Biki Music in Kapsiki Society in Northern Cameroon: Socioeconomic Changes and Redefinition of Kareghé Identity

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the socio-economic changes in Kareghé, life through an ethnographic enterprise using participatory observation and visual data collection techniques. Therefore, as the main subject, I try to understand Biki music, how it has influenced the life of Kareghé, specifically Kafaché Sonday, my informant and his group of music. The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of biki music on social and economic change of the Kareghé, caste in Kapsiki society. From a heterogeneous society across various historical themes, the Kapsiki/Kamwe society appears to be homogenized. Kamelimeu and Kareghé, traditionally opposed and different in some social perceptions (Kamelimeu view), such as dirtiness (buried corpse and unclean food), lazy (not working enough farm to have enough food) and waiting for others, curiosity (gossiping and survey of people's lives), witchcrafts. They are traditionally the structure of the Kapsiki social system. However, one Kamelimeu has a superior and exogamous inter-clan system, while the other Kareghé, has an inferior and endogamous intra-caste marriage. However, it is observed that, the identity of Kareghé changes according to the social status of a member. From wedding celebration, they earn money, they are perceived closer to Kamelimeu than other Kareghé. Various factors, internal and external that impacted to reduce the social oppression of Kareghé. Plus, good income made them less dependent of the other caste, thus their perception has changed, and this impacted on the relationship with Kamelimeu. The social stigma of Kareghé is about to change. However, this acceptance by the other group depends on his behavior or circumstance. Kareghé identity seems to be hybrid and ambivalent.