#the baka

“Liquindi” Baka women water drumming.

Baka from Gbiné women playing the river like a drum.

From the Cameroon rainforest, which borders the Republic of the Congo, they perform both original and traditional music and dance.

Growing up in a rainforest where sound is more important than sight, the Baka are phenomenal musicians in tune with the world around them.

Video Credit: xXx

The Baka, or Bayaka people live in the central African rainforests, mainly situated in the southeast of Cameroon but also in the Congo basin and in Gabon. Experts in forest life, they are well known for their use of water as a drum instrument or water drumming. 

Their musical talents have been well documented and studied for many generations at this point, their cultural practices turning everyday items and elements gleaned from nature into musical instruments. 

Water drumming is a popular tribal practice among women and children during the long days of arduous jungle heat and daily chores to both have fun and keep cool throughout. It is a kinetic and playful ritual among many in their culture that invites the doer to interact with their surroundings on an intimate and unserious level. 

To help fund and sponsor Bayaka indigenous communities, visit these links below: