DJ Zhao - NGOMA 6 UKULWA (MP3)

Framing house music, perhaps the most depoliticized of all urban musics, whose narrative revolve around unreflective pleasure seeking, in a political context may seem incredulous to some. Yet this incredulity would be based on a superficial reading of the essence of house music culture, despite what it has become in the commercial sphere: in its very inception, the escapism into a fantasy hedonistic world was an expression of the underprivileged and marginalized, and the creation of a sanctuary of acceptance was nothing less than a political act of the oppressed and discriminated against. Perhaps even more than Chicago or Detriot 67, the political dimension is deeply interwoven into the urban musical fabric of South Africa, and has profoundly influenced its evolution. Zulu protest songs live on through Kwaito, the first musical expression of a free South Africa, and from there the current House culture developed: if less overtly rebellious, it nonetheless retains in its beats and voices the spirit of revolt: the urgent and passionate expression of a people who have been subjugated for too long. The Zulu word Ukulwa means war and struggle. and in this context it can only mean a war against oppression and the struggle for freedom and independence. Apartheid may have officially ended, but its myriad effects can be unmistakably felt in a slew of social problems which plague the nation today, from crime to domestic violence as result of the break up of families, from poverty to various hardships which come from an entire generation having been systematically deprived of formal education. Thus even while many positive things are taking place, as South Africa is surely rising as a proud modern nation, even as we rejoice in these blissful rhythms, we must remember this war, and both continue, and continue to be inspired by, this struggle against domination, against injustice: Ukulwa.

Genres: african house, derbuka, house, kuduro, kwaito, township bass, uk funky, zulu electro

Source: http://differentwaters.blogspot.com/2010/06/ngoma-6-ukulwa_01.html

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dj zhao - NGOMA 4 - Generation Bass (MP3)

Continuing where NGOMA 1 stopped, this is an excursion into non-western "hiphop" (a term used in the loosest possible way). Heavy on Kwaito from South Africa, both more contemporary as well as earlier examples of the genre are presented. Arthur Mafokate with his track Oyi Oyi from 1993, for example, who is often referred to as the King of Kwaito, is both an innovative artist as well as pioneering businessman, having started 999, one of the first non-white record labels in South Africa. There are also offshoots from Kwaito, such as a style known as Guz - as represented by the track of that name by TKZEE. Also want to mention, in the classic Kwaito style, the immense talent that was Mawillies (rest in peace), whose effortlessly powerful voice graces the track GaGu. tunes from other parts of Africa are also sprinkled all over this mix. the AshThomas project is based in the US, but consists of members from Nigeria and other places. The incredibly clever DJ Rams who does Kizomba and Kuduro (or Kuzomba, a combination of the hard hitting aggresive and emotively smooth) in Angola; Marvelous Benji coming with the refreshing energy from Nigeria; and of course, Emmanuel Jal, the former Sudanese child soldier (from age 11-16). and the Indian, Columbian, Syrian tunes in this mix i hope all work together as one experience -- it can be difficult to transition different sounds and keys and rhythms in a single mix.

Genres: acid zouk, afro-dub, afro-hiphop, afro-reggae, arabic-skwee, bhangra, cumbia, dancehall, guz, hiplife, kizomba, kwaito, mbaqanga, naija, reggaeton, syrian folk

Source: http://differentwaters.blogspot.com/2010/03/ngoma-4-generation-bass.html

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MOZ Songs Mixtape (MP3)

Just music from Mozambique!

Genres: dancehall, hip hop, kwaito, pop, ragga

Source: http://soundgoods.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/moz-songs-mixtape/

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dj Zhao - NGOMA 3 - Zulu House (MP3)

while staying in the same territory as 2, the journey is not the same, and many things make this one unique: the psychedelic motorik genius of Dj Clock's "Durban Guitar"; the monolithic, earth shaking visions of Black Coffee; DJ Sdoko's ominous Kraftwerkian phuture; Manya's soul stirring take on traditonal Angolan melodies; a surprisingly wicked banger from the Dutch DJ Bigga (UK is not the only place currently Afro minded), and ending with Sami vocal style from Mari Boine, reinterpreting the sound of indigenous Norway*. most of the selection are not well known or commonly used tracks in the "scene", with only one exception: just could not stay away from the Yellowtail (but check how it is used before you complain). concerning the anti-apartheid and war samples used through out the mix: the struggle for freedom from colonialism is the context which gave rise to contemporary South African music: Kwaito was born amidst antagonism and bloodshed, and has led to the current house music scene. thus songs such as "100 Zulu Warriors" and the radio broadcast at the end should not be taken as an incitement of racial conflict (especially in light of last year's wave of horrible xenophobia) but as a reminder of the political realities of the Apartheid era from which this music comes. *you might think it strange to include a traditional song from northern Europe on an Afrocentric project, but 1. thematically it fits the recording as the vocalist has for decades fought for equal rights of her people, who have long been the subject of discrimination, like South Africans, in their homeland; and 2. Henrich Schwartz who made the remix is a producer certainly with a lot of Africa on his mind.

