Global Influences Project: L3GS x Otacho Young Stars//Joginda Boys//Nyatiti Group The Singing Wells project 2021-08-13 | Our final submission for this years Global Influences Project comes from a producer trio from Nairobi named L3GS. We loved the mellow vibes of this track and it's amazing how well they have incorporated the loops to create a contemporary sounding beat. "It was great working with the samples because they are not just like any random sample from the internet, they have a story behind them and you can look up where the sample you are using came from and learn more about the culture and the people that make them. It's important to us that we have sounds from our region represented in the music we make and this is a great way to spotlight traditional music.We tried to build the track around the vocals that we chopped from the Nyatiti Group loop and fused that with the Otacho Young Stars Shoe Shine Box loop. We added some drum hits of bongos and congas to compliment the groove and have that interplay between the drums we made and the loops provided. it was easy to add some melodic sounds and bass to fill out the frequencies after having the foundational part down."We love how they really nailed why we started this project: bringing the history and culture of this music alive, whilst adapting it for modern tastes and musical styles! We hope this will inspire many more musicians to go back to their roots and create something special!To find out more about L3GS, follow them on @l3gsmusic
Global Influences Project: Jay P Production x Rubanga Kingdom Awach Boys The Singing Wells project 2021-08-06 | This upbeat bop has been submitted by Jay P Production for our latest installment of the Global Influences Project. We love how they used this beat to create something that got the whole team wanting to dance! When we asked about their process, Jay P Production said "We have always believed in selecting the best drums and sounds for each genre and that's what we did here and we really appreciate you guys for believing in us." We think what they created just from a percussion sample is amazing! If you want to find out more about Jay P Production, follow them @jay.p_production_kenya
Global Influences Project: Ngat Maler x Otacho Young Stars//Nyatiti Group//Watmon Cultural Group The Singing Wells project 2021-07-30 | We are loving this track from Ng'at Maler who utilises several different loops for his submission. He told us how the project has really impacted his current workflow when making new music, making sure to include African sounds, and we just LOVE that! "Loops are such a great way to start a track for me. They are a great way of finding inspiration, and i particularly liked the rhythmic elements that these loops have. They have an organic sound and are not exactly on the grid because the instruments are played by people. in the case of Watmon Cultural Group loop for example, the plucked instrument provides both melodic and a groove to the track.I used that as a starting point and built everything else around it.I used the Otacho Young Stars Shoe Shine Box loop to add some movement to the drums and arpeggio and I was really happy with how the rest of the elements came together in this piece."To hear more work from Ng'at Maler, you can follow him at @ngatmaler
Global Influences Project: Makossiri x Aloka Ohangla The Singing Wells project 2021-07-23 | We love this brilliant submission from Kenyan techno artist, Makossiri. Describing herself as “A true rebel from the outerworld who defies boundaries through her genre bending sound grounded in African rhythms with a futuristic twist”, we loved how she took these beats and created something truly unique. Talking about her process, she said "I used the Aloka ohangla drum solo loops for this track. I usually like to start my music creation process with layering drums and while going through the loops, this one felt like the perfect fit. I also used a 909 kick drum to create a hard thumping futuristic electro ohangla club party track."You can follow more from Makossiri on Instragram and Twitter at @makossiriWant to find out more? Head to www.singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Kimani x Ekhunjwe Musical Group The Singing Wells project 2021-07-16 | We love the powerful beats of our next submission to the #GlobalInfuencesProject from part-time producer Kimani. Here's what he said below:"The Ekhunjwe musical group loop has a catchy vibe to it and relaxation combined with a dancing drum pattern kicks in to mind. Music is life and it needs to set you on a journey to a different world, takes you to dance, and you can also travel to a relaxing space in ur mind in such a way that you forget your struggles and embrace the feeling in the moment. And basing it on the fact that it is traditional simplicity is key for it not to lose it originality in as much as u add a drum pattern to it or when you introduce a modern touch to it. And to be frank, i totally loved conceiving the beat and would love to do more of the genre."We love that this project is inspiring modern artists to use these traditional rhythms, sounds and beats to influence their upcoming work. You can follow Kimani at @devonte6749 on Instagram
