African Fever (1985) Movie Script
1
A MOVIE BY ALPHONSE BENI
Ekambi, I'm counting on you
to sing at African Fever.
Yes, I'll be happy
to see my country again.
EMERGENCY EXIWhat?
A package for me at the airport?
And who are you?
Paul?
But I don't know you.
Do I know you?
Really?
A very important package?
And the password?
Not a word,
a flower?
OK. I'll wait for you.
-Hi, Linda.
-Hello.
I'm Paul, your package is here.
So, darling,
not inviting friends anymore?
Sam, what are you doing here?
I'm here about the contest.
I was waiting for you. Cameroon,
Africa, the world awaits.
-Bitch.
-Asshole.
Listen, Linda,
you didn't even invite me.
Madam, I'm in your debt,
especially if I win.
You'll always be the best.
Let's go to my office.
Sam, you have a contract,
no more tantrums.
Linda, darling,
I'm entirely devoted to you.
First to you, then to music.
Don't hold it against me.
Got any clothes for my wife?
It's all free for you.
Of course, Linda.
You can take it from my fee.
Linda, is everything going well?
Is it looking good?
All good.
We'll be ready in time.
God bless you, Linda.
If we fail,
you'll lose at least 20 grand
just in rental fees.
I hope not.
One, two, three, four.
Taku,
remember Linda is tough
and she keeps track
of my contract.
Thank you, ma'am.
We still need two bands.
I'll do my best for you.
Thanks.
This is awful, ma'am.
Poor Taku was a good musician.
When are you going to Brazzaville?
We absolutely need
the Congolese musicians to take part.
I'm going to sign contracts
in Brazzaville tomorrow.
Great.
-Sir?
-A Chivas, please.
M'BAMOU PALACE HOTEL
M'BAMOU PALACE HOTEL
-Good morning, madam.
-Hello.
Linda asked me to meet you.
You don't work for Sam anymore?
Since I started singing,
I just do him a few favors.
You think being in African Fever
will give us exposure?
You already know?
Word travels fast
across borders.
Think we have a chance?
It's tough.
There's a lot of competition.
-Just try.
-What about you?
No. Besides, there's Sam.
Want to swim?
-Hello.
-Hello.
Did you sing Money Attracts Money?
Yes, I did.
But I see you're not
from Congo-Brazzaville.
Let's have a drink
and I'll sing
Money Attracts Money for you.
How are things over there?
I'm in Brazzaville for a few days.
What do you mean, dead?
Yes.
Murdered. No one knows who did it.
How's African Fever coming along?
Slowly
but surely.
I'm from Cameroon.
I think it'll be great.
Me too.
CAR RENTAL
We're here.
I think we still have time.
You know,
the show is ready.
Linda,
how is Cameroonian music doing,
especially makossa?
Good, very good.
I'll sing you one of my hits,
Best Wishes.
That's the rhythm.
I'm here to invite you
to sing in Cameroon.
I'm organizing
a singing and dancing contest.
With pleasure.
If the prize money's good, why not?
INDIAN OCEAN CLUB
Where's Modou?
-He's not here.
-Modou.
Damn. Who can replace him?
Modou.
Modou.
Hold on, I'm coming.
Wait.
Your turn, Paul. Don't let us down.
The show's about to start.
Come help us.
I'm not here to play around.
Come here.
Hello.
I want it clean, as usual.
OK Tony, I want my money.
Don't worry,
you'll get paid as usual.
Bye.
Good evening, madam.
What can I get you?
Still water.
Sorry I'm late, Linda.
I was worried.
There was heavy traffic.
Traffic is awful.
You OK, kid?
What do you want?
I'll be right back.
She sings well,
but she's not known here.
African Fever
will help her get noticed.
Are you handling
the musicians' murder case?
No, sir, I'm here on vacation.
Mr. Bako, phone call for you.
Who is it?
I don't know sir,
the call is from Douala.
Thank you.
Go ahead.
Bako, vacation's over.
You need to come back.
But boss, I still have two weeks off.
I'm relaxing.
Right. Come on, hurry up.
I want to see you in my office
at 9 a.m tomorrow.
Count on me.
Think Bako will come back?
Yes, my girl, he left
but he'll return.
We can't breathe
in this country anymore.
It's very hot.
