from the crates is a new series where i delve into records from my ever-growing collection.

released: june 20, 2017

genre: afro-house / techno

from: zimbabwe / france

label: nyami nyami records

a few thoughts: shoutout to jelly records in east london. it’s one of my favourite record shops, with a vast collection of electronic, house and techno releases. that is where i found batanidzo, an incredible album celebrating traditional, mbira-led zimbabwean music, along with some dynamic and hypnotic drumming, creating an immersive and restless listening experience. recorded over two days in 2016 at the red bull studios in paris, it features jacob mafuleni on mbira, a traditional zimbabwean lamellophone played by the shona tribe. the melodies he’s able to create throughout are utterly hypnotic and transcendent. combined with gary gritness’ frantic production, which features fast-paced, house and techno-driven beats, the dynamic nature of this album makes it a joy to listen to. highlights from side a include the stunning 8-minute “mweya we chikoni” and “zvichapera”, while the tribal energy and vocals on “mukuru” on side b are incredible. along with the percussion-led groove, it’s an explosive moment on the album, with a rumbling energy that is just hits so hard. the mbira melodies and bass-driven beat of “mugariro” are incredible, another highlight that captures the beauty and energy of traditional zimbabwean music. “nyama iekougotcha” closes the album out with another riveting and lively composition. batanidzo is a dynamic, fiery and beautiful album that celebrates the vibrant, rich sound of zimbabwean music, geared to dancefloors around the world.

the album: