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Cameroon’s bikutsi scene in the late 80s and early 90s was a breeding ground for vibrant personalities. Among them, Gibraltar Drakus stands as an enigmatic figure who played a crucial role in transforming bikutsi into an awe-inspiring fusion of makossa, soukous, and traditional Beti music. By translating the intricate xylophone melodies onto electric guitar, Drakus and his contemporaries catapulted the genre to new heights, captivating audiences worldwide with their pulsating rhythms.
In the wake of Cameroon Radio Television’s establishment in 1987, bikutsi took center stage, superseding makossa and soukous in both local airwaves and the hearts of the cosmopolitan residents of Yaoundé and beyond. This electrifying genre blended electronic elements with guitar-driven bikutsi, mirroring the sound of village xylophones through clever modifications made to the guitar strings. To many, this style felt more genuine and authentic compared to the increasingly popular makossa. Les Tetes Brûlées emerged as the vanguards of bikutsi, with their incendiary guitarist Théodore Zanzibar Epeme leading the charge. Their European tour in 1987 launched them to international fame, but tragedy struck when Zanzibar passed away, jeopardizing the future of the band. In retrospect, Zanzibar’s impact on bikutsi was immeasurable, with Cameroonians recognizing his transformative contributions.
Gibraltar Drakus, the youngest member of Les Têtes Brûlées and Zanzibar’s protege, found himself swept up in this wave of innovation. It was only fitting that his debut album in 1989, titled “Hommage A Zanzibar,” paid tribute to the late guitarist who had mentored and influenced him greatly. Despite rampant piracy, Drakus’ album sold over 100,000 copies, catapulting him to widespread recognition. For this groundbreaking record, Drakus enlisted the prolific producer Mystic Jim to ensure the highest quality recordings and mixing. The musical brilliance of “Hommage A Zanzibar” lies not only in its guitar interplay but also in the disciplined orchestration, resulting in a mesmerizing symphony of cross-rhythmic harmonies.