Women being murdered,
wives killing their husbands
or lovers,
and rapes.
-Rapes?
-Yes.
Even married women are being raped.
What do you expect me to do?
Listen, Bako,
I've assigned inspectors
to these various cases.
But that's not enough.
Don't you read the papers?
Boss, there were no papers
where I was.
My radio was broken.
Well,
find out who's killing
these musicians
and why.
But boss, where do I start?
I won't tell you how to do your job.
Hurry up. And good luck, Bako.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMEN-Hello, inspector.
-Hello.
I knew your friend Taku well.
He was a good musician
with a bright future.
I loved his music.
Who are you?
I'm not a journalist.
Not a photographer either.
-Are you an amateur?
-No.
I just like having fun.
Have fun then, bye.
Goodbye, inspector.
Good evening.
If it's about the music contest,
it's too late.
I don't need anyone anymore.
Inspector Bako.
Inspector Bakou?
No, ma'am, Bako.
Inspector Bako. How can I help?
A musician was murdered four days ago
and we'd like to know
if the circumstances
were the same as here.
-Where did he die?
-In Paris.
Could I have your contact's name
in France?
Thank you.
Here's my phone number.
Please keep us informed
if you learn anything.
Goodbye, ma'am.
Paul, can you button up my outfit?
Another musician gone missing.
I'm scared for Linda's festival.
On Kribi beach,
when you took that girl,
were you scared?
No.
No?
What's the French police doing?
Their job, sir, but with no results.
You're working on your success.
It'll be Linda's moment.
You've gathered quite a few stars.
You're absolutely right,
inspector. This way.
Thanks.
Inspector Bako just left.
I hope they catch all those bastards
and don't shut down African Fever.
Did you know Modou well?
Was he dealing?
Not at all.
He was a good family man
and a great trumpet player.
Any idea where we can find him?
Ever since I said yes to Paul,
strange things happened.
Like someone's trying to stop me
from joining African Fever.
I thought I heard you while waiting.
M'Pongo Love, I looked for you
everywhere, even in Zaire.
You know music is my homeland.
That's why I'm here.
I'm organizing
a small African music festival.
I want you to represent Zaire.
For you, I'd go
to the ends of the earth.
I'm sure African Fever will be
our success.
M'Pongo Love, you'll be
the first woman I kidnap.
I like your music.
Thanks.
Got a cigarette?
Shut up and sit down.
Alright.
Can I see Modou?
What you guys are doing isn't right.
Inspector Bako.
Be glad I'm getting you out.
Thank you, inspector.
Got a filter cigarette?
Let's get out of here.
Why are you asking for my help?
I'm scared, Bako.
I fear for myself,
for my fellow musicians,
and all I've built.
And you're nice.
All these strange things
against African Fever.
And now in Paris.
Modou has two kids.
I'll do my best, Linda.
You're nice too.
-Hi, Tony.
-How are you?
Don't you find
all these musicians' deaths strange?
Inspector Bako
is handling this case.
I really hope he catches
the killer or killers.
Me too, but for Bako,
catching these musicians' killers
is child's play.
Before Bako,
other investigators tried,
but got nowhere.
By the way,
how many bands are there now?
Four or five. Maybe six in total.
Who do you think
will win? Cameroon, Congo, Zaire,
France or the West Indies?
The best one will win,
it's not a lottery.
The best one, that's for sure.
It's me, Tour.
Linda, open up.
Were you trying to open the door?
Not at all. I'm being polite.
I never enter
a pretty lady's home uninvited.
I think someone's after me,
but not to court me.
And I was about to ask
if I had a chance.
Tour, now I'm the one
with slim chances.
PAPA DOUALA
My car's been stolen. Police.
My car.
My car.
What's wrong?
They stole my car! Damn it!
Stop!
Stop! Thief! My car!
Stop! Thief!
Stop! My car!
Hello, I have no other information
to give you.
I just need some information
then I'll leave you alone.
What kind?
I want the names
of all musicians and singers
participating in African Fever.
The killer must be a contestant
or organizer.
Are you kidding, inspector?
I'm not joking. Hurry up.
Five people died.
We must act fast
to prevent a sixth body.
Mr. Bako...
I want the names.
Thank you, ma'am.
Damn!
You idiot! Can't you see my car?
