A city within a prison: the paradoxical world of Cameroon's New Bell, where inmates have harnessed their creativity to produce music that's not only resonating globally but also raising eyebrows about our understanding of imprisonment. Within its walls, an unlikely hub of artistic expression has emerged – Jail Time Records, an inmate-run record label and studio that's redefining the boundaries between confinement and self-expression.
Founded in 2018 by former inmate Steve Happi and Italian artist Dione Roach, Jail Time Records has grown into a powerful platform for prisoners to tell their stories through music. The rudimentary studio – comprising a small recording booth and a single computer – may seem humble, but its impact is anything but. Inmates have produced music videos filmed entirely within the prison walls, with one artist known as 'Empereur' garnering 24,000 views on YouTube. Their music has been heard by audiences in South Africa, the US, Argentina, and beyond.
The initiative's international recognition was cemented through an acclaimed documentary also named 'Jail Time Records'. The film, directed by Happi and Roach over six years inside New Bell, won three awards at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York. Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi, along with his wife Rita Ora, served as executive producers for the documentary, highlighting its artistic merit and humanitarian significance.
One of the prisoners featured in the documentary, 'Stone', a former soldier in Cameroon's presidential guard, raps about his experiences and struggles – including being separated from his young daughter. Stone, who maintains his innocence despite serving a 10-year sentence for robbery and illegal possession of firearms, exemplifies the raw and deeply personal narratives that emerge from the studio. The music videos produced by Jail Time Records are notable for their high production value and compelling storytelling, often involving many fellow inmates as actors and crew.
The genesis of Jail Time Records began when Roach, while volunteering with a non-profit, witnessed a group of rappers freestyling during a dance class. Impressed by their talent, she secured permission from prison authorities to establish the studio, enlisting Happi – who had been acquitted of his crime after two years in New Bell – as producer and sound engineer. The project released its first album, 'Jail Time Vol 1', in 2022, continuing to provide a vital creative outlet for prisoners and challenging perceptions of incarceration.