Colours and rhythms of Cameroon

Dive into a vibrant mix of melodies, languages and rhythms that showcase Cameroon’s rich cultural diversity.

Colours and rhythms of Cameroon

Join us for an interactive atelier that transports you to the lively world of Cameroonian choir singing. You’ll learn traditional songs with their colourful melodies and catchy rhythms. Singing a cappella, you’ll explore the unique vocal style of Cameroonian music, focusing on polyphonic and polyrhythmic songs. Jean-Alexis Bakond, a Cameroonian conductor and composer, will share his deep knowledge and passion for this music rooted in tradition and history.
You’ll discover why Cameroon, with its rich variety of sounds that echo other African countries, is called “Africa in miniature”. Also, you’ll learn the importance of music in daily Cameroonian life through dances, body percussion, learning songs by ear and exploring different themes – with some spontaneous harmonisation thrown in.
Don’t miss this enriching experience full of connection and discovery!

Repertoire

Subject to changes

Ma folo moan / trad. Beti / arr Alexis Bakond
Kum Kum Kum / trad Ewondo / arr. Evrard Mfono
Adada / trad. Ewondo /arr. Alexis Bakond
Danse samali / Alexis Bakond
Mblar din maa baa / Emile Ronwe Manhouli
Yahwe kola / Lambert Joseph Minthua / arr. Alexis Bakond
Musango ma longè / Nen Abel
Dimë bë / arr Eric Dassie et Alexis Bakond
Da jei /arr. Eric Dassie
Cri de joie bantu / Adoulou Bitang

Biography

Jean-Alexis Bakond

Jean-Alexis is a young singer with a master’s degree in private law and a deep love for music. He trained in choral conducting with “Les Amis du Chœur Madrigal du Cameroun”, a group that supports choirs in Cameroon, backed by Vivendi Create Joy. He has a strong interest in research and is passionate about exploring diverse musical traditions. Energetic and curious, Jean-Alexis is always on the lookout for creative ways to approach music. He is highly committed to preserving and sharing cultural heritage through music. His work revolves around composing and arranging, as well as directing the Mboa Youth Choir of Cameroon and the children’s choir “Le Chœur des Piccoli”. In 2022, Jean-Alexis took his conducting skills to the next level by completing a two-month intensive course in Lyon. There, he immersed himself in conducting classes and worked with vocal ensembles led by Pascal Adoumbou, Leslie Peeters, Régis Harquel, Marine Fribourg and Nicole Corti.

Start and End Dates :

05/08/25

07/08/25

Level :

easy

Voicing :

Mixed voices

Language :

French

Country of the conductor :

Cameroon

Preparation :

Without preparation

Discovery (3 days, no final concert)