05/19 WW: Diata Sya – Djekafo

Diata Sya have got it going on. They took hip hop in their one hands, mashed it with their rich Malian tradition, called in top instrument players and MCs, and recorded a highly original album in Bamako. Stepping in the legacy of Soundiata Keita, one of the Manding people’s most notorious warriors and historical figures, Diata Sya tackle serious social and political problems, while sticking to both their Malian heritage and hip hop roots – Chanana and N’Bee have both been rapping for over 15 years. Djekafo was released with help from Ital Vibes and Kourtrajmé Africa.
The album is available in the iTunes store.

Stacks of Angolan 45s, or what’s left of them…

It’s time for an update: We’ve been in Angola for 2 weeks now, meeting many musicians both old and new, and mesmerized by the diversity of music here. What strikes us most is the newer kuduro, which stands somewhere between hip hop, techno and traditional African drumming. You can hear a sample and read more about it here.

We’re also looking for classic 1960sa and 1970s Angolan music, particularly the semba which served as a musical backdrop for the charged political and social messages of the last decade in colonial Angola. Today we spent the day with Carlitos Vieira Dias, son of Liceu Vieira Dias, one of the founders of Ngola Ritmos. For most Angolans, Ngola Ritmos epitomizes the strife musical resistance. Carlitos’ father for instance was sent to jail for a decade. Carlitos founded a number of bands and participated in many more, two of the most famous being Os Merengues and Africa Show.

Carlitos took me to Mangalha’s house in the Barrio Operario, also a historically charged part of town, a place where many artists lived and performed. We went through his ridiculous record collection, over 23,000 records in total, among which many, many Angolan gems, in various states of decay. Until we can all enjoy the music, enjoy these classic covers. Much, much more here.