Los Camaroes de Maroua

Los Camaroes de Maroua, active from the late 1960s, were a legendary Cameroonian band merging Makossa, Bikutsi, and Cavacha, often led by guitarist Messi Martin and singer Jean Gabari. Originating in the northern city of Maroua, they became known for a "psychedelic 70s Afro Soukous Soul" sound, famously reissued by Analog Africa. 

• Key Figures: Messi Martin (guitarist, "King of Bikutsi") and Jean Gabari (leader).
• Key Members: Johnny Cosmos, Sala Bekono, Mpoudi Emmanuel, Jean-Marie Ngoembang, Kwanga Roger, Paul Bingue.
• Signature Sound: A mix of Makossa, Bikutsi, and Cavacha with heavy balafon and guitar parts.
• Key Releases: Resurrection Los (1979/2017), A Journey into Cameroonian Music (2019), Ma Wdé Wa (1973).
• Reissues: Analog Africa and Nubiphone have reissued their rare 1970s recordings. 

The band was renowned for its high-energy live performances in nightclubs, which were later captured on recordings like "Resurrection Los", a 1979 live-to-two-track session at the Mango Bar in Cameroon.