When the story behind a release has its own mini-documentary you know it’s going to be special. Bongos, xylophones and whole host of sounds from East Africa are out in full force on a collaboration between Santuri and Uganda’s Mugwisa International Xylophone Group. Released by On The Corner Records, in partnership with Soundthread, this is another masterclass on world music sampling, highlighting unique cultures from around the world.
Santuri are a collaborative music project supporting underground electronic sounds and innovation in East African music. Although their journey to the mastered product was long, the raw sounds are what makes this track stand out. The amalgamation of traditional East African instruments with modern recording techniques, then re-arrangement by Sam Jones, make this track beguiling. It’s almost one, long, slowly-building crescendo, moving from emotive percussion sounds to a jazz/funk feel – quintessential for On The Corner – and ending with a heavier, bass orientated outro. A perfect set starter.
Santuri’s Embaire Umeme EP is out 8th July – pre-order from On The Corner’s Bandcamp. OTC will be throwing a party in Dalston (10th June), which promised equatorial bangers and griot house.
Out to Victoria Topping on the artwork for the release.
