Films

One of the most overcrowded prisons in the world, Cameroon’s New Bell Prison doesn’t just house 6,000 inmates—it’s also the unexpected home of Africa’s first prison-based music label, Jail Time Records. Within concrete barriers, charismatic rappers deliver punchy flows sparked by a touch of personal flair, creating a refreshing synergy of traditional music and afrobeats that reverberate well beyond four walls.  

The New Bell recording studio offers more than an escape; it serves as personal sanctuary where artists can lay down their burdens and sink into moments of vulnerable introspection. Gritty and electric, the documentary traces the compelling stories of three incarcerated musicians – Stone, Transporteur, and Empereur – as they navigate life behind bars while creating music and organizing a concert within the prison walls.