About

Inspired by the Baka Pygmies of Cameroon, Baka Beyond doesn't just play their music – they live it. Martin Cradick and Su Hart, the brains behind the band, were so moved by the Baka's spirit during their first visit to the Cameroon rainforest that they knew they had to share it with the world. Their album "Spirit of the Forest" catapulted them to global fame, but they've stayed true to their roots. To ensure the Baka people benefit from their music, they set up the charity "Global Music Exchange" and still visit the same Baka extended family to ensure that they continue to benefit.

From humble beginnings to a multicultural phenomenon, Baka Beyond have travelled the world with stage shows are a testament to the power of music to unite us all. With band members hailing from across the globe, each bringing their own unique flair, Baka Beyond honours the Baka philosophy: "everyone is to be listened to."

The current touring unit brings the Spirit of the Forest to Chapel Arts.

Martin Cradick (guitar), Su Hart (vocals) and drummer Clyde Kramer have all spent time living and playing music with the Baka Pygmies in their rainforest home. Scott (percussion) brings the rhythms and colour of his native Sierra Leone into the mix, while all these elements are grounded by the solid Congolese grooves of Kibisingo (bass) who toured with Kanda Bongo Man for many years. The lineup is completed by Bella Linley (vocals) and fiddle prodigy, Ben Moneypenny bringing a Celtic flair.