"music as a pure feeling of life" -
Musicreviews.de
"not only incredibly difficult and precise but also at the root of so much global pop" - Rootsworld (US)
"raw, natural power" - Bartek Chaciński, Polifonia (PL)
The CD is a collection that in a masterful way presents the acoustic music of northern Malawi. Produced as an actually live recording from nearby the Kukaya's leader household, it brings the wonderful polyphonic songs, virtuoso drumming and frenzy energy of the band, filled in by ambience sounds of neighbours’ encouragements, distant mobile phone rings and childrens’ laughs.
The band arranges music of different tribal groups from the region. Most quintessential is vimbuza, a cult of possession soundtrack, a vehicle for contact with spirits. Traiditional lyrics could be dangerous, so Kukaya adapted it to modern topics. They sing about the importance of tradition („Malayirano”, „Ukhaliro”) and issues of other diseases („WaMalawi Tichenjere HIV/AIDS”). „Ng’oma na Visekese” is purely vimbuza rhythm, so we advise to listen it with care.
The other sourcee are Ngoni tribal songs. Ngoni conquered the area in 19th century and their music uses the rhythms of warriors’ feet. It is also beautifully polyphonic („Tawana wa Kukaya”, „Kamchocho”, „Babulala Makosi”).
Kukaya also reworks malipenga music of Tonga people, arranged as religious hymn („Ulwindiko Kwa Kyala”, „Imwe Fumu Themba Lithu”), mapenenga of Ngonde people („Ise Tazapano Kumkondweskani”) and other dance from Tumbuka people - kamchoma („Gadima / Koloweka YaleYale”).
1000HZ sends all profits from sales of „Ukhaliro” to Kukaya members.
With special thanks from Kukaya to: Mr Frank Francis Ziba, Jarek Scharsk & Mr Edgar Bayani Kapiza,all Wellwishers, Friends and Supporters