Njacko Backo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Njacko Backo
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Backo at the Mihadi International Drumming Day, Toronto, 2013
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| Background information | |
| Born | 1958 Bazou, Cameroon |
| Instruments | Kalimba (drum), African Harp |
Njacko Backo is a talented musician, poet, writer, and performer from Cameroon. He was born in 1958 and grew up in a very musical family. He spent most of his childhood in a village called Bazou in western Cameroon, where he first discovered music.
Like many children in his village, Njacko started playing percussion and making his own instruments. His grandmother helped him meet village elders who taught him how to play. He learned to play drums (like the toum and kak), the kalimba (a 'thumb piano' he plays with his fingers), other percussion instruments, and an African harp called zaa koua.
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Njacko Backo's Early Life and Family
Njacko was born in 1958 in Bazou, Cameroon. When he was about 16 or 17, he left Cameroon and traveled across West Africa. He then lived in France before settling in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, he met ballet dancer Val Woloshyn.
His daughter, Clark Backo, is an actress.
Today, Njacko lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Njacko Backo's Musical Journey
Njacko is a unique musician who often creates his own instruments. He is known as one of the modern Kalimba players in the Western world. He also plays the Zaa Koua.
He has worked with many famous African artists, including Boubacar Diabaté, Oumar Diayé, and dancer Zab Maboungou. In 1990, Njacko formed his own band called Njacko Backo and Kalimba Kalimba. Since then, they have released 11 full-length albums.
Njacko has performed at many big events. These include the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Louisiana Folk Festival, and the Houston International Jazz Festival. He has also composed music for films like To Walk with Lions, Born Free, and Spirit in the Tree.
Besides making music, Njacko also teaches. He works with an organization called Mariposa in the Schools in the Greater Toronto Area. He has created three teaching CDs and DVDs about African drumming. On October 20, 2022, Njacko visited the DSBN Academy. He gave a large presentation about Cameroon and the instruments he plays to many students.
Njacko Backo's Albums
- Bamileke Reggae (1986)
- Le Destin (1988)
- Aventure au Desert (1989-1992)
- Resurrection (1987-1992)
- Nkoni (1996)
- Lode Yeuk (1999)
- Kakoua (2000)
- The Conscience of Africa (2003)
- Ba Ba Oh (2006)
- Ou est l’Amour [Where is the Love] (2011)
- Ici Bas Rien Nest Impossible (2013)
Educational CDs and DVDs
- J'aime mon école (2019)
- À Tous Les Enfants De La Terre (2019)
Awards and Recognitions
Njacko Backo has received several awards and honors for his music:
- He won the Fiati Memorial Award for Best Traditional Performance from Toronto-based Music Africa (1999).
- He earned first prize in the 17th Annual Billboard World Song Contest for his song "Afrique Réveille Toi."
- His album "Ici Bas, Rien N’est Impossible" was nominated for a 2013 Canadian Folk Music Award (World Group of the Year).
- His song "Mama Oh" received an honorable mention in the World Music category of the 2006 International Songwriting Competition and the 15th Annual Billboard World Song Contest.
- His album "J'aime mon école" (with Kalimbas at Work) was nominated for a 2021 Canadian Juno Award (Children's Album of the Year).
