New Bell, a prison in Douala, Cameroon, has evolved into a self-contained community with its own internal economy and even a record label, Jail Time Records. Inmates at the facility have adapted to its lenient rules, creating a unique environment where music production flourishes.
Jail Time Records operates a rudimentary studio within the prison walls, enabling talented inmates to record songs and music videos. Empereur, identified as a gang leader both inside and outside the prison, has gained significant attention, with one of his music videos filmed within the prison accumulating 24,000 YouTube views. The music produced by inmates has found an audience in various countries, including South Africa, the United States, and Argentina. Earlier this year, Jail Time Records organized a large concert for the prison population in the courtyard.
Steve Happi, a former inmate and co-founder of Jail Time Records, described the music project as an "instrument of resistance" that fosters friendship, love, and allows inmates' voices to be heard, offering a sense of freedom beyond the prison's confines.
The creative output from the prison was recently highlighted in an acclaimed documentary, also titled "Jail Time Records." Directed by Happi and his co-founder, Italian artist Dione Roach, the film was shot over six years at New Bell. The documentary recently received three awards, including best documentary feature, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The film features inmate Stone, who describes his internal struggles through rap, with lyrics such as, "Heart of stone, it's war. My senses shatter like broken glass. I'm closed and tight like a cell door. No solid ground I slip like a fish."
