Dikoboda Dombe. The Aka of Cameroon.

The Aka live in the south-west region of the Central African Republic and have developed a distinctive vocal musical tradition, which involves a complex type of contrapuntal polyphony. Yet, unlike polyphonic systems that are written down in notation, the vocal tradition of the Aka Pygmies allows for spontaneous expression and improvisation. The songs perpetuate essential knowledge for the cohesion of the group and the preservation of community values. The Aka have succeeded in preserving their musical knowledge within the community by including children in rituals from an early age.
The lifestyle of the Aka Pygmies has been drastically disrupted due to the changes currently taking place in the Central African Republic. The scarcity of game resulting from deforestation, the rural exodus and the folklorization of their heritage for the tourist industry are principal factors contributing to the gradual disappearance of many of their traditional customs, rituals and skills.* (*Unesco) Video features images of the sacred plant iboga.