Already known in Europe and Africa, he is poised to take his African techno house soul music to America and back
November 11, 2005 (Press Release) --
The popular music that has come from America and influenced what people listen to around the world, has its roots in Africa. Blues, jazz, rock and roll, rap, funk and dance music of all types, have spread across the globe thanks to records, radio and now the internet. Every country has its versions of these music forms, but just as dancing is universal, so too is dance music, whether it's funk, techno, house or various combinations and sub genres of these music forms. These DJ-based forms are felt worldwide because they can combine and recombine the music of many cultures. This is the concept behind the music on the new album IWA, by Yanju, a Nigerian singer and producer.
His music is different from most dance music records for a variety of reasons. First, there is an overwhelming African influence heard not just in the instrumental tracks, laden as they are with talking drums and other percussion sounds, but in the vocal melodies and harmonies. And there is a depth to his music lyrically that puts it closer to his forebearer, Fela Kuti, than "pump up the jam."
Already known in Europe and Africa, he is poised to take his African techno house soul music - my term for his sound, not his - to America and back. His route to this point is as circuitous as the route traveled by black music, and is interlocked with the situation of Africa itself. A deep thinker, educated and opinionated, Yanju's explanations and intellect are as driving as his music.
Read more on Yanju & download IWA music video @
http://www.musicdish.net/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=161
The popular music that has come from America and influenced what people listen to around the world, has its roots in Africa. Blues, jazz, rock and roll, rap, funk and dance music of all types, have spread across the globe thanks to records, radio and now the internet. Every country has its versions of these music forms, but just as dancing is universal, so too is dance music, whether it's funk, techno, house or various combinations and sub genres of these music forms. These DJ-based forms are felt worldwide because they can combine and recombine the music of many cultures. This is the concept behind the music on the new album IWA, by Yanju, a Nigerian singer and producer.
His music is different from most dance music records for a variety of reasons. First, there is an overwhelming African influence heard not just in the instrumental tracks, laden as they are with talking drums and other percussion sounds, but in the vocal melodies and harmonies. And there is a depth to his music lyrically that puts it closer to his forebearer, Fela Kuti, than "pump up the jam."
Already known in Europe and Africa, he is poised to take his African techno house soul music - my term for his sound, not his - to America and back. His route to this point is as circuitous as the route traveled by black music, and is interlocked with the situation of Africa itself. A deep thinker, educated and opinionated, Yanju's explanations and intellect are as driving as his music.
Read more on Yanju & download IWA music video @
http://www.musicdish.net/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=161
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