Inside New Bell, a notorious and severely overcrowded prison in Douala, Cameroon, inmates are finding hope and creative freedom in an unexpected place: their own on-site record label. Called Jail Time Records, the independent music studio inside the prison facility allows prisoners to record songs, produce music videos, and share their stories with listeners around the world.
New Bell is known for its harsh living conditions. Originally built for far fewer people, the prison currently houses around 4,700 inmates. Despite these challenging circumstances, Jail Time Records has created a unique space where prisoners can express themselves, process past mistakes, and find hope through art.
The label was founded in 2018 by Italian artist Dione Roach and former inmate Steve Happi. Roach was volunteering inside the prison when she heard inmates freestyling during a dance class. Recognized for their raw talent, she received permission from prison authorities to set up a small recording studio. Happi joined to run the studio as a sound engineer and producer.
Since its creation, Jail Time Records has gained attention far beyond Cameroon, reaching fans in South Africa, the United States, and Argentina. In 2022, the label released an album called Jail Time Vol 1. Profits from sales are split evenly, with half going directly to the prisoner artists and the rest reinvested into maintaining the studio.
The project was featured in an acclaimed documentary filmed over six years inside New Bell. Directed by Roach and Happi, the documentary recently won three awards at New York's Tribeca Film Festival, with filmmaker Taika Waititi and singer Rita Ora joining as executive producers.
For many inmates, the studio provides a vital emotional outlet and a pathway for personal transformation. Prison officials have welcomed the initiative, recognizing that music encourages rehabilitation and brings moments of unity to the prison community.