Francis Bebey

Francis Bebey (15 July 1929 in Douala, Cameroon – 28 May 2001 in Paris, France) was a Cameroonian writer and composer.

Francis Bebey was born in Douala, Cameroon, on 15 July 1929. Bebey attended college in Douala, where he studied mathematics, before going to study broadcasting at the University of Paris. Moving to the United States, he continued to study broadcasting at New York University. In 1957, Bebey moved to Ghana at the invitation of Kwame Nkrumah, and took a job as a broadcaster.

In the early 1960s, Bebey moved to France and started work in the arts, establishing himself as a musician, sculptor, and writer. His most popular novel was Agatha Moudio's Son. While working at UNESCO from 1961-74, he was able to become the head of the music department in Paris. This job allowed him to research and document traditional African music.

Bebey released his first album in 1969. His music was primarily guitar-based, but he integrated traditional African instruments and synthesizers as well. Though Bebey is currently praised for his music, his musical taste created controversy with his native music when he first started off. His style merged Cameroonian makossa with classical guitar, jazz, and pop, and was considered by critics to be groundbreaking, "intellectual, humorous, and profoundly sensual". He sang in Duala, English, and French.

Bebey helped launch the career of Manu Dibango. Bebey released more than 20 albums over his career, and was also known for his poetry, includi…