NGA FUNK (BW036)

Mention Cameroon and Makossa music comes immediately to mind, along with its principal exponent, the celebrated Cameroonian saxophonist, Manu Dibango. But Cameroon is rich in many other traditional rhythms, particularly in the Western provinces, and the masterful drummer and percussionist, Brice Wassy, sets out to present some of these rhythms with his band, Tchokola; rhythms such as 'Manga Mbey', 'Ndanzi', 'Kou Kou', and Bikutsi.

Brice has a deep understanding of the intricacies of African rhythms, which brings an openness of mind and a desire to explore the roots of Jazz within African traditions. "What I tried to do with 'N'ga Funk' is express how I hear music," he says. "In my head, I am a bassist as much as a drummer. I hear the bass first and most of music is composed around the bass line. Then I hear the rhythm automatically, followed by the harmony; sometimes it's the rhythm first." On this album, dedicated to his father, Brice takes us on a stroll through West Cameroon villages and on into the global village, drawing on elements of jazz and rock to create a powerful musical brew of these vital ingredients. "There are many directions on this record - although there is a strong focus - and it represents what is to come in the future. I want to wake up certain sensations in people that they aren't used to."
"The great thing about living in Paris is that there are so many good African musicians and all those on this album are people I have had a musical rapport with. They were all very kind and helped me out. I had the great privilege of being able to call, for example, a particular bass player for a particular track. On 'N'ga Funk' I could only hear Etienne Mbappe playing. For 'Flip Swing', I called Guy Nsangue for his style."

Track Listing (30 Second Samples)

1. KU NGABEU
2. N'GA FUNK
3. FLIP SWING
4. WASSYUM
5. DAYS OFF
6. TCHOKOLA
7. NZUIHA (BANGANGTE WOMEN)
8. DANCE OF THE CHIEF
9. MEN LAH
10. ME FEEH
11. DAZE OFF