Global Influences Project: Beats by Maggy x Rubanga Kingdom Awach Boys The Singing Wells project 2021-07-02 | This week's submission for the #GlobalInfluncesProejct is another amazing track that makes you want to get up on your feet! We love this submission from Beats by Maggy, a producer based in Nakuru, Kenya."The African sounds were so inspiring, I created the beats using fruity loop Fl studio. The African loop was so energetic so I had to feature some more energy to make it more lively." We love this energy too - a perfect tune to get the party going! You can follow more Beats by Maggy by following Amina Muta on Facebook. Want to find out more about the Global Influences project? Head to www.singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Atieno Oluoch x Adungu Cultural Troupe The Singing Wells project 2021-06-25 | This newest submission is called Wena and is by Atieno Oluoch. We loved the vocals and the way they complimented the rhythmic musical workings of the Adungu Cultural Troupe. This new version gave us summer vibes and felt incredibly uplifting!"I'm humbled by this opportunity and glad to have participated in the Singing Wells global project.When I picked the loop, I thought of creating a fused string ensemble since the original piece had a string quartet already. And just to add a little sauce, I incorporated harmonious vocals to accompany the family."You can follow Atieno Oluoch on Facebook or on Instagram @luddy_kayWant to find out more about the #GlobalInfluencesProject ? Head to www.singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Mansa Chusa x Hiari Ya Moyo The Singing Wells project 2021-06-18 | You can't help but dance when the beat drops in our next submission by musician and producer, Mansa Chusa. When telling us about how he came up with this song, he said: "The "Hiari Ya Moyo" loop gave me deep house/alternative vibes on first listen. I decided to use it as my main rhythm to complement the electronic drum and bass arrangement. The soulful keys augment the rhythm to give it a larger than life feel." We couldn't agree more!If you want to hear more of Mansa Chusa's work, head to:instagram.com/mansachusatwitter.com/mansachusafacebook.com/mansachusaIf you want to learn more about the Global Influences Project, head to singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Shona x Ekhunjwe Musical Group The Singing Wells project 2021-06-11 | This next collaboration comes from DJ and producer, Shona. This is our first submission using the beats from the Ekhunjwe Musical Group, and we love how this music has been transformed from traditional dance accompaniment, to a house track that you could hear in any major club this summer! "It was a thrilling and humbling honor working on those chants and complimenting the groove of my ancestors. Because this is a sound I'm familiar with and a culture I come from meant all emotions were high on the programming of this song. I added a few Techno elements still maintaining the Afro House percussion and groove to compliment the sample. The chord progression was the last touch as it also gave the record color and vibe."You can follow Shona on Twitter (@afroshona), Instagram (@officialshonasa) and on Facebook (facebook.com/afroshona)If you want to find out more about the Global Influences Project, head to singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Amzi Odek x Aloka Ohangla//Nyatiti Group The Singing Wells project 2021-06-04 | We really enjoyed this submission from Trombonist and Producer, Amzi Odek. Based in Nairobi, he has been actively learning and embracing his culture through music, and we love how his submission reflects that so clearly."The song is called "Watu Wetu Ni Kina Nani" meaning "who are our people". This speaks to a conversation that is yet to happen in our current space. The older generation wants us to take up their craft and follow in their footsteps, but are always dismissive to those who try, and the young people desperately searching for direction and identity but often ignore the paths taken right before them. The two sides always looking for each other but never meeting. For the song I used samples from the Ohangla drum solo and the nyatiti group singing. I wanted to feel like a part of their band, trying to figure out how I would contribute to their style of music and have this conversation spiritually with them."You can hear more of his music on Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/amzi-odekWant to get involved in the Global Influences Project? Head to singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Yohanan x Hiari Ya Moyo The Singing Wells project 2021-05-28 | We really enjoyed this musical piece from Ethiopian composer, Yohanan Ermias Bekele. We love how he transformed the Hiari Ya Moyo's driving rhythm's into something that could be heard in clubs across the world. "I selected the Hiariya Moyo sample as I found the rhythm familiar and similar to some of the 6/8 rhythms found in my home country Ethiopia. As the electric bass is my main instrument, I first tried to identify a root note to play along with the song and build a bassline and groove from there. Afterwards, I found that some agogo or cowbell samples and some synths to evolve the track into a more dance/electro track per the prompt."If you want to hear more of Yohanan's work, head to www.blackbuddhasounds.com or follow him on instagram @blackbuddhasoundsWant to get involved in the Global Influences