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On the right track: the record label reaching out to Cameroon’s street talent

Born in Douala prison and hailed for helping young people stay out of trouble, the success of Jail Time Records has persuaded Burkina Faso to let the label branch out there

Photograph: Dione Roach/Jail TimeSince 2019, Jail Time Records has been operating in Cameroon’s toughest prison, helping inmates to find a creative outlet and even launch a career in music. Creating music gives me a certain freedom, allows me to express myself Diblaq, musician Happi says: “The reality is the only older brother figures they have to look up to from the ghetto are mostly the drug dealers, so they are growing up in the hands of criminals. Photograph: Steve Happi/Jail Time RecordsThe aim of the project is to start helping young people at every stage, by giving them guidance and hope before they end up in jail, in addition to the work they were doing with those already in prison and those who have been released.

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