The zither with notched bridge, "mvet," and the "mendzang" xylophone are the most important musical instruments of the Beti of southern Cameroon. Traditional epic ballads and love songs are accompanied by the zither. The xylophone groups play very rhythmically and melodiously, in general on public and festive occasions. The recordings for this CD within Wergo's series "Museum Collection Berlin" were made in 1984 in Cameroon and in 1989 in Berlin, at a time when this tradition was still alive. First recordings.
1 Ngam-Ngam Amwene Abam, Maan Yemison (Ngam-Ngam, Son of Obam, from...)
2 Nnem Elok (The Magic Herb)
3 Ngon Nnanga Ebogo (The Girl from the Nnanga Ebogo People)
4 Azana Jeanne [Name of a Woman]
5 Mfohlo Moan [Lullaby]
6 Ndzana Nga Zogo (Name of a Man; Love Story)
7 Bongo B'eton (The Young Eton Guys)
8 Mohr Emgbemgba Duga (The Naughty Cuckoo-Bird)
9 Je N'ai Jamais Vu Comme (I've Never Seen Anything Like This)
10 Edaang Tulu Ayi Menyu (Edaang Tulu Wants a Drink)
11 Mvondo Chantal [Name of a Girl]
12 Spal Olongo (Special Olongo) - Andrand-Ess
13 Mvogo Ebaa [Name of a Man] - Andrand-Ess
14 Biyaan a Mvoe! (Bidding Farewell!) - Andrand-Ess
The zither with notched bridge, "mvet," and the "mendzang" xylophone are the most important musical instruments of the Beti of southern Cameroon. Traditional epic ballads and love songs are accompanied by the zither. The xylophone groups play very rhythmically and melodiously, in general on public and festive occasions. The recordings for this CD within Wergo's series "Museum Collection Berlin" were made in 1984 in Cameroon and in 1989 in Berlin, at a time when this tradition was still alive. First recordings.
