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The band sang in Mungaka — the twang of the Bali-Nyongas. Band founder, leader and principal composer, "Dr." Moses Fokong, produced such songs as "Na Mammum O", "Bon Bon", and "Sekele" which became hits in the late 60s and early 70s.
In 1967, the band packed bag and baggage and headed for Buea with the determined intention of recording their songs. Their stay in Buea enabled the band to record some 20 songs in the studios of Radio Cameroon, Buea Station. They soon became the major entertainment group in town when they set up shop at the then famous Standard Bar. Each night, Buea town residents of various ethnic extractions turned out to listen and dance to the music of the Bali Modern Jazz Orchestra.
This patronage from a cross-section of the population encouraged the band to drop the Bali from its name and adopt a national outlook. Bali Modern Jazz Orchestra thus became Cameroon Modern Jazz Orchestra.
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It was not only a change of name. The group's composition took on a national character as well. Songs were thus composed in two other national languages (Banganté and Metta) and also in the official languages—English and French. Two hit songs "Bochato Nsi" (Let us Pray to God), and a rumba number "Kuru Makab Jim" (She Has Carted Away All My Money) were sung in Banganté and Metta respectively.
Things weren't all that easy-going though. The National Modern Jazz Orchestra toiled against all odds but succumbed in 1972. Today, Dr. Moses Fokong says the band fell apart because of the poor marketing of their products—notably their three 45 r.p.m. records waxed by their record company Afrique Ambiance which was based in Douala. He adds that the non-payment of copyright royalties by SOCADRA was another death wish. However, the group's over-riding problem remains that of a sponsor or producer who could wax more of their songs. Till today, the problem is unattended to.
In 1988—sixteen years after their—disbandment, the National Modern Jazz Orchestra picked up the pieces and came back on stage—a real resurrection. Their comeback was inaugurated at the Fon's Palace in Bali and they staged at Bamenda Cultural Center in January 1988. The band is now made up of eight members. Some of the original founders are now taking care of their kids and farms back home in Bali.
Practice sessions are held at Dr. Moses residence at Banja Street, Nkwen,
Bamenda. Dr. Moses Fokong who is also a carver, painter and a manufacturer
of musical instruments says he is determined to see the National Modern Jazz
Orchestra outlive him. The band’s most recent outing on special invitation
was on the occasion of this year’s Youth Week when it thrilled an enthusiastic
audience at the Bamenda Congress Hall.
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