Nijerusalem

Electronic

16,67 €

In stock

Label

Batov Records

Release date

September 20, 2024

Conditions

New

Vinyl

Black

Mamman Sani's electronic organ music, first recorded in 1978, made him a national hero in Niger and led to him writing the country’s new national anthem. His music has long been cherished by aficionados for its unique blend of traditional Nigerien melodies and synth experimentation. Mamman's music embodies a sense of intimacy, evoking the presence of a solo artist in the room with the listener.

In "Nomadic," Mamman Sani captures the vibrant journey of rural nomads through a signature Nigerien swing rhythm. “Sultan Umnaru’s Trip" is a sonic narrative of a tribal leader's expedition during the French colonial era, enriched by North African percussion and live bass, reflecting the intensity of the journey.

With its waltz-like cadence, exploring the traditional Touareg rhythm found in countless folk songs across Niger, "Touareg Spaceship" beautifully encapsulates the cultural essence of the Touareg people, offering listeners a captivating glimpse into their musical heritage.

In "Fulani UFO," Mamman Sani explores the rich cultural heritage of the Fulani, a prominent tribe in Niger. Here, Assayag infuses a North African rhythm, incorporating the gimbri instrument commonly found in Moroccan Gnawa and Tunisian Stambeli music. These ritualistic musical traditions, brought to North Africa by West African slaves, serve as ecstatic medicine, enriching the sonic landscape of the song.

A tribute to the Songhai people, "Sonray Wedding Song" is inspired by a typical song sung at a riverbank wedding. This leads us neatly to “Venusian Lady," a universal ode to love, bridging cultures and origins, with Mamman's heartfelt composition, originally recorded as an instrumental 50 years ago, marking its debut in a vocal rendition, sung in both English and Hausa.

The urgent "Toil, Sweat & Sun'' intertwines poignant samples with futuristic disco elements, reflecting on the solidarity shown under Niger’s colonial rule. Closing the album, "Nomadic" is transformed into an electronic dub version, blending pulsating basslines and reverberating echoes to create a mesmerizing sonic landscape.

On ‘Nijerusalem’, Mamman Sani and Tropikal Camel's collaboration invites us into their timeless and intimate, minimalist sound world.