Project? Head to singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Mkostii Beats & Collo Skyan x Joginda Boys The Singing Wells project 2021-05-21 | This joint submission from Mkostii Beats and Collo Skyzan is a brilliant demonstration of how these traditional beats can inspire something truly unique and creative in any medium. Mkostii Beats is a music producer from Nairobi in Kenya, who partnered up with dancer Collo Skyzan to showcase their talents alongside the amazing Joginda Boys. You can follow Mkostii Beats at @mkostiibeats and Collo Skyzan at @colloskyzan410Want to get involved? Find out more at singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Stefano Sita Nne x Aloka Ohangla The Singing Wells project 2021-05-14 | We really enjoyed this submission from Kenyan artist, Stefano Sita Nne. This track is entitled Bunde. and uses a sample by Aloka Ohangla. "This features the drum solo by Aloka Ohangla Group. My initial thought when I heard the sample was for a hip hop beat. But after listening some more I decided to juxtapose the fast paced drums with a laid back bass and a simple bass drum beat to support the percussion. The shaker pushes the pace forward and accentuates the percussion. Other than defining the groove, the bass is also the lead instrument in this particular arrangement. The piano and gaara add more depth to the chorus parts and pull us away from the shakers' high pace forcing us to lay back some more. I think the end result leans more towards dodo, at least to my ears."We love what Stefano has done to make this track sound truly his own. If you want to see more of his work, you can follow him on...Instagram: @stefanositanneTwitter: @stefanositanneSoundcloud: soundcloud.com/stefanositanneWant to get involved in the #GlobalInfluencesProject ? Head to singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Ashisho x Nyatiti Group//Aloka Ohangla//The Otacho Young Stars The Singing Wells project 2021-05-07 | We love this submission from Kenyan singer-songwriter and producer, Ashisho. This song is called "Enjoy" and we hope you love it as much as we do!"The song came together in one sitting where I made the beat and recorded my vocals (it was a long night) I later mixed and mastered the track the next day.I wanted a loop that was mostly made up vocals so that I could use it for the hook. The other two loops had an undeniable groove that brought great movement to the different sections of the song making them a perfect fit. My initial intention was for the song to be solely an instrumental, but it felt a bit empty, so I decided to add my vocals to it. It turned out great!!"If you want to hear more of Ashisho's music, you can follow his facebook page here:www.facebook.com/ashisho254Or follow him on Instagram & Twitter: @AshishomusicWant to apply or find out more about our Global Influences project? Head to: www.singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Global Influences Project: Sofia Grant X Watmon Cultural Group The Singing Wells project 2021-04-23 | Our first submission for the #GlobalInfluencesProject comes from the brilliant Sofia Grant. This collaboration between the rhythmic plucking of the Watmon Cultural Group and the haunting vocals of Sofia have created something magical and we can't wait to hear from more amazing musicians and creatives who are looking to create their own pieces. Instagram: @sofia.grant._If you want to get involved in the project, head to: singingwells.org/global-influences-project
Reviving the Entongooli: Stringing it Together The Singing Wells project 2021-04-21 | In this latest video, we go back to visit our music scholars after a month away (due to the political climate and the Covid pandemic). Here we go back to our original instrument and strings, and begin to thread everything together to start the tuning process. It was great to go back and visit these students who are all working so hard and progressing so quickly towards their goal of being Entongooli players. When we return on our next trip, we hope to show you their latest progress in learning this incredible instrument, as well as show you the final stages of building the Entongooli. Find out more at singingwells.org
Reviving the Entongooli: Creating the Base - Part 2 The Singing Wells project 2021-03-31 | We return to visit our musical scholars to see how they are doing with their learning. In this video and the last, we look at the process of preparing the base of the Entongooli. Here we see how the strings are turned from strips of cow skin, to tightly wound and stretched strings, used to secure the two skins onto the entongooli base for stretching and drying. This is the last part of the process before the threads are used to tune the Entongooli base. You can find out more about this incredible instrument at singingwells.org
Reviving the Entongooli: Creating the Base - Part 1 The Singing Wells project 2021-03-31 | We return to visit our musical scholars to see how they are doing with their learning. In the next 2 videos, we look at the process of preparing the skins for the base of the instrument, and the strings which are used to help tune the Entongooli. It's a fascinating process that incorporates a lot of different methods and processes. For more information, you can head to the link in our bio and read up more about this incredible instrument.
