Mama Africa to launch latest album with traditional touch

By CAROLINE NYANGA

High riding Afro fusion artiste Judith Bwire will next Friday launch her debut album, Mama Africa, at the Alliance Fraincais Gardens Nairobi.

The exclusive premium show will see fans from diverse communities join the musician alongside her band members in celebrating four-and-a-half years of success. Fans will be treated to a blend of popular rich and healing Afro fusion sounds, Benga, Zouk and DRC’s Seben with elements of East African Rhumba.

 Formed nearly five years ago by Mama Africa, the band has dominated the Nairobi Afro fusion scene with unique style creating a unique pure African sound, quality music and energetic performances. “I am honoured that people across Africa and beyond appreciate my music. My desire has always been to make quality music, something different from what’s is played on the radio,” says Bwire. She explains, “Musically, I see opportunity everywhere. For me music is a long journey hence the need to take time and come up with good hits as opposed to doing things in a huff.” 

It took the musician four years to finish her 11-track album produced by Charles Otieno of Big Tracks Inc Studio. It boasts of a brand new fusion style and a more contemporary feel. Mama Africa boasts of using Nyatiti, a traditional instrument widely played in Kenya. “After the launch, I solely want to focus on touring Kenya, and performing in all corners of the country. I am also considering touring Africa and other continents to sell and promote the album,” reveals Bwire who recently visited Germany for two months.

 The album titled Mama Africa will be on sale during the launch. “ It’s a typical pure African album, quality at its best sang in Swahili, Luhya and Dholuo languages”. The musician who enjoys traveling, socialising, entertaining and performing describes the recording session as enjoyable.

 “The moment I embarked on recording the album, I automatically knew that it would take off sooner than expected,” says the musician who works towards, leaving a mark with her contagious energy during her numerous live music gigs.  She explains the album, is different stylistically from previous releases by other artistes.

“Mine is purely traditional and Kenyan Afro Fusion with unique arrangements that include the use of traditional music instruments like nyatiti, orutu and horn blowing that takes you down the memory lane to out roots and culture.”

A keen listener of her music will agree that her distinct Kenyan  (Western Kenyan) feel fused with East African Benga defines her musical, linguistic and cultural journey. The musician who started out as a dancer for several local dance troupes among them Amani, Taffi, Chatu and Kenge Kenge has shared stage with Gravity band.

“At some point I featured as a group member in international festivals when I accompanied Kenge Kenge band in festivals across Europe, including huge festivals like Womad in the UK, Womex in Denmark and Spring Festival in Israel just to name a few,” she says.

Some of her popular songs include Mama Afrika, Sikhai Malo, Pole Pole, Epondi, Siamugera, Achali and Dodo. Bwire has also collaborated with various musicians among them JP Ngandu formerly Senza Musica – currently bandleader Super Mbali Mbali.

She was inspired by her mother, Ivorian percussionist, bassist cum vocalist, Manu Gallo and her music teacher, veteran Nyatiti player Mzee Nyagweno.