Album Notes

The group started when guitarist and composer Martin Cradick, of the world music band Outback, and vocalist Su Hart ventured into the rainforest of Cameroon to visit with the Baka people in 1991. They were inspired by the musical heritage of the Baka, and have been returning regularly, bringing royalty payments and helping to build a traditional Music House in the forest.

Since then, Baka Beyond has grown into a seven-person, world-touring fusion of Gaelic vocals, guitars, mandolins, and whistles with African drumbeats and centuries-old songs and rhythms. Their shows are a crackling mix of powerful beats, spectacular dancing and virtuoso musicianship. BBC reviewer Martin Longley called their music “virtually immune to cynical negativity, so forceful is its optimistic energy.”

Baka Beyond are now eight musicians from six countries in the Celtic fringes of Europe and the west coast of Africa who have joined together to create and play some of the best, most exciting world music around today. Their spirited genre-benders blending Celtic and African music performed by incredible musicians from both worlds has enlivened concert stages for over a decade and is simply not to be missed. Strong African beats underpin Celtic and Gaelic melodies producing fast yet gently infectious rhythms. Their musicianship and improvisational skills combined with a sensitivity learned from the Baka tribes people in the African rainforest, create a stunning convergence of influences. Led by guitarist Martin Cradick and singer Su Hart, this dynamic band offer a powerful, spirited show full of fiery rhythms, enchanting harmonies, and spectacular dancing to delight both young and old. Their concerts are a feast for the eyes and heart as well as the ears and feet.