VA — Cameroon Garage Funk (2021)

Yaoundé, in the 1970´s, was a buzzing place. Every neighbourhood of Cameroon´s capital, no matter how dodgy, was filled with music spots but surprisingly there were no infrastructure to immortalise those musical riches. The country suffered from a serious lack of proper recording facilities, and the process of committing your song to tape could become a whole adventure unto itself. Of course, you could always book the national broadcasting company together with a sound eeer, but this was hardly an option for underground artists with no cash. But luckily an alternative option emerged in form of an adventist church with some good recording equipment and many of the artists on this compilation recorded their first few songs, secretly, in these premises thanks to Monsieur Awono, the church eeer. He knew the schedule of the priests and, in exchange for some cash, he would arrange recording sessions. The artists still had to bring their own equipment, and since there was only one microphone, the amps and instruments had to be positioned perfectly. It was a risky business for everyone involved but since they knew they were making history, it was all worth it.

1. Jean-Pierre Djeukam — Africa Iyo (03:51)

2. Joseph Kamga — Sie Tcheu (03:27)

3. Los Camaroes — Ma Wde Wa (03:36)

4. Los Camaroes — Esele Mulema Moam (04:20)

5. Ndenga Andre Destin et Les Golden Sounds — Yondja (04:17)

6. Damas Swing Orchestra — Odylife (02:21)

7. Charles Lembe et Son Orchestra — Quiero Wapatcha (02:54)

8. Louis Wasson et L\’Orchestre Kandem Irenée — Song Of Love (03:27)

9. Tsanga Dieudonne — Les Souffrances (06:08)

10. Pierre Didy Tchakounte et les Tulipes Noires — Monde Moderne (03:52)

11. Willie Songue et Les Showmen — Moni Ngan (05:13)

12. Mballa Bony — Mezik Me Mema (04:57)

13. Johnny Black et Les Jokers — Mayi Bo Ya (03:52)

14. Pierre Didy Tchakounte — Ma Fou Fou (04:05)

15. Lucas Tala — Woman Be Fire (04:22)

16. Ndenga Andre Destin et Les Golden Sounds — Ngamba (04:37)