E-mail us at oneheart@baka.co.uk
GLOBAL MUSIC EXCHANGE AGM Feb 9th 2003
Present: Su Hart, Martin Cradick, Jenny Lewis

Update from Martin’s Study trip November 2002

Jacques N’Goum has been untraceable because of family difficulties. Planet Survey were not in a position to help us. On the study trip winter 2002, Martin met Samuel Nguiffo Director of Centre for Environment and Development (a Cameroonian NGO), who provided us with the appropriate information for forming an association. Martin, with Jerome Lewis’ help, started the process of forming an association. This will be completed during the next trip in March 2003. This association will be for the Baka community of Banana, including the people who participated in the recordings.

The last five years have seen big changes for the Baka community. Electricity supply to Molundu has affected changes in the culture bringing the outside world closer; whilst at the same the eco guard system set up by the WWF has caused problems for the Baka when they go deeper into the forest. There is also a strong desire and certain pressure to educate their children which encourages them to live in the road-side villages. All these are factors which undermine the hunter/gatherer lifestyle of the Baka people.

Part of the visit was spent in the Dja region where there has been more contact with the outside world for longer, it was noted that children under the age of 13 had never lived for extended periods in the forest. This was true of children under 3 in Banana.

Samuel Nguiffo contacted the Minister of Culture on our behalf and clarified our position in respect to the affair with Nyamsi in 1998. These problems are now resolved. He expressed an interest in forming a Cameroonian NGO based on the work that we are doing in Banana. There would be funds available from various sources to put this into effect which could benefit the Baka community throughout Cameroon using our scheme as a model of good practice.

Proposed Trip in March 2003
Martin agreed to return with Andy Maine, a French speaking timber frame building expert, to start building the music house. Jerome has agreed to return in March to complete the setting up of the association which will be called ‘Gbina’ this name was chosen by the Baka and means “help”.

Su Hart will be joining them in March to initiate links with a school in Banana and a school in Bath, England. Ingrid Lewis will be researching medical needs.

Finances
Funds in the Global Music Exchanges account includes all monies that have been collected from the revenue from the recordings. This money includes : royalties due to individuals who performed or wrote the music.(for specific songs & performances) money due to the community as a whole (for traditional songs owned by the community. This will be administered by the Gbine association when it is formed. The remainder is held by the charity for the furthering of the charity’s aims.

AOB
Potential trustees to be approached: Frankie Duggan

Date of next meeting: May 2003

Back to the "One Heart" page