Couldn't you signal before stopping?
Can't you see my car?
You followed me,
you hit me,
insulted and stopped me.
What's wrong with you?
Yes, and I'll hit you again.
Sorry, sir. I'm sorry.
Sorry, sir.
Get out of here.
You'll see.
You'll see. You don't know me.
Dad, I waited for you.
Sorry, honey. I had too much work.
How's your investigation going?
Slow but steady.
That accident scared me.
He should have been more careful.
He was completely at fault.
Where were you at the time?
Here, Dad, studying.
How do you know what happened to me?
Dad, you ask too many questions.
I watch everything you do.
I'll be a cop like you
when I grow up.
No, I wouldn't recommend it, son.
It's too dangerous a job.
Hello, Linda.
Hello, Linda.
We met in Douala recently, right?
You have a good memory, Tala.
When are you coming home?
After my European tour.
Everyone's talking
about African Fever.
I'll sing and dance there
before going home.
I don't want to play anymore.
Me neither. I'm still young
and getting married soon.
-Hello, Linda.
-Hi.
-Good to see you.
-Thanks.
How are you, kids?
The party's coming soon.
No, we're not OK.
You can see we're not.
Tell me, are you a bunch of cowards?
Of course not.
But aren't you afraid to die?
She's not a musician,
she can't understand.
Lately, a musician dies
after each show.
The police are handling it,
none of us can do anything.
We just lost another musician.
The radio, press...
Everyone's waiting
for tomorrow's big day.
Guys, be brave and keep working.
We must be the best.
Ma'am.
Don't tell me you're here
to interrogate me again?
No, not this time.
You're in Good Evening.
Look, that's you, isn't it?
I know everything.
Yes, I know it all.
I've seen you several times
talking to madam
when you're alone
or when she's alone,
talking with some of her clients.
Are you spying on me?
No, madam.
I just like taking pictures.
It's my passion.
Get out of here, you lunatic.
I don't care about your passion.
That bastard broke my wrist.
Jerk.
I'd love to take a look
at your photo lab.
I'm sure
I'll find interesting things.
I did nothing wrong.
I'm not scared. Let's go.
I'll even buy you
a whisky if you want.
Inspector.
No thanks, never while on duty.
I've photographed all the stars.
It's my passion.
Sometimes I make
a living from it too.
Tell me, Tony, how do you feel
about all those who died,
who've been dying these past days?
It makes me very sad.
I loved them and their music.
I think it's a madman.
Me too.
Can you help me?
May I?
Help yourself, inspector.
Take your pick. It's on the house.
Thanks.
Bye, Tony.
Great concert.
Yes, that was good.
See you soon.
OK.
Bye, guys.
OK, bye.
Bye.
Bye.
-Don't move, Jojo.
-Tony!
Who is it?
-Was he a musician?
-No.
Do you know him?
Yes, it's...
Inspector Bako here.
Send an ambulance
to Bouri Bridge now.
Inspector.
I saw someone following Jojo,
then suddenly...
I saw Jojo fall.
And the guy ran away like mad.
What did he look like,
black, white, short, tall?
It was dark, inspector.
Witness statements are unreliable.
Yeah.
We meet again.
Son of a bitch, you bastard...
How much for a coffin?
Son of a dog, son of a bitch.
Who do you work for?
Who do you work for? Tell me!
Who do you work for?
Son of a dog, son of a bitch.
No, inspector, don't break that one,
it's a gift from my grandmother.
Fine. Who do you work for?
Who are your accomplices?
Talk.
Who are your accomplices?
-Sam!
-Sam?
Sam.
Sam, the musician.
10 years ago, he got me out of jail
and fed me since.
Please, Inspector,
it's the closing gala.
The audience is waiting.
Let him sing one last time.
I can't promise anything.
I need the boss's approval.
I'm counting on you to save my show.
Goodbye, see you tonight, inspector.
Goodbye, ma'am.
PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
NATIONAL SECURITY DELEGATION
Alright, Bako.
I'll be there tonight
to oversee operations.
Thanks, boss, for Linda.
Take him away.
Well done, Bako.
Can I go on vacation now?
Yes, you can.
And as a reward,
I'll give you two more weeks.
And don't forget to fix your radio
and to buy newspapers.