Genres: afro electro, dub techno, electro, funk carioca, house, kizomba, kwaito, minimal, techno, uk funky, yoik, zulu house

Source: http://differentwaters.blogspot.com/2009/02/ngoma-3_19.html

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dj Zhao - NGOMA 2 (MP3)

it is said that the drum itself was invented in Africa. and as far as i'm concerned, all modern pop and especially dance music have deep roots in the musical traditions of that continent. i have made the admittedly sensationalist proclamation "techno comes from Africa", and here is an extremely simplified version of my concept of this lineage: slave songs - blues - gospel - jazz - funk - disco - house - techno ---- the circle is complete. some may have problems with this generalization (and in some ways i do too), but all sidelines, exceptions, and details aside, essentially it makes sense to me. after all, the 4 on the floor hypnotic groove can be found in the myriad styles of African music from every era, be it high-life, rumba, or the thousands upon thousands of much older regional traditions. most people were, and still are, confused, skeptical, or straight up dismissive when i talk about this, but history was made in 2008 with Warp Records' release of DJ Mujava's Township Funk in Europe, which i believe is only the beginning of Europeans coming to grips with the awesome power of African Techno. i have been playing Euro-centric minimal, hard techno, breaks, electro, etc., for years, but in recent years have increasingly sensed a solipsism, stagnation, and bankrupsy. but i feel the style loosely termed "UK Funky" is leading the way out of the rut; and it is no coincidence that the most exciting thing happening in European dance music is directly derivative of African and Afro-Caribbean rhythmic structures.

Genres: afro-house, afro-techno, arabic, house, kuduru, kwaito, minimal, techno, uk funky

Source: http://differentwaters.blogspot.com/2009/01/ngoma-vol-2.html

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Réchauffement par Khiasma (MP3)

It's getting cold in Montreal and I don't like it. -15°c tonight in mid-november. I was playing around with tracks this afternoon and I ended up recording this mix. Looks like it's some kind of reaction to my environment. Brr.... // Tracklisting: #1 Montagem - Aquecimento Hey Hey Hey #2 Tremor Domingo - Cura VS M.I.A VS Tremor #3 The Very Best (Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit) - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa #4 Adesh Samaroo & Crew - River Lime Freestyle #5 King Bauco & Beenie Man - Weed And Grabba #6 Candido y Su Movimiento - Palos De Fuego #7 ? - ? (Capoiera) #8 T.O.K. - Waah Gwaan #9 Muffy - Dope Bi Ft Bangladesh #10 Mujava - Township Funk

Genres: african pop, baile funk, capoiera, chutney, cumbia, dancehall, electro, electronica, gospel, hip-hop, kwaito, pop, r\\\'n\\\'b, salsa, world

Source: http://masalacism.blogspot.com/

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Dancing In Tongues Mix by Khiasma (MP3)

A mix of big beats and heavy bass from all around the world (Argentina, Jamaica, Morocco, UK, Brazil etc.) All the links and tracklisting can be found on the url/site: #1 Mr Vegas - Hot Wuk (Chase & Status Remix) [Jamaica/UK] #2 Fauna ft Princesa - El Zombie [Argentine] #3 Chancha Vía Circuito - Calzad [Argentine] #4 Fnaire - Aaz L'Khil M'rabteha [Morroco] #5 Erup - Click Mi Finger [Jamaica] #6 Skibadee - Tika Toc [UK] #7 Radio Radio - Cliché Hot [Canada] #8 Andy - Sen'khona [South Africa] #9 Hcp - The Party [Puerto Rico] #10 King-Der - Ladoc Oscuro [Spain] #11 Dj Zoki & Dj Crni Zmaj - Trube haos [Germany/Serbia] #12 Darbouka Egyptienne [Egypt] #13 Sergio Mendes - Magalenha [Brazil] #14 Amilcka - PagoFunk (Luisinho DJ) [Brazil] #15 Digão - Reloginho (DJ Leandrinho) [Brazil] #16 MC GD - Batucada (Shark Producoes) [Brazil] #17 Dj Bula & Dj Revolution - O Barulho [Angola] #18 Familia Agre - Sai Do Caminho [Angola]

Genres: baile funk, balkan, cumbia, dancehall, electro, hip-hop, jungle, kuduro, kwaito, ragga, reggaeton, samba, world

Source: http://masalacism.blogspot.com

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dj zhao_NGOMA Afro-Asia Soundsystem Vol. 1. (MP3)

bass pressure and soul fire from 4 continents, 19 countries. Bongo Flava, Kwaito, Bhangra, Kizomba, Rai, Dancehall, Naija, Cumbia... from the rough to the smooth, from sun to twilight, jack up the volume for perfect boom-boom -- REAL party music for those who are NOT afraid.

Genres: arabic pop, balkan beat, bhangra, cumbia, dancehall, dub, dub, gamelan, genge, hiphop, house, kizomba, kwaito, mash-up, rai, reggaeton

Source: http://differentwaters.blogspot.com/2008/01/ngoma-mix-1-dj-zhao.html

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Danny Berlin's "Midnight At Flamingos" Mix for thepopularfront.net (MP3)

Slightly schizo mix of kwaito, acid house, minneapolis electric funk, 80's electro soul and some more modern stuff. Featuring the likes of The Time, DJ Pierre, DJ Cleo & Brickz, Zapp and Theives Like Us.

Genres: acid house, electro house, electro soul, funk, kwaito

Source: http://www.thepopularfront.net

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Khiasma mix @ Bounce Le Gros (Rapidshare)

Last saturday, Ghislain Poirier organised the last edition of his Bounce Le Gros nights. During the last two years, Ghislain offered us one of the best night in Montreal, with great guests everytime. He's currently finishing his album to be released in the fall on Ninja Tune. I had the honor to open that final edition of a now legendary party and here's a part of my mix. It's not the most well mixed 70min you've ever hear, but there's no computer edit, and I wanted to share it first for the selection. Click on the source site to get the detail of the 33 very diversed tracks.

Genres: african hip-hop, baile funk, bhangra, crunk, dancehall, digital dancehall, electro, french hip-hop, funk, grime, hip-hop, indian hip-hop, klezmer, kwaito, masala, mash-up, oriental, ragga, reggae, reggaeton, salsaton

Source: http://masalacism.blogspot.com/2007/06/khiasma-mix-bounce-le-gros.html#links

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