I was introduced into Ali Baba’s music in the late 80’s. Ali Baba is an outstanding African musician who was born in Garoua, North Cameroon in 1956. He seemed to be a character taken straight out of the Thousand and One Nights and his music symbolises a mixture of African warmth, Fulani and Islamic tradition.His sound and voice chemistry will transport you into a landscape of baobab trees where people will discuss their businesses. It will make you cross Fulani beauties’ steps, feel the kids’ laughters and smell nature’s autenticity.
Not only does Ali Baba talk about African traditions, like young girls getting married early like in Bingel Debbo Baledjo in Fulani language ( which I have a little understanding of), he also relates about traditions, joy and Cameroonian unity. Bingel means kid, debbo spouse and baledjo means black…the song relates the story of a young oh too young little black spouse baby girl.
I like the intensity of the artist’s voice, his genuine way of telling things. Ali Baba, who died in 2004, also happened to sing in French, like in his song Africains, Africaines Dansez, a very melodic song that will entertain any African music lover.
He was often accompanied by a dancer called Dodo Etoile.
I was very surprised to find Ali Baba again on the following blog.
It will allow you to dowload a few songs of the brilliant artist who deserves to be known better all around the world. You will discover his instrumental diversity, the dynamic rythm and his vocal flexibility.
Check out Ali Baba. He is definitely worth it!
Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved
