- LP
- Pick Up
- Recommended
- Back In
Zonke Family
At The Studio
Lokalophon
- Cat No: LO33001
- updated:2020-11-04
From the ever-reliable PHILOPHON, home to a string of offbeat, one-of-a-kind releases spotlighting Africa's Frafra people, comes the newly established sublabel LOKALOPHON — and the momentous first release from its 33rpm LP division gathers precious performances by the Zonke Family of Jumpanda, Zimbabwe, one of the very few groups of master players of the matepe, a type of thumb piano (mbira/lamellophone)!!!
Track List
-
1. Sadza Nemusoro Wembeva
-
2. Nbebvu Mbembembe
-
3. Wako Ndewako
-
4. Karura
-
5. Tinotengana Quip
-
6. Aurora Mukoadzi
-
7. Washora Mambo
-
8. Mhembwe Mukai
Three players work all four fingers to weave intricate polyrhythms into a primitive ensemble, and the resulting hypnotic, minimal, wild musical world — one that also carries the strength and gentleness of the African earth — feels absolutely wonderful. The layered vocal harmonies are soothing, too. This is said to be the first time matepe playing has ever been recorded in a studio, making it a valuable document for the preservation and transmission of the culture. Here's hoping it leads to more. 8 tracks in all. Check the tracklist as well. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)