Reviving the Entongooli: From Embaire to Entongooli Part 2 The Singing Wells project 2021-03-26 | In this video, we continue to learn about the process of building the Embaire, also known as the xylophone, to help educate our young music scholars about music, melody and instrument building. We are shown how they finish off their Embaire and then talk to some young students about what they have learned.Find out more at singingwells.org/the-revival-of-the-entongooli
Reviving the Entongooli: From Embaire to Entongooli Part 1 The Singing Wells project 2021-03-26 | For these musical scholars, their musical journey actually starts with another fascinating and popular instrument, the Embaire or the Xylophone. The scolars are taught the tunes they need to know on this instrument before transferring these melodies over to the Entongooli. Find out more at singingwells.org/the-revival-of-the-entongooli
Reviving the Entongooli: Meet the Students The Singing Wells project 2021-03-12 | In this weeks video, we meet some of the young and passionate students who are learning to build, craft and play the Entongooli. What we love most about this project is that it is providing opportunities for free education to these young people, as learning an instrument can provide opportunities for scholarships to local schools. Some of the children here tell us about their reasons for learning the instruments, what other instruments they are learning and how they are enjoying the process. If you want to see more of our Reviving the Entongooli series, head to our website: singingwells.org/the-revival-of-the-entongooli
Reviving the Entongooli: Getting things Dung! The Singing Wells project 2021-02-25 | Excuse the pun, but there is no way around this part of the process which is fascinating! To protect the base of the Entongooli, they are smeared with cowdung, coated entirely and then left to dry. This process is to protect the wood from cracking, and also the protect it from weevils and insects destroying the wooden base. This method means the instruments can last for upward of a hundred years.You can read more about the entire process on our page here singingwells.org/the-revival-of-the-entongooli
Reviving the Entongooli: Simple but Effective Tools The Singing Wells project 2021-02-25 | Having the right tools for the job doesn't necessarily mean the most high tech or complicated. As we show in this video here, the tools needed to continue shaping the base of the Entongooli are very simple, but remain incredibly effective. Read more about the Revival of the Entongooli on our website at singingwells.org/the-revival-of-the-entongooli
Reviving the Entongooli: Finding the Materials The Singing Wells project 2021-02-22 | Finding the correct materials is half of the battle of reviving such a unique and rare instrument. The beginning of the Entongooli building process begins with forming the bowl shaped base, the soundbox, of the Entongooli.Read more about the Revival of the Entongooli on our website at singingwells.org/the-revival-of-the-entongooli
Reviving the Entongooli: A Musical Education The Singing Wells project 2021-02-15 | What makes this project so different from any of the other revival projects we have documented, is how focused this project is on young people. Mr Mukadisi, who is heading up this project, is very aware that to continue the legacy of this dying instrument, children and young people had to be involved. From the choosing of the materials, to helping build the instruments themselves, these children are involved in every part of the process of rebuilding the Entongooli. Mr Mukadisi knows that in educating these youngsters in the process and skills required to build this instrument, their appreciation and respect for the instrument and it's music will be all the greater. Read more about the Revival of the Entongooli on our website at singingwells.org/the-revival-of-the-entongooli
Reviving the Entongooli: A Musical Education The Singing Wells project 2021-02-15 | What makes this project so different from any of the other revival projects we have documented, is how focused this project is on young people. Mr Mukadisi, who is heading up this project, is very aware that to continue the legacy of this dying instrument, children and young people had to be involved. From the choosing of the materials, to helping build the instruments themselves, these children are involved in every part of the process of rebuilding the Entongooli. Mr Mukadisi knows that in educating these youngsters in the process and skills required to build this instrument, their appreciation and respect for the instrument and it's music will be all the greater. Read more about the Revival of the Entongooli on our website at singingwells.org
Fundraiser for Matthew Watmon The Singing Wells project 2020-12-09 | We are sad to say that a special talent, and a dear friend of Singing Wells, Matthew Watmon is currently in a critical condition in hospital. We are urgently trying to raise funds to support him and his family in this difficult time, and we hope that some of our followers may be able to help us.If you are based in East Africa, please get in touch with Matthew's brother, Constantine Odida ((MTN) +256-782-236-742 and (Airtel) +256-704-261-037). If you are based elsewhere in the world, we have created a GoFundMe page:gofundme.com/f/support-mathew-watmonThe donors of Abubilla Music Foundation, who support the Singing Wells project, will match these contributions up to £1000 so we greatly appreciate your support at this time.We are sending our prayers to Matthew and his family in this difficult time.
