Hommage A Zanzibar

Description

The bikutsi scene in Cameroon during the 1980s and early 1990s gave rise to many colorful characters. Gibraltar Drakus is one of the most enduring and enigmatic artists, who helped transform bikutsi into a magnificent tapestry of triplet rhythms, conquering the ears of the world. By mimicking the sound of the village xylophone through the use of a mute on the strings of the electric guitar, bikutsi artists created an energetic and uninterrupted dance format for those who loved music infused with the sensibility of their hometown. In the early 1990s, Les Têtes Brûlées were undeniably the most famous and influential bikutsi artists, partly due to the innovations of their fiery guitarist Théodore Zanzibar Epeme. After their first European tour in 1987, the group exploded onto the international scene, but Zanzibar tragically and mysteriously died, nearly bringing the group to an end. In hindsight, most Cameroonians agree that Zanzibar's contributions to bikutsi were transformative and immeasurable. Gibraltar Drakus was the youngest member of Les Têtes Brûlées and Zanzibar's protégé. It was therefore fitting that he dedicated his first album in 1989, Hommage A Zanzibar, to this revolutionary guitarist who meant so much to him. For the recording, Gibraltar Drakus enlisted the services of the prolific producer Mystic Jim, who recorded and mixed the album. He wanted the sound to fall somewhere between the sensibilities of the famous Veterans de Yaoundé, Zanzibar, and Messi Martin. The musical innovation lies both in the interaction of the guitars and in the discipline of orchestration, resulting in a meticulous and mind-blowing record of cross-rhythmic harmonies.