Richard Bona

Richard Bona is a Cameroonian musician, composer, and producer known for blending jazz, world music, funk, and African rhythms. Born in 1967 in the village of Minta, Cameroon, music was a family tradition—his grandfather was a griot and percussionist, and his mother a singer. He began playing balafon at age four and performed in his village church by age five. Due to limited resources, he crafted his own instruments, including flute and guitar. At eleven, he moved to Douala, where he built a 12-string guitar from bicycle brake cables and played in local bands. He began his professional career at thirteen by forming a band for a French jazz club. His music combines African rhythms with jazz improvisations, gaining him international recognition. He has collaborated with many famous musicians and released eight studio albums. Richard Bona often explores themes such as identity and social issues, known for emotional depth and virtuosic skill. In addition to performing, he teaches and conducts workshops worldwide. He has received numerous awards, including a Grammy.