Thanks, boss.
A MOVIE BY ALPHONSE BENI
Ekambi, I'm counting on you
to sing at African Fever.
Yes, I'll be happy
to see my country again.
EMERGENCY EXIWhat?
A package for me at the airport?
And who are you?
Paul?
But I don't know you.
Do I know you?
Really?
A very important package?
And the password?
Not a word,
a flower?
OK. I'll wait for you.
-Hi, Linda.
-Hello.
I'm Paul, your package is here.
So, darling,
not inviting friends anymore?
Sam, what are you doing here?
I'm here about the contest.
I was waiting for you. Cameroon,
Africa, the world awaits.
-Bitch.
-Asshole.
Listen, Linda,
you didn't even invite me.
Madam, I'm in your debt,
especially if I win.
You'll always be the best.
Let's go to my office.
Sam, you have a contract,
no more tantrums.
Linda, darling,
I'm entirely devoted to you.
First to you, then to music.
Don't hold it against me.
Got any clothes for my wife?
It's all free for you.
Of course, Linda.
You can take it from my fee.
Linda, is everything going well?
Is it looking good?
All good.
We'll be ready in time.
God bless you, Linda.
If we fail,
you'll lose at least 20 grand
just in rental fees.
I hope not.
One, two, three, four.
Taku,
remember Linda is tough
and she keeps track
of my contract.
Thank you, ma'am.
We still need two bands.
I'll do my best for you.
Thanks.
This is awful, ma'am.
Poor Taku was a good musician.
When are you going to Brazzaville?
We absolutely need
the Congolese musicians to take part.
I'm going to sign contracts
in Brazzaville tomorrow.
Great.
-Sir?
-A Chivas, please.
M'BAMOU PALACE HOTEL
M'BAMOU PALACE HOTEL
-Good morning, madam.
-Hello.
Linda asked me to meet you.
You don't work for Sam anymore?
Since I started singing,
I just do him a few favors.
You think being in African Fever
will give us exposure?
You already know?
Word travels fast
across borders.
Think we have a chance?
It's tough.
There's a lot of competition.
-Just try.
-What about you?
No. Besides, there's Sam.
Want to swim?
-Hello.
-Hello.
Did you sing Money Attracts Money?
Yes, I did.
But I see you're not
from Congo-Brazzaville.
Let's have a drink
and I'll sing
Money Attracts Money for you.
How are things over there?
I'm in Brazzaville for a few days.
What do you mean, dead?
Yes.
Murdered. No one knows who did it.
How's African Fever coming along?
Slowly
but surely.
I'm from Cameroon.
I think it'll be great.
Me too.
CAR RENTAL
We're here.
I think we still have time.
You know,
the show is ready.
Linda,
how is Cameroonian music doing,
especially makossa?
Good, very good.
I'll sing you one of my hits,
Best Wishes.
That's the rhythm.
I'm here to invite you
to sing in Cameroon.
I'm organizing
a singing and dancing contest.
With pleasure.
If the prize money's good, why not?
INDIAN OCEAN CLUB
Where's Modou?
-He's not here.
-Modou.
Damn. Who can replace him?
Modou.
Modou.
Hold on, I'm coming.
Wait.
Your turn, Paul. Don't let us down.
The show's about to start.
Come help us.
I'm not here to play around.
Come here.
Hello.
I want it clean, as usual.
OK Tony, I want my money.
Don't worry,
you'll get paid as usual.
Bye.
Good evening, madam.
What can I get you?
Still water.
Sorry I'm late, Linda.
I was worried.
There was heavy traffic.
Traffic is awful.
You OK, kid?
What do you want?
I'll be right back.
She sings well,
but she's not known here.
African Fever
will help her get noticed.
Are you handling
the musicians' murder case?
No, sir, I'm here on vacation.
Mr. Bako, phone call for you.
Who is it?
I don't know sir,
the call is from Douala.
Thank you.
Go ahead.
Bako, vacation's over.
You need to come back.
But boss, I still have two weeks off.
I'm relaxing.
Right. Come on, hurry up.
I want to see you in my office
at 9 a.m tomorrow.
Count on me.
Think Bako will come back?
Yes, my girl, he left
but he'll return.
We can't breathe
in this country anymore.
It's very hot.
