home. Ayodele Scott (percussion) brings the rhythms and colour of his native Sierra Leone into the mix, while all these elements are grounded by the solid Congolese grooves of Kibisingo (bass) who toured with Kanda Bongo Man for many years. The lineup is completed by Irishman David Farrel on drums and young fiddle prodigy, Ben Weedon bringing a Celtic flair.
“. . . if you are not dancing, maybe you should have someone check your pulse.”
“The party atmosphere was irrepressible” Evening Standard
“A guaranteed good night out” Bristol Rocks
More info – listen – Latest Press Release
This is the band of Baka musicians that Martin recorded in their rainforest home to produce the album Gati Bongo. Their music was the original inspiration for Baka Beyond and Martin Cradick has toured in Cameroon with them at the Under the Volcano Festival and several Forest Voices Tours.
In February 2012 Martin Cradick recorded a new album, Kopolo with the Baka musicians on the Cameroon/Congo border. It is a follow up to the successful “Gati Bongo” album. Listen to it HERE
In 2006 7 Baka musicians from Baka Gbiné came to tour with Baka Beyond in UK. This was captured in the live CD “Baka Live”
Recently a series of singles have been released, the most recently recorded being “Nanga”