THE FOREST VOICES TOUR
diary

Feb 23rd 2014

Today Orchéstre Baka Gbiné played the first concert of The Forest Voices Tour in the Music House at Gbiné. Here's some music from the concert and a little introduction to Gbiné itself.

Busy day again, first concert tonight in the music house. The Sous-Prefet of Moloundou has chosen not to come as he expected money for his fuel and to provide an authorisation for the event. We have decided that tonight will be a rehearsal and we will invite only the local "elite" from the village. To this end we called on the chief of Banana who sadly could not come due to ill health. However his deputy, Mr Mobuko, Mr Mendika and a dozen of the leading citizens came down the track to Gbiné in the late afternoon.

Hesitant at first due to unclear protocol, they soon warmed to the music as the band got going. There were almost as many on stage as on the dance floor but despite the chaos we had a great evening's music.

After our village guests had left, Ngallo decided to treat us to a traditional "Booma" dance. The drum was carried outside and the party continued under the mango tree late into the night.

Andi

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