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FOKONG Moses Ndasi (1937 ‑ 1996) Cameroonian Musical Pioneer

“Doctor” Moses Fokong was an artist and musician from the town of Bali-Nyonga in the West African country of Cameroon. In the 1960’s he founded the Cameroon Modern Jazz Orchestra (originally named the Bali Modern Jazz Orchestra).

The end of Colonialism in West Africa precipitated a musical Renaissance.  The songs of Dr. Moses were the first regional hits to come from the former British Cameroons.  His contemporaries included Fela Kuti, Prince Nico Mbarga, Frances Bebey, and Manu Dibango. Although Dr. Moses’ career faltered in the 1970’s, his songs are still standards in Cameroon’s nightclubs.

The nickname “Dr. Moses” originated from his early career as a flamboyant traditional healer.  Later, for his promotion of Cameroonian arts, he was given the honorary title Doctor of Culture. He also was known as a gifted woodcarver.