Bikutsi

Bikutsi is a vibrant and rhythmically rich musical genre originating in Cameroon. It is known for its energetic drumming, expressive guitar parts and vocals, often addressing social and everyday themes.

Throughout the 20th century, bikutsi became one of the symbols of Cameroonian identity. Its influence spread far beyond Central Africa, making this genre an integral part of the global music scene.

The origins of bikutsi can be traced back to the traditional dances and ritual songs of the Beti people, where the word ‘bikutsi’ literally means ‘foot stomps’ - that is, a dance accompanied by rhythmic stomping. At the beginning of the 20th century, this form existed as part of women's ceremonies and village festivals, but by the 1950s it had moved into the urban environment. In the 1960s and 1970s, with the growth of radio broadcasting and Cameroon's independence, bikutsi became a powerful cultural expression of a new urban identity. By the 1980s, the genre had entered the international arena.

The musical language of bikutsi is based on complex polyrhythms, with the main beat provided by percussion instruments, often imitating the sounds of traditional drums. The tempo is usually fast, ranging from 120 to 140 beats per minute. The vocals, performed in Evondo or French, are characterised by a conversational intonation and often take the form of dialogue. Female voices traditionally play a leading role, and the lyrics touch on themes of love, morality, social change and political realities.

The genre's recognition has gone far beyond the local scene: bikutsi has been featured at major festivals such as WOMAD and Africa Fête, and Western critics have noted its innovative energy and danceable expressiveness. Although it never achieved the commercial success of Afrobeat or Makossa, bikutsi became an important symbol of Cameroonian cultural identity, actively supported by national radio stations and television.