Wedaeli Chibelushi

New Bell Prison in Douala, Cameroon, is notorious for overcrowding, poor sanitation and violence, but its flexible internal system has enabled Jail Time Records to operate a music studio inside the facility. Founded by former prisoner Steve Happi and artist Dione Roach, the project helps incarcerated musicians record songs, perform concerts and earn income, attracting audiences beyond Cameroon. A documentary filmed over six years follows artists including Empereur, Stone and Jeje, and won three awards at the Tribeca Film Festival. Supporters see music as a means of emotional expression, rehabilitation and social reintegration, while critics question whether the project could enhance the reputations of violent offenders. Jail Time Records has since expanded to a prison in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Jail Time Records, a music studio and label inside Douala’s overcrowded New Bell Prison, gives inmates opportunities to record, perform and earn money from their music. Co-founded by former prisoner Steve Happi and artist Dione Roach, the project has produced an album, staged concerts and supported artists including Empereur, Stone and Jeje. Its accompanying documentary won three awards at the Tribeca Film Festival. The initiative operates against a backdrop of severe overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, disease and violence, but its founders and supporters argue that music provides rehabilitation, dignity and a sense of belonging. The project has also expanded to a prison in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

New Bell, a notoriously overcrowded and violent prison in Douala, Cameroon, has developed its own music studio and label, Jail Time Records. Founded in 2018 by former inmate Steve Happi and artist Dione Roach, the project helps prisoners record songs, make videos and perform concerts, offering creative expression and a possible path toward rehabilitation. Artists including Empereur, Stone and Jeje have gained audiences beyond the prison, while a documentary filmed over six years won three prizes at the Tribeca Film Festival. The project operates amid severe prison conditions, including overcrowding, disease and violence, and has expanded to the women’s wing and a prison in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Its founders say music gives inmates dignity, community and hope, while acknowledging the ethical concern that artistic recognition could appear to glorify violent offenders.