The diverse traditions of musicians from 6 countries in West Africa and the Celtic fringes of Europe create Baka Beyond’s unique, uplifting sound. Baka Beyond’s upbeat acoustic dance music is characterized by delightful harmonies and a rhythmic delicacy imported directly from the African rain forests. Their recent CD "Sogo" came into being when Martin Cradick invited 4 musicians from West Africa and 4 musicians from Europe to join Baka Beyond for an extensive tour. During this intensely creative time of playing together, new songs evolved that are a fusion of individual talents and traditions.
   Martin Cradick is a brilliant guitarist and intrepid traveler. His search for common links between Northern European and West African traditions took him and Su Hart deep into the Cameroon rain forest where they lived with the Baka people. Deeply inspired by the music and the people he met there, Martin formed Baka Beyond and produced four CDs that have created considerable interest around the globe.
   Cradick, who also co-founded the band “Outback” with didgeridoo virtuoso Graham Wiggins, has been the guitarist and driving force behind Baka Beyond since the recording of their first album, “Spirit of the Forest” in 1993. Paddy Le Mercier is a wild Breton fiddler, and has been playing with Martin since pre-Outback days. He was a member of the French folk - rock band, Malicorne before joining Outback and then Baka Beyond. His violin ranges from Celtic to Gypsy Jazz through shades of Jimi Hendrix. Su Hart has also been with Baka Beyond since the start. She traveled to the Baka Pygmies with Martin where she learned the women’s songs and vocal techniques. When not touring or recording she teaches about the life and music of the Baka around the UK. Other members of Baka Beyond include Nii Tagoe, a percussionist and dancer from Ghana; Ayodele Scott, percussionist (as well as leader of a music and theatre troupe) from Sierra Leone; Lakh Niasse, a dynamic young drummer from Senegal; Eleanor Churchlow, vocalist from the UK; and Sam Dengue from Cameroon, one of the top session bassists on the African music circuit in Europe.