Francis Bebey; A National Treasure
Born in Douala on July 15,1929; Francis Bebey died in Paris on May 28, 2001 at the age of 72 from a heart attack.
He was a journalist, writer, author, singer and songwriter. Introduced to music by his father, he began playing banjo, the guitar and more importantly traditional instruments such as the mouth bow, the celtic harp, the sanza and the pygmy flute.
A malicious singer with a keen sense of humour, he performed all over the world, worked with the best but remained deeply rooted in Africa.
He fought against racism with humour, finesse and delicacy.
“Getting to know Francis Bebey was akin to flirting with the charm of his agile mind and experiencing a lesson in humility, humanism, courtesy and life” asserted RFI Musique.
He fought against racism with humour, finesse and delicacy.
1950: Travelled abroad, obtained a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in English studies in La Sorbonne, Paris; supervisor of the UNESCO music department for 15 years.
1968: Awarded the Grand Prix Littéraire d’Afrique noire for his book “le fils d’Agatha Moudio”
1972: IDIBA
1974: Released his album “African Laughter” which featured ” Agatha, condition masculine, si les gaulois avaient su, etc….”
1977: Awarded the prize of best French song
1989: “Musique de Yaaba” produced by Idrissa Ouédraogo was an award-winning movie at the Cannes Film Festival.
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