Ikwunga
Calabash Afrobeat-Poems by Ikwunga Vol.1
© 2004 Rebisi Hut Records & Dele Sosimi Music Ltd (783707990026)
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A seminal concept album with a distinctly original African feel that finds the verses and chants interwoven with rich African rhythms married to a new satiny Afrobeat.
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Ikwunga has recorded a seminal concept album with a distinctly original African feel. Calabash Vol.1 brings together a superb collection of Ikwunga's poetry married with a satiny Afrobeat.
Ikwunga, an American Board Certified Psychiatrist and the son of a famous West African poet and tribal Chief, is unarguably the first afrobeat poet and the original creator of this unique addition to the afro-beat pantheon and to the burgeoning spoken word genre.
The poetry is easy to follow rhythmically and linguistically. Content can vary from the intensely political (leaning heavily towards pan-Africanism) to the love poem 'I don love' a hauntingly moving appeal to a lover who has yet to make up her mind.
Afrobeat, the music of the legendary Nigerian musician and sage, Fela Kuti, is clearly a huge influence on both Ikwunga and his superb backing band led and produced by Dele Sosimi (former keyboardist of Fela Kuti's Egypt 80 Band, and musical director of Femi Kuti's Positive Force Band). Ikwunga and Dele, previously fellow performers at Kuti's, famous night club, The Shrine in Lagos, have produced an album that can be enjoyed at many levels. Ikwunga is a fresh, urgent and lyrical voice in African poetry and the poems themselves are beautifully reproduced in the elegant presentation of this CD. These narrative poems have a distinctly African rhythm and can be enjoyed independently on sleeve notes. However Dele Sosimi captures the rhythm of the spoken word and provides the perfect accompanying music allowing the listener to enjoy the poetry while feeling the Afrobeat permeate his or her body. An excellent combination, which repays repeated listening, Calabash Vol. 1 leaves us eagerly awaiting Vol.2.
Proceeds from Ikwunga's Calabash series will partly fund the creation of The African Alliance for the Mentally Ill (TAAMI), a non-profit organization that will generate public awareness of mental illness in African communities, and advocate for mental health services treatment and research.
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- author: Vivivan
Definitly beautiful!!!! It is really a wonderful fusion of trumpets and yoruba talking drums and the lyrics says it all. Keep it up.Would definitely buy a cd tonight. I`m hooked and would be watching this space.
Sheer joy and much enthusiasm for this wonderful music
author: JudithSpeechless with sheer joy and enthusiasm for this music, the groove is definitely on!! Discovered this about 2 hours ago and have mailed all my friends your website link already. Hope there is much more to come, an addiction starts tonight.
Wow! Music with soul, spirit, joy, and great meaning!
author: Doug ZiedonisWonderful music - these are seriously talented musicians blending a wonderful groove with powerful words to feed and stimulate the heart, soul, and mind. Wow! A great blending of cultures through the Afrobeat sound. Get this CD for the great music - but also what a great cause to support - The African Alliance for the Mentally Ill (TAAMI), a non-profit organization that will generate public awareness of mental illness in African communities, and advocate for mental health services treatment and research. FIGHT THE STIGMA!!! Music can heal and bring us all together - we are more similar than different! When is CD number 2 coming out?
Brilliant work of art
author: AKINlooked the CD!! fela would be proud of u when is vol 2 coming out?
Positive vibrations and Upful lyrics!
author: Sistah CharleneThis cd's lyrics and riddims speak to the heart, mind and soul. Respect!
spread the truth...no fear
author: kaletacalabash music ...that is the real bomb...let the truth hit them below the waiste line,,,ride on my brother
Blessed I-rations... This CD is a work of Divine Brilliant Poetry ,Music and St
author: Sista Inora McQueenThere are many tracks on this cd that would bring a certain kind of flavor needed in these days and times on African,Caribbean and Conscious Radio programing. Having African music,call and response,cultural and ethnic stylings with these, they whole a unique and new style within itself.This CD is excellent to dance to and entertain with. It holds a mixture of tradition,wisdom and consciousness. I give it the highest score #5 (Love it) Also, the expressions and timing of the spoken-word and percussional instruments sets well with the cd. Would love to see a performance in the very near future. Empress Inora
- author: sobhan mathew
Loved it. Bought an extra and have spread the word