Women being murdered,
wives killing their husbands
or lovers,
and rapes.
-Rapes?
-Yes.
Even married women are being raped.
What do you expect me to do?
Listen, Bako,
I've assigned inspectors
to these various cases.
But that's not enough.
Don't you read the papers?
Boss, there were no papers
where I was.
My radio was broken.
Well,
find out who's killing
these musicians
and why.
But boss, where do I start?
I won't tell you how to do your job.
Hurry up. And good luck, Bako.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMEN-Hello, inspector.
-Hello.
I knew your friend Taku well.
He was a good musician
with a bright future.
I loved his music.
Who are you?
I'm not a journalist.
Not a photographer either.
-Are you an amateur?
-No.
I just like having fun.
Have fun then, bye.
Goodbye, inspector.
Good evening.
If it's about the music contest,
it's too late.
I don't need anyone anymore.
Inspector Bako.
Inspector Bakou?
No, ma'am, Bako.
Inspector Bako. How can I help?
A musician was murdered four days ago
and we'd like to know
if the circumstances
were the same as here.
-Where did he die?
-In Paris.
Could I have your contact's name
in France?
Thank you.
Here's my phone number.
Please keep us informed
if you learn anything.
Goodbye, ma'am.
Paul, can you button up my outfit?
Another musician gone missing.
I'm scared for Linda's festival.
On Kribi beach,
when you took that girl,
were you scared?
No.
No?
What's the French police doing?
Their job, sir, but with no results.
You're working on your success.
It'll be Linda's moment.
You've gathered quite a few stars.
You're absolutely right,
inspector. This way.
Thanks.
Inspector Bako just left.
I hope they catch all those bastards
and don't shut down African Fever.
Did you know Modou well?
Was he dealing?
Not at all.
He was a good family man
and a great trumpet player.
Any idea where we can find him?
Ever since I said yes to Paul,
strange things happened.
Like someone's trying to stop me
from joining African Fever.
I thought I heard you while waiting.
M'Pongo Love, I looked for you
everywhere, even in Zaire.
You know music is my homeland.
That's why I'm here.
I'm organizing
a small African music festival.
I want you to represent Zaire.
For you, I'd go
to the ends of the earth.
I'm sure African Fever will be
our success.
M'Pongo Love, you'll be
the first woman I kidnap.
I like your music.
Thanks.
Got a cigarette?
Shut up and sit down.
Alright.
Can I see Modou?
What you guys are doing isn't right.
Inspector Bako.
Be glad I'm getting you out.
Thank you, inspector.
Got a filter cigarette?
Let's get out of here.
Why are you asking for my help?
I'm scared, Bako.
I fear for myself,
for my fellow musicians,
and all I've built.
And you're nice.
All these strange things
against African Fever.
And now in Paris.
Modou has two kids.
I'll do my best, Linda.
You're nice too.
-Hi, Tony.
-How are you?
Don't you find
all these musicians' deaths strange?
Inspector Bako
is handling this case.
I really hope he catches
the killer or killers.
Me too, but for Bako,
catching these musicians' killers
is child's play.
Before Bako,
other investigators tried,
but got nowhere.
By the way,
how many bands are there now?
Four or five. Maybe six in total.
Who do you think
will win? Cameroon, Congo, Zaire,
France or the West Indies?
The best one will win,
it's not a lottery.
The best one, that's for sure.
It's me, Tour.
Linda, open up.
Were you trying to open the door?
Not at all. I'm being polite.
I never enter
a pretty lady's home uninvited.
I think someone's after me,
but not to court me.
And I was about to ask
if I had a chance.
Tour, now I'm the one
with slim chances.
PAPA DOUALA
My car's been stolen. Police.
My car.
My car.
What's wrong?
They stole my car! Damn it!
Stop!
Stop! Thief! My car!
Stop! Thief!
Stop! My car!
Hello, I have no other information
to give you.
I just need some information
then I'll leave you alone.
What kind?
I want the names
of all musicians and singers
participating in African Fever.
The killer must be a contestant
or organizer.
Are you kidding, inspector?
I'm not joking. Hurry up.
Five people died.
We must act fast
to prevent a sixth body.
Mr. Bako...
I want the names.
Thank you, ma'am.
Damn!
You idiot! Can't you see my car?
