Francis Bebey
| Francis Bebey | |
|---|---|
| Born |
15 July 1929 Douala, Cameroon |
| Died | 28 May 2001 (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.
Francis Bebey was born in Douala, Cameroon, on 15 July 1929. Bebey attended a college in Douala, where he studied mathematics, before going to study broadcasting at the University of Paris. Moving to the United States, he continued to study broadcasting at New York University. In 1957, Bebey moved to Ghana at the invitation of Kwame Nkrumah, and took a job as a broadcaster.
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.
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, and was considered by critics to be groundbreaking, "intellectual, humorous, and profoundly sensual". He sang in Duala, English, and French.
Bebey helped launch the career of Manu Dibango. Bebey released more than 20 albums over his career, and was also known for his poetry, including Black tears (1963), a poem dedicated to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Bebey died in Paris, France, on 28 May 2001. He left a son and two daughters, along with his wife.
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."
...
Wikipedia