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André-Marie Tala
(Cameroon)
Biography
André-Marie Tala swas born in Bandjoun, West Cameroon, where he
lost his mother when he was 4 years old, and his father 12 years later. When he was 15, he
went blind. Alone, although his grandmother took him into her house, he turned to one passion:
music.
He created a group, the Rock Boys, later the Black Tigers, with Sam Fan Thomas as guitarist. He made his first recordings with the help of Manu Dibango. In 1972, he had two hits in Cameroon, « Sikati » and « Potaksima », and his first album « Hot Koki » was such a succes that James Brown plagiated the title song (Tala eventually won a court case). After that, many albums followed.
In 1997, highlights of his career were put on two CDs. He lives in Paris since more than 20 years, but he is planning to go back to Cameroon in the coming decade to produce young Cameroonian musicians. But before that, he wishes to make Bend skin and Tchamassi music known to the world by extensive touring. In 2002, he performed on the Nuits d'Afrique Festival in Quebec.
He created a group, the Rock Boys, later the Black Tigers, with Sam Fan Thomas as guitarist. He made his first recordings with the help of Manu Dibango. In 1972, he had two hits in Cameroon, « Sikati » and « Potaksima », and his first album « Hot Koki » was such a succes that James Brown plagiated the title song (Tala eventually won a court case). After that, many albums followed.
In 1997, highlights of his career were put on two CDs. He lives in Paris since more than 20 years, but he is planning to go back to Cameroon in the coming decade to produce young Cameroonian musicians. But before that, he wishes to make Bend skin and Tchamassi music known to the world by extensive touring. In 2002, he performed on the Nuits d'Afrique Festival in Quebec.
André-Marie Tala
• Musicians on « Binam (1983) »:
André-Marie Tala (guitar, lead vocals, composer, direction, arranger)
Michel Alibo (bass)
Jules Kamga (guitar)
Claude Vamur (drums, percussion)
Jean-Claude Naimro (keyboards)
Fredo Tete, Jimmy Mvondo Mvele (horns)
Born: 29 October 1950, Bandjoun, West Province
Style: Tchamassi / Bend Skin
Discography
| Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
| Bend Skin Beats | 2009 | RetroAfric RETRO23CD | Compilation album |
| Source des montagnes | 2006 | Cim's Tchamassi Production | |
| Koungné | 1999 | CIMS | |
| The Best of, vol. 2 | 1997 | TJR CDAT 167 | CD |
| The Best of, vol. 1: les meilleurs slows | 1997 | TJR CDAT 166 | CD |
| Bend Skin | 1993 | CIMS K7001 | Cassette |
| Qui saurait me dire? | 1988 | Andy's Production AND 33887 | LP |
| Celle qui t'a aimé | 1987 | Andy's Production AND 33876 | LP |
| Je vais a Yaoundé / Woman Pass Massa | 1984 | Andy's Production AND 33855 | LP |
| Mother Africa | 1982 | Andy's Production AND 33834 | LP |
| Binam / Soul Tchamassi | 1983 | Andy's Production AND 33833 | LP |
| Tala 81 | 1981 | A.M. Tala production/ Andy's 33802 | LP |
| Notre fille | 1980 | Andy's 33801 | LP, OST/Musique Originale Du Film |
| Spécial Tchamassi | 1979 | Fiesta 362.019 | LP |
| Super Tchamassi | 1978 | Fiesta 362.011 | LP |
| Arabica | 1978 | Fiesta 362.010 | LP |
| Black Woman | 1976 | Fiesta 360.084 | LP |
| Djamena / Je vais a Yaoundé | 1975 | Fiesta 360 069 | LP |
| Hot Koki | 1973 | Fiesta 360.057 | LP |
Sources
Page added February 1998