Couldn't you signal before stopping?
Can't you see my car?
You followed me,
you hit me,
insulted and stopped me.
What's wrong with you?
Yes, and I'll hit you again.
Sorry, sir. I'm sorry.
Sorry, sir.
Get out of here.
You'll see.
You'll see. You don't know me.
Dad, I waited for you.
Sorry, honey. I had too much work.
How's your investigation going?
Slow but steady.
That accident scared me.
He should have been more careful.
He was completely at fault.
Where were you at the time?
Here, Dad, studying.
How do you know what happened to me?
Dad, you ask too many questions.
I watch everything you do.
I'll be a cop like you
when I grow up.
No, I wouldn't recommend it, son.
It's too dangerous a job.
Hello, Linda.
Hello, Linda.
We met in Douala recently, right?
You have a good memory, Tala.
When are you coming home?
After my European tour.
Everyone's talking
about African Fever.
I'll sing and dance there
before going home.
I don't want to play anymore.
Me neither. I'm still young
and getting married soon.
-Hello, Linda.
-Hi.
-Good to see you.
-Thanks.
How are you, kids?
The party's coming soon.
No, we're not OK.
You can see we're not.
Tell me, are you a bunch of cowards?
Of course not.
But aren't you afraid to die?
She's not a musician,
she can't understand.
Lately, a musician dies
after each show.
The police are handling it,
none of us can do anything.
We just lost another musician.
The radio, press...
Everyone's waiting
for tomorrow's big day.
Guys, be brave and keep working.
We must be the best.
Ma'am.
Don't tell me you're here
to interrogate me again?
No, not this time.
You're in Good Evening.
Look, that's you, isn't it?
I know everything.
Yes, I know it all.
I've seen you several times
talking to madam
when you're alone
or when she's alone,
talking with some of her clients.
Are you spying on me?
No, madam.
I just like taking pictures.
It's my passion.
Get out of here, you lunatic.
I don't care about your passion.
That bastard broke my wrist.
Jerk.
I'd love to take a look
at your photo lab.
I'm sure
I'll find interesting things.
I did nothing wrong.
I'm not scared. Let's go.
I'll even buy you
a whisky if you want.
Inspector.
No thanks, never while on duty.
I've photographed all the stars.
It's my passion.
Sometimes I make
a living from it too.
Tell me, Tony, how do you feel
about all those who died,
who've been dying these past days?
It makes me very sad.
I loved them and their music.
I think it's a madman.
Me too.
Can you help me?
May I?
Help yourself, inspector.
Take your pick. It's on the house.
Thanks.
Bye, Tony.
Great concert.
Yes, that was good.
See you soon.
OK.
Bye, guys.
OK, bye.
Bye.
Bye.
-Don't move, Jojo.
-Tony!
Who is it?
-Was he a musician?
-No.
Do you know him?
Yes, it's...
Inspector Bako here.
Send an ambulance
to Bouri Bridge now.
Inspector.
I saw someone following Jojo,
then suddenly...
I saw Jojo fall.
And the guy ran away like mad.
What did he look like,
black, white, short, tall?
It was dark, inspector.
Witness statements are unreliable.
Yeah.
We meet again.
Son of a bitch, you bastard...
How much for a coffin?
Son of a dog, son of a bitch.
Who do you work for?
Who do you work for? Tell me!
Who do you work for?
Son of a dog, son of a bitch.
No, inspector, don't break that one,
it's a gift from my grandmother.
Fine. Who do you work for?
Who are your accomplices?
Talk.
Who are your accomplices?
-Sam!
-Sam?
Sam.
Sam, the musician.
10 years ago, he got me out of jail
and fed me since.
Please, Inspector,
it's the closing gala.
The audience is waiting.
Let him sing one last time.
I can't promise anything.
I need the boss's approval.
I'm counting on you to save my show.
Goodbye, see you tonight, inspector.
Goodbye, ma'am.
PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
NATIONAL SECURITY DELEGATION
Alright, Bako.
I'll be there tonight
to oversee operations.
Thanks, boss, for Linda.
Take him away.
Well done, Bako.
Can I go on vacation now?
Yes, you can.
And as a reward,
I'll give you two more weeks.
And don't forget to fix your radio
and to buy newspapers.
Thanks, boss.