Singing Wells Top 20: #1 The Artistry of East Africa The Singing Wells project 2020-11-20 | As we have shown through the last 20 weeks of highlights and memories, East Africa is a treasure trove of musical talent, instruments and styles. The stories that we have heard, through song or interviews, have far exceeded our expectations for the project. What started as a tiny experiment into recording a few groups performing in their villages has grown into something far beyond what we imagined. Find out more at singingwells.org/anniversary-top20
Singing Wells Top 20: #2 Finding the Lost Voices of East Africa The Singing Wells project 2020-11-06 | Our mission at Singing Wells has always been to preserve the rich musical heritage of East Africa, whilst also promoting the importance of introducing this music to a wider audience so that this heritage doesn't get lost. So many of our favourite moments, as you have read over this Top 20 series, have been when we stumbled upon something unexpected and managed to record, on film or in the studio, a performance so that it's legacy may live on. It is truly not lost on us how lucky we are to be able to provide this opportunity to document and, most importantly, share the beautiful music of the many talented musicians we have met on our travels. We now have over 7 million views of the incredible music we have recorded on our YouTube channel, and we hope that over the next 10 years we can discover more of these "lost voices" and bring them to the global audience that they deserve. Find out more at: singingwells.org/anniversary-top20
Singing Wells Top 20: #3 Benga is Everywhere The Singing Wells project 2020-10-30 | In 2011, travelling across Kenya, we found ourselves retracing the traditions and instruments that inspired the creation of the Benga genre. Benga originates from the Luo tribes, as they gradually built on the percussive/bass sounds of the Nyatiti to form something more bluesy. We recorded the Otacho Young Stars on our field trip in late 2011, capturing the music of the Luo people. Their musical style combines the modern sounds of Benga with more traditional rhythms and instruments, which shows how these young men are still continuing their Luo musical legacy whilst embracing the changing sounds of modern East African music. Read more at: singingwells.org/anniversary-top20
Singing Wells Top 20: #4 Amone Watmon Matthew: A Leader for East African Music The Singing Wells project 2020-10-23 | We have been incredibly lucky to meet many people leading the way for the future of East African music; championing tradition but seeing it evolve and grow with the times. One such leader is Amone Watmon Matthew, founder and leader of the Watmon Cultural Group. We met Watmon in Northern Uganda in 2012: an initial recce, where the Ketebul team got to experience Watmon's talent on his own, meant we had to secure a filming day on our field trip for his entire group. Read more at: singingwells.org/anniversary-top20
Kithara - Usikhofu The Singing Wells project 2020-10-16 | Kithara was formed by Rajab Suleiman. They have played together for 20 years and all live in the same neighborhood. They play for weddings and festivals. You can read the field report here: singingwells.org/stories/day-three-february-18-2020-stonetown-mpendae-maungani
Singing Wells Top 20: #5 Passing Down Traditions: Musical Families of East Africa The Singing Wells project 2020-10-02 | What we inherit from our families becomes part of our fabric as a person, and as a community. For many this might be via family recipes, aversions to a particular football team or a particular affinity for a certain skill. However, music may be the one thing that can be passed down from generation to generation, maintaining its original form and it's clear, proud identity. Nowhere is this clearer than in the regions of East Africa that we have visited. Music is an identity in East Africa. By passing these traditions to each generation, a legacy is created. You can find out more at: singingwells.org/anniversary-top20
Singing Wells Top 20: #6 Meeting the Philosopher of Basoga Music: Nathan Matta Nyende The Singing Wells project 2020-09-18 | When deciding with the team who needed to be in our top Singing Wells moments, the story of Bakuseka Majja Matta came up multiple times. A man who's reputation preceded him, and then was blown out of the water by seeing him perform in the flesh. Nathan Matta Nyende is a legend of Ugandan music and a truly masterful songwriter. Find out more at: singingwells.org/anniversary-top20
Singing Wells Top 20: #7 The Mother of Taarab: Siti Bindi Saad The Singing Wells project 2020-09-11 | Our 2020 field trip took us to Zanzibar, which led us to Siti Binti Saad, the mother of Taarab. On this trip we explored how this musical rebel was a pioneer for the taarab style, by striking out against the traditions that this music held. The first woman to sing in swahili, she practiced and learnt this style of music despite cultural reservations, and in turn paved the way for future female musicians. Find out more at singingwells.org/anniversary-top20
