Album Notes

From Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa to Cuba, the Caribbean and United States, "Waka Waka" beautifully blends these traditions into a melting pot of American-African celebration. South African singer, Paul Petersen delivers African melodies with conviction, originality and authenticity.

Original works , island rhythms and 3-part harmony give a fresh twist on African melodies. Horn legend, Wayne Jackson (Peter Gabriel, U2, Sting) of the Memphis Horns, contributes horn arrangements throughout the CD. The CD also features drummer, JD Blair of Victor Wooten and Shania Twain's band on a Cape Town original, "Precious Child". Produced by percussionist Jim Roberts and CapeTown, this CD is recorded with care and attention to detail. There are no loops, sequences, synths or vocal tuning employed in the making of this disc. "WakaWaka" is carefully crafted live music.

The CD features three original arrangements of Cuban/Nigerian "orisha" tributes, including Elegua, Yemaya and Chango (Caboey). It also features Manu Dibongo's, "Soul Makossa" and Salief Keita's "N B'l Fe". The title cut "Waka Waka" means sunshine and exemplifies the charter of the CD as a whole. Likewise "Gomaheh", one of Capetown's flagship numbers, uses driving "calypsou" rhythms (a coined phrase meaning calypso and soukous combined). "Drum Art" is based on a rhythm from Ghana and utilizes West African balaphon, kalimba, stick congas, and a whole battery of African and contemporary percussion.

"Diena Kana Kiena" is an arrangement of a slave song from South Africa and features South African saxophonist, Robbie Jansen. Paul Petersen features his bass, guitar and writing skills on "Jol Uit." This music is uplifting, groove - oriented and infectious. It is designed to appeal to American and African music lovers alike.

Other sites that you might like:
jimrobertspercussion.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tucats