Su Hart: The rainforest singing of the Baka People

About the leader
Su Hart is a much-loved choir leader and world-music artist, best known as the lead singer of Baka Beyond. Since the early 1990s she has made many visits to Cameroon’s rainforest, spending significant time living, singing and learning with the Baka people—experiences that have profoundly shaped her musical approach and repertoire.

https://suhart.com

The Baka people's rainforest singing style called “Yelli” is an interlocking form. It is the most ancient of singing, and is heard throughout the forests of Central Africa. It was developed to enchant the forest animals ensuring luck in the hunt, to navigate the forests, to help heal illness and argument, and to soothe loss or a crying baby.

We will learn this technique and other song styles learned first hand in the forest.

What we’ll do on the day
Expect singing that’s rhythm-rich, embodied and uplifting. Songs are taught by ear, with a strong emphasis on pulse, interlocking parts, and that special “group lift” you get when harmony, rhythm and community all click at once.

Who it’s for
For singers who want joy, groove, connection—and the chance to be guided by a leader with decades of lived experience in world vocal traditions.

The Stonegate Singers are a busy community choir based in York UK. Recent performance include concerts around York, and events such as the Stonegate Singers Ceilidh Night, together with the brilliant folk band The House Devils. The Stonegate Singers have performed live on the BBC, and as part of community events such as The Great Get Together in Rowntree Park. In August 2017, we performed in the Creswell Crags limestone gorge as part of Refugium, a new mixed media piece by director Jon Hughes.