Diatonic Scales
On the occasion of the opening of the 2025/2026 cultural year, the A(fro)Topos Cultural
Lab Pie Claude NGUMU space in Yaoundé/Mballa 2 is organizing from September 4 to December 4, 2025, a
documentary exhibition dedicated to traditional musical instruments from Cameroon and
its surroundings. Under the direction of illustrator and visual artist Sita NGOUMOU, this
project highlights an extract from the scientific work of Dr. Pie-Claude Ngumu (1931- 1993), an ethnomusicologist recognized for his research on these instruments. The exhibition refers to his latest, still unpublished work: „African Musical Traditions of
Cameroon and Surrounding Areas“. Based on the exceptional field exploration, the
exhibition „Diatonic Scales“ presents writings, archival documents, photographic portraits
(André Bezanga-1912-1985), plates of instruments drawn or narrated, all complementary
languages to immerse oneself in a universe of forms and practices of extraordinary
richness of traditional African musical instruments. The public is invited to discover the
diversity of heritage instruments, while exploring Ngumu’s unique approach to studying, documenting and preserving them. The exhibition focuses on the Mvet, the Garaya, the flutes, the Sanza, and the Mengògé, a
journey that expresses a unique geography of Dr. Pie-Claude Ngumu’s passion for
traditional African musical instruments. The exhibition thus offers a reflection on the preservation of a centuries-old cultural
heritage in peril and on the possibilities available for safeguarding this legacy.
Alongside the exhibition, a creative residency called „Tradifusion“ will be held under the
artistic coordination of bassist Aimé MAMA. It will bring together artists playing the Mvet, Garaya, flute, and Sanza, creating a diversity of sounds and rhythms, both secular and
sacred. The residency is scheduled to end in December 2025. We will publish more information on this project soon.
The opening takes place on Thursday, September 4th at 6 pm at Espace A(fro)Topos
located in Mballa 2. It will be preceded by a talk at 5 pm with the curatorial team and a
few guests. Several other activities are planned before the end of the exhibition.
Contact A(fro)Topos :
Press: Martial E. NGUEA
Tel. +237 696 25 98 32
Email: afrotopos.association@yahoo.com
