Francis Bebey

Francis Bebey
Born (1929-07-15)15 July 1929
Douala, Cameroon
Died 28 May 2001(2001-05-28) (aged 71)
Paris, France
Genres Makossa, classical guitar, jazz, pop, electronic
Occupation(s) Artist, musician, poet, writer, radio broadcaster
Instruments Guitar, sanza, flute, percussion
Years active 1969–2000

Francis Bebey (15 July 1929 in Douala, Cameroon – 28 May 2001 in Paris, France) was a Cameroonian artist, musician, poet and writer.

Early life

Francis Bebey was born in Douala, Cameroon, on 15 July 1929.[1] Bebey attended a college in Douala, where he studied mathematics, before going to to study broadcasting at the University of Paris. Moving to the United States, he continued to study broadcasting at New York University.[2] In 1957, Bebey moved to Ghana at the invitation of Kwame Nkrumah, and took a job as a broadcaster.[3]

Music career

In the early 1960s, Bebey moved to France and started work in the arts, establishing himself as a musician, sculptor, and writer. His most popular novel was Agatha Moudio's Son. He also worked as a consultant for UNESCO from 1972 onwards.[2][3]

Bebey released his first album in 1969. His music was primarily guitar-based, but he integrated traditional African instruments and synthesizers as well. His style merged Cameroonian makossa with classical guitar, jazz, and pop,[4] and was considered by critics to be groundbreaking, "intellectual, humorous, and profoundly sensual".[3] He sang in Duala, English, and French.[4]

Bebey helped launch the career of Manu Dibango.[5] Bebey released more than 20 albums over his career,[6] and was also known for his poetry, including Black tears (1963), a poem dedicated to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.[2]

Death and legacy

Bebey died in Paris, France, on 28 May 2001. He left a son and two daughters, along with his wife.[1]

John Williams' piece "Hello Francis" is written as a tribute to Bebey: "The piece is based on the Makossa, a popular dance rhythm from Cameroon often used by Francis, and includes a quote from his piece The Magic Box and a hidden bit of J.S. Bach."[7]

Discography

Albums
Compilations

Notes

  1. 1 2 "Francis Bebey". The Independent. 31 May 2001. Archived from the original on 11 August 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 Southern 1982, p. 31.
  3. 1 2 3 DeLancey & DeLancey 2000, p. 48.
  4. 1 2 Hudgens & Trillo 1999, p. 1182.
  5. ↑ Mbaku 2005, p. 198.
  6. ↑ West 2004, p. 19.
  7. ↑ "Notes". John Williams: The Guitarist's Music Site. Retrieved 18 October 2016.

References

  • DeLancey, Mark W.; DeLancey, Mark Dike (2000). Historical Dictionary of the Republic of Cameroon (3rd ed.). Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-585070-322. 
  • Hudgens, Jim; Trillo, Richard (1999). West Africa: The Rough Guide (3rd ed.). London: Rough Guides Ltd. ISBN 978-1-858284-682. 
  • Mbaku, John Mukum (2005). Culture and Customs of Cameroon. Westpoint, Conn: Greenwood Press. ISBN 978-0-313332-319. 
  • Southern, Eileen (1982). Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians. Westpoint, Conn: Greenwood Press. ISBN 978-0-313213-397. 
  • West, Ben (2004). Cameroon: The Bradt Travel Guide. Guilford, Conn: The Globe Pequot Press Inc. ISBN 978-1-841620-787. 
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