Nyege Nyege Tapes presents their sophomore Singeli compilation titled ‘Sounds of Pamoja’ following their revolutionary ‘Sounds of Sisso’ in 2017 which introduced the world to the 300bpm breakneck dance music of Tanzania that took festivals around the world by storm.
‘Sounds of Pamoja’ features 11 tracks and showcases the wide variety of MC talent under the Pamoja Records umbrella, with production mostly handled by Duke. As almost half the population of Tanzania is under 15 years old, Singeli is a young genre with the youthful spirit of Detroit techno or footwork, with rapid body movement, social combustion and tongue-twisting lyrics.
In order to take a first hand look into the scene, NTS traveled down to Tanzania to capture the world of Singeli and put together a mini-documentary, that comes out with the announcement of the ‘Sounds of Pamoja’ album, wich is due out on 2xLP and digital via Nyege Nyege Tapes on September 17, 2021. Read the full story below.
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“Sounds of Pamoja” is Nyege Nyege Tapes’ latest foray into the world of Tanzanian Singeli, the breakneck dance strain that’s quickly moved from Dar es Salaam throughout the world. Following “Sounds of Sisso”, a compilation that focused mostly on the Tanzanian capital’s Sisso Studios, this set highlights recordings from Duke’s Pamoja Records. And while its predecessor brought attention to the producers, “Sounds of Pamoja” showcases the wide variety of MC talent under the Pamoja Records umbrella, with production mostly handled by Duke.
Tanzania is a country of young people – almost half of its population is under 15 years old – and singeli is a young genre. Duke started making music when he was 13 years old, and by the time he was 18 he had opened the Pamoja Records studio. He’s joined on the compilation by a talented cast of young local talent: 20 year old Pirato MC, 19 year old Dogo Kibo, 20 year old MC Kuke, Dogo Lizzy, MC Dinho, MC Kidene and MCZO, the versatile rapper who accompanied Duke on a selection of global tour dates.
The music is fresh and unpredictable, switching beats every few bars and rattling through hyper-local dance styles with jagged, joyful ease. But it’s the MCs that push “Sounds of Pamoja” to the next level, capitalizing on the vitality of Dar es Salaam’s musical landscape as they trade bars, switch flows and somehow keep up with Duke’s lightning-fast productions. It’s breathtakingly unique dance music that recalls the youthful spirit of Detroit techno or footwork, with rapid body movement, social combustion and tongue-twisting lyrical one-upmanship guiding the rudder.
VA – Sounds of Pamoja
Release date: September 17, 2021
Artwork: Moroto Hvy Indstr & Lithium Beats
Mastered at Declared Sound
Tracklist.
1. Dogo Kibo – Pigo La Moyo
2. Dogo Lizzy ft KIDENE – Nakupenda
3. Dogo Lizzy – Angekuwepo
4. MC Dinho – Kamatia Chini
5. MC Kono – Il Jini Song Wapi 09:20
6. MC Kuke – Kwa Ajiri Yao
7. MC Kuke – Sherehe
8. MC Pilato ft MCZO – Ganja
9. MC Pilato – Mama Ashura
10. MC Pilato – Wamenichoma
11. MCZO – Ushauri Wa Bure
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