Francis Bebey

Who was Francis Bebey?

Francis Bebey was a Cameroonian artist, musician, and writer.

Bebey attended the Sorbonne, and was further educated in the United States. 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. He also worked as a consultant for UNESCO.

Bebey released his first album in 1969. His music was primarily guitar-based, although he integrated traditional African instruments as well. His style was groundbreaking, merging Cameroonian makossa with classical guitar, jazz, and pop in a mix that could be intellectual, humorous, or serious. He sang in Duala, English, and French. Bebey helped launch the career of Manu Dibango. Bebey released more than 20 albums over his career.

John Williams' piece 'Hello Francis' is written as a tribute to Bebey.