News

The boundaries of musical fusion are redefined in Makasima, the new album by gnawa artist Imane Guemssy and dub collective Kosmo Sound. Imane, a master of the guembri and heir to the gnawa traditions, channels hypnotic rhythms and sacred chants that evoke meditative trances and reconnect with the African roots of this mystical Moroccan music. Kosmo Sound complements her artistry with their unique take on dub, blending subtle basslines, distant echoes, and spacy soundscapes into an introspective and ethereal sonic journey.

Together, they forge a captivating bridge between the ancestral rhythms of gnawa and the minimalist, immersive atmospheres of dub. Makasima is a bold, transcendent work that unites two distinct musical worlds, creating something entirely new yet deeply rooted in tradition. Makasima brings 5 fresh tracks, expertly mixed by Dijf Sanders.

Release show: Ancienne Belgique, 17/12/2024

Listen here -> https://newsdigital.ffm.to/makasima

Kosmo Sound & Imane Guemssy release ‘Bacha Hamou’, the first single on their upcoming EP ‘Makasima’, which will be shared with the world on 13 December 2024.

This new collaboration with Guemssy introduces an exciting fusion of traditional Gnawa sounds and Kosmo Sound’s signature groove-heavy style. The result is a vibrant musical bridge between ancient traditions and modern sonic landscapes, showcasing the experimental spirit that both Kosmo Sound and Guemssy embody, mixed by Dijf Sanders.

Listen here -> https://song.link/s/6k7oeLVPTEKdLGxCrfV4AM

Aboubakar Traoré and his band Balima are proud to announce the release of their newest masterpiece, “Sababu”, on vinyl and CD format.

The album SABABU is a vibrant ode to the quest for the opportunities that shape our existence. We are invited to seize the infinite chances open to us, capable of leading us to unsuspected horizons if we know how to recognize them. SABABU is a captivating blend of haunting rhythms and deep ballads, combining traditional heritage with contemporary sounds. Aboubakar Traoré’s heartfelt cries are both passionate and demanding, and he takes on universal themes of injustice, love, heritage and the quest for freedom. Through powerful lyrics, he denounces the exploitation of African resources, political and economic domination, while celebrating the resilience of peoples and the richness of traditions.

But SABABU is also an ode to life, love and the strength of family and community ties. Carried along by a deep groove, the album takes the listener on a musical journey where intimate emotions and collective reflections mingle, creating a bridge between past and present where each rhythm resonates as an invitation to move, to come together, and to celebrate life.

“Sababu convinces on all levels. Firmly rooted in Burkina Faso culture and history and ever-respectful of ancient griot traditions, the music transcends time and geographical borders, creating an album of hope, pride and optimism. Above all, it is an album of celebration.” – KLOF

Listen here -> https://newsdigital.ffm.to/sababu-album

‘Mashrab the Madman’, the first single of Soolmaan’s upcoming album, is out now!
Their full album ‘Kashgul’ will be released on January 24th 2025.

Soolmaan is a sextet led by Belgian oud player Tristan Driessens,
accompanied by Nathan Daems, Christos Barbas, Annemie Osborne, Andrea Piccioni and Levent Yildirim. Bringing sound tableaus that float freely between the Bosphorus and India, with flute, sax, ney, cello, piano and tamburello igniting an imaginary folklore infected by jazz.

Listen here -> https://song.link/s/3j6mVD9MdUQ2YcErYurtFk

The Mandingo Empire extended over most of West Africa from the 13th to the 16th century. Turamagan Traoré, an eminent warrior chief, served the Empire from its very beginnings. His merits were praised by the griots, and his story has been passed down from generation to generation. To pay tribute to Turamagan is to honour the Traoré family and their illustrious heritage.

Listen here –> https://newsdigital.ffm.to/turamagan

Release date album: 29^th of November

https://song.link/y/ZczP_mqJyYI

Black Rain, the third single of the EP, is out now.
This track was inspired by the chord changes of a Michael Kiwanuka song, creating a melodic and reggae style bassline out of it. The melody is played by the organ embellished by some guitar/horn-answers. Two solo features in this tune: the first one is for the guitar. If you listen closely, you’ll hear influences of Django Reinhardt as well as Ernest Ranglin. The second one is for the organ player who plays a very smooth, funky and jazzy solo before heading back to the main melody.

Listen here -> https://song.link/be/i/1767970490

The comfort of some is built on the suffering of others. Africa, cradle of many raw materials such as gold, iron, uranium and coltan, sees its resources eagerly coveted by the whole world. While Europe has the euro and the United States has the dollar,
the CFA franc remains under the influence of the West. In such a context, how can we hope to escape poverty? A change is necessary.
To put an end to the despair of its youth, the mass exodus and the perilous crossings of the Mediterranean, Africa must absolutely regain its sovereignty and autonomy.

https://newsdistribution.lnk.to/gnani

Say Whut?! The second single of the EP is out now. This tune is a feature for trombone. Starting off with a militant, groovy and steady bassline, the picking guitar adds some sweet riffs on top. The horn section is committed to a funky, rebel horn riff throughout the entire song.

Listen here –> https://song.link/i/1744338133

The two musical pioneers, Myrddin and Stijn Kuppens join forces to present a surprising mix of original instrumental compositions.

Myrddin, known for his exceptionally versatile talent, is a flamenco guitarist who has mastered the essence of flamenco and delves effortlessly into the elements of jazz and classical music. His music is deeply emotional, complex and rhythmic.
With every note Myrddin plays, you are drawn into a meditative journey where music is the canvas for stunning emotions and profound lyrical experiences.

Stijn Kuppens, a Belgian cellist, composer, producer and improviser. His music is multifaceted and reflects his personal artistic journey, drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, from classical to rock and from pop to jazz.

From the meeting between Myrddin and Stijn could only come wonderful music. Both are incredibly fascinating musicians with their unique musical identities. They show the passion that drives them when they take the stage, which also shines through in their compositions.

Dizzy Mandjeku & Odemba OK Allstars, the esteemed Congolese musical ensemble, joyfully announces the forthcoming release of their latest masterpiece, “Odemba Nostalgie – Rumba Congolaise,” on vinyl format.

Dizzy Mandjeku is considered a living guitar legend. The guitar riff from Stromae’s Papaoutai, ten years on tour with Zap Mama and besties with Baloji. Over the years he has built up an entire repertoire with the greats of Congolese rumba. Cuban rumba was vibrant in Congo and it didn’t take long before traditional elements started to blend with modern instruments. With Franco Luambo and his band T.P.O.K. Jazz at the forefront, the music evolved into a brand new style called Rumba Odemba. Dizzy, having been a member of the T.P.O.K. Jazz later founded the Odemba OK Allstars in Brussels in order to keep th unique ‘Rumba Odemba’ alive.

As an hommage to Franco Luambo, Dizzy took six of songs he used to play with him and interweaved them into two medleys: ‘Odemba #1’ and ‘Odemba #2’.