NYABINGI RESURRECTION

Description

After the release of four widely acclaimed advance singles, Switchstance Recordings (Germany) and East African Records (Uganda) are proud to announce the release of this magnificent and historic album: Nyabingi Resurrection. Support for the singles: Debbie G (Resonance FM UK): "Every track is superb. I love the connection between East Africa and East Kingston" Rob Smith (Smith & Mighty): "An excellent groove and beautiful emotion" Don Letts (BBC6): "Right on the mark" Quinton Scott (Strut Records): "A superb release and an incredible project to reconnect East Africa and the Caribbean in this way" Jamie Renton (fRoots magazine): "Very hypnotic. Very contagious" John Warr (Afrobase Radio): "I love the stripped-down, refreshing acoustic instrumentation, the emotional voice and the choral responses" Laurent Garnier (PBB Radio): "Excellent" Nyabingi is one of the branches of the Rastafari movement, which seeks spiritual elevation through drumming and righteous living. This tradition takes its name from the warrior queen Nyabingi, ruler of an East African kingdom in the 18th century. After her assassination during a royal conflict, a religion formed around her spirit, inspiring anti-colonial revolts throughout the region. Nyabingi followers used intense drum rhythms to frighten colonial authorities and their collaborators. It is said that her spirit possessed Queen Muhumusa at the end of the 19th century, to such an extent that she was imprisoned for life and a drumming ban was imposed by the authorities. A century and a half later, Nyabingi's descendants continue to make these drums resonate in the same region of East Africa. One of the most remarkable groups is Nilotika Tugifa, also known as the Nilotika Cultural Ensemble, led by Jajja Kalanda. The rhythms and instruments they use are inherited directly from their Nyabingi ancestors, while having evolved to incorporate Caribbean influences and styles from the Rasta tradition that adopted their name. Like the Rastafari, Nilotika's culture values artistic creativity, community and a conscious lifestyle as an alternative to the corruption and dominant capitalism in contemporary Ugandan society. In collaboration with Switchstance Recordings, Nilotika recorded for the very first time an African Nyabingi drum session at the East African Records studio in Kampala, Uganda. The session was captured over a period of two weeks, using local instruments and the full ensemble of about 15 people, including friends and family members. The result is exceptional, combining ancestral rhythms, modern technologies, vocals, percussion, rap and virtuosic instrumental performances. It is a unique chapter in music history.