Richard Bona, a Cameroonian jazz bassist of exceptional skill, entered the world on October 28, 1967, in the charming town of Minta, situated in the heart of Cameroon. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in music, Bona's earliest years were filled with the sweet sounds of melody and rhythm, as his family's musical heritage provided him with a unique opportunity to begin learning the art of music at a very young age.
His grandfather, a respected griot, was not only a masterful singer but also a skilled storyteller and percussionist, passing down his knowledge and traditions to the next generation. Meanwhile, Bona's mother, a gifted singer in her own right, shared her love of music with her son, nurturing his talent and providing him with a solid foundation to build upon.
As a result of his family's rich musical legacy, Richard Bona was able to develop his craft from a very early age, surrounded by the sounds and influences that would eventually shape his unique style and artistic direction.
Bona's remarkable musical odyssey commenced when he was merely four years of age, with his initial forays into the realm of music occurring on the balafon, an instrument that would serve as the catalyst for his future endeavors.
As he entered the fifth year of his life, Bona's innate talent and passion for music led him to take the stage at his local village church, marking the beginning of his journey as a performer.
However, the financial constraints that Bona's family faced presented a significant obstacle, compelling him to think creatively and devise innovative solutions to continue pursuing his musical aspirations.
With unwavering determination and resourcefulness, Bona took matters into his own hands, fabricating many of his own instruments, including flutes and guitars, by fashioning cords to be strung over an old motorcycle tank, a testament to his ingenuity and dedication to his craft.
As his extraordinary talent began to be widely acknowledged, Bona found himself frequently invited to showcase his skills at various festivals and ceremonial events, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. At the tender age of 11, he embarked on a new musical adventure by starting to learn the intricacies of playing the guitar, a skill that would serve as the foundation for his future artistic endeavors.
Years went by, and his passion for music only continued to grow. In 1980, at the remarkably young age of 13, Bona took a significant step by forming his first ensemble, specifically for a renowned French jazz club in Douala. This chance encounter with the club's owner would have a profound impact on his life, as he would go on to form a lasting friendship with the individual who would introduce him to the world of jazz music, and more specifically, the groundbreaking work of the legendary Jaco Pastorius. Inspired by Pastorius's innovative style, Bona would shift his focus towards mastering the electric bass, a move that would ultimately shape the trajectory of his musical career.
The early life and career of jazz bassist, Bona, were significantly influenced by his initial introduction to the genre, courtesy of the club owner who played a pivotal role in his discovery of jazz and its notable pioneers. This formative experience had a profound and lasting impact on Bona, ultimately leading him to make a decisive pivot towards the electric bass, a choice that would go on to define his future as a jazz bassist.
