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Les Têtes Brulées
Les Têtes Brulées () are a Cameroonian band known for a pop version of the bikutsi dance music. Their name literally means ''the burnt heads'' in French, but more likely is meant to imply ''mindblown'' or ''hotheads,'' although founder Jean-Marie Ahanda prefers the translation ''"burnt minds".'' About ''Les Têtes Brulées'' first rose to prominence in the 1980s, and quickly became the world's most famous bikutsi band. However, many critics and fans of the genre did not like their aggressively electrified sound, and the band saw some criticism. They became known for their distinctive costumes, shaved heads and brightly painted bodies, which were meant to evoke traditional Beti scarification. The band was formed by Jean-Marie Ahanda, and included the guitarist Zanzibar, who remains well known for innovative attachment of foam rubber to the bridge of his guitar, which made the instrument sound like a traditional balafon. Zanzibar's death in 1988 threatened to end the band' ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Bikutsi
Bikutsi is a musical genre from Cameroon. It developed from the traditional styles of the Beti, or Ewondo, people, who live around the city of Yaoundé. It was popular in the middle of the 20th century in West Africa. It is primarily dance music. Etymology The word 'bikutsi' literally means 'beat the earth' or 'let's beat the earth' (''bi''- indicates a plural, -''kut''- means 'to beat' and -''chi'' means 'earth'.) The name indicates a dance that is accompanied by stomping the feet on the ground. Description Bikutsi is characterised by an intense rhythm (3+3, with a strong "two" feel), though it is occasionally and its tempo is usually quarternote. it is played at all sorts of Beti gatherings, including parties, funerals and weddings. Beti gatherings fall into two major categories: * Ekang phase: the time when imaginary, mythological and spiritual issues are discussed * Bikutsi phase: when real-life issues are discussed A double sided harp with calabash amplification call ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