Singing Wells Top 20: #8 Supporting the Marginalised The Singing Wells project 2020-09-04 | Part of what has been most inspiring on our trips is how those from the most marginalized communities within East Africa continue to find joy with their musical heritage and traditions. Of the many groups we have met, the Batwa community in Kisoro, Uganda have faced significant hardship and yet create such beautiful and hopeful music. Their spirit and energy is infectious and our meetings with the Batwa community have always been memorable.Head to our website to find out more: singingwells.org
Singing Wells Top 20: #9 Bigger and Better in Uganda The Singing Wells project 2020-08-28 | Our travels across East Africa have shown how each region has their own voice, style and identity when it comes to the music they produce. Where most groups use a combination of instruments to create the different layers of their sound, in Uganda we found that many groups used a large collection of the same instrument to produce their own unique music. Some of these bands, unified by their instrument of choice, have been our favourite bands to record; how incredible to create such a varied and layered sound with just one instrument being played by all! This week, we explore some of the groups who show that sometimes variety isn't the spice of life, and that the bigger the group (And sometimes the instrument itself!) the better!Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Spotlight: Chechemeko Raha The Singing Wells project 2020-08-23 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. We recorded Chechemeko Raha first thing in the morning on our Kenyan Field Trip in 2011. Led by Bahri wa Katana, the group sang and danced in the Chechemeko style. Wonderful, pounding percussion, a great horn called the Gunda and massive kicking dancing called the mabumbu-mbu. Beautiful singing and dancing from the women and gracious leadership from Bahri wa Katana…Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Spotlight: Kijaruba The Singing Wells project 2020-08-17 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. In the village of Nia Njema we met the Kijaruba Group, who were also members of the Bigilia Group. Because we had extra time recording with both groups, we got to meet some of the other village locals and children. We loved how the community was brought together through music and dancing! Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Top 20: #10 Recording a Musical Master The Singing Wells project 2020-08-14 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. Much of our work at Singing Wells is about finding the masters of their craft: those musicians who truly understand their instrument at the deepest level. We explored this concept with our Masters of the Nyatiti series in 2017, where we tracked down the most skilled players and makers of the Nyatiti. Amongst those players was William Omondi, an elderly man who's name was consistently brought to our attention when we were searching for Nyatiti players to speak to. His performance and skill in person matched his enviable reputation amongst players across the region. Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Spotlight: Kangema Urban Group The Singing Wells project 2020-08-10 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. We met the Kangema Urban Group on our Kenyan Field Trip in 2014. They are a group of women who play in the Gitiro style – the dance performed by women during ruracio, a dowry payment occasion. The group is led by Jacinta Njoki Mwangi and was formed in 2006.Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Spotlight: Upendo Jazz The Singing Wells project 2020-08-03 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. The group is from the Murangi Village in the Mara Region. They were founded in 1999 and perform in the Vidogori style. Their instruments included: Ngoma za Budogori (drums, with a kick) and Njiga (shakers from gourds). What’s interesting is how they set up their drums Western Style on a steel rack, and they leaned one large bass drum against the rack. The drummer then built a separate wooden kick pedal, so he could play all the drums with his hands and kick with his feet. We had not seen this before and it meant the group has a very traditional sound but a very modern feel, with contemporary beats.Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Top 20: #11 When Lightning Strikes: Discovering Tiny Moses The Singing Wells project 2020-08-01 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. Some of our greatest memories of the field trips we have embarked on is the moment when the unexpected presents itself; when lightning strikes and we meet people that could surely have only been put in our path for a purpose. That is the joy of what we get to do on these field trips. Though we plan our itinerary and have a set schedule of the musicians we will meet, there will always be an opportunity every now and then that presents itself in a way that cannot be ignored. In this video, we follow the story of Tiny Moses; a man with a handmade guitar who became one of our most iconic Singing Wells discoveries. Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Top 20: #12 The Spectacle of East African Music and Dance The Singing Wells project 2020-07-28 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. In Video 12, we explore the importance of the physical performance in East African Music. Whether this be through dance, costume or working with animals; getting to see how each group performs their music physically has been a unique experience with every group we meet. It's also beautiful to watch traditional dance being taught to younger generations so that their heritage is being preserved for even further generations to come. Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Spotlight: Zam Zam The Singing Wells project 2020-07-27 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. Zam Zam is an all male choir ranging from age 7 up to 40. They sing Islamic and secular songs for weddings and celebrations. Their leader and teacher is Ibrahim Ali Hassan, who has two brothers and two sons in the group (the youngest being 10 years old). This was mainly an a capella performance for us, with the only instrument being one flute made out of a bamboo stick. Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Spotlight: Tausi Womens Taarab The Singing Wells project 2020-07-20 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. Tausi Women’s Taarab, formed in 2009, is from Rahaleo and plays traditional Taarab. All songs are about love (love, lost and gained) and all secular. They usually perform in Kisawandui. The instruments being played included the Qunan, the Violin, Accordion, Percussion, Tablah drum, Bongos and Oud featuring a beautiful inlay. Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Top 20: #13 Witnessing Incredible Rites of Passage The Singing Wells project 2020-07-17 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa. Some of the most memorable encounters on our field trips have been witnessing incredible rites of passage - it is an honour that so many of the groups we met have shared these experiences with us. From songs about circumcision, to haunting funeral music, and the amazing "coming out" celebration that we got to be a part of in Bagamoyo, Tanzania in 2017, the variety and spectacle of these events has allowed us to see the amazing traditions of many different groups in East Africa. Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Spotlight: Karambi Sanaa The Singing Wells project 2020-07-13 | Singing Wells Spotlight shines a light on the music of different groups across East Africa.From Kagera Bukoba and part of the Wahaya Community, Karambi Sanaa was formed in 2000 and performs in the Akasimbo style. Their instruments are: Kangote (Drums), Akafotho (hand whistling), Enganja: Clapper – two wooden ‘bricks’ struck together, and they wear Ebisheshe (grasses). A lot of their music is about encouraging people to get up and dance… as you can see, they are very good at it!Find out more at singingwells.org, or see the full performances on our Youtube channel.
Singing Wells Top 20: #14 Rediscovering the Lost Royal Entenga Drums The Singing Wells project 2020-07-10 | Singing Wells Top 20: #14 Rediscovering the Royal Entenga DrumsThese drums hadn't been played in over 50 years!The Royal Entenga Drums were destroyed when the Royal Palace was set on fire in 1966. It was thought that none of the original players lived. But Professor James Isabirye found Musisi, who played the Royal drums as a young boy, and they joined together to bring the Royal Entenga Drums back to life. This rediscovery is what Singing wells is all about - we were so thrilled to be a part of it!To find out more, head to singingwells.org/anniversary-top20
Singing Wells Spotlight: Nile Beat Artists The Singing Wells project 2020-07-07 | Nile Beat Artists were founded in 1990. The group were voted group of the year in Uganda in 2004. They have 4-5 drummers depending on the song, 2-3 flute players, 2 tube fiddle players and 2 thumb pianos. They also have the traditional Ugandan Xylophone. All instrumentalists also sing and are supported by three ladies who sing and dance. They’re aim is to continue growing their knowledge and getting better at representing their culture!You can find out more at singingwells.org
