Disarmament after the civil war: While Nazar dealt with the Angolan civil war on his debut Guerilla, the focus on Demilitarize is more inward – more personal, but no less heavy. Despite the more elegant arrangements, this is not an uplifting kuduro album. Rather, it tells of trauma and healing, of illness, love and survival. This is reflected in the dramaturgy of the track titles: from »Core« and »War Game« to »Disarm«, »Heal« and the final track »DMZ« – short for »Demilitarized Zone«.
»Core« begins as a dark, fragmented sound sculpture with a charged sense of urgency. »Anticipate« loosens the soundscape with delicate rhythms and more transparent textures – a restrained nod to the dance floor. However, Demilitarise remains more of an autobiographical essay than a club album. Nazar sings himself at times, but his voice is heavily alienated – more as a sonic element than a classical vocal instrument. In this function, it largely replaces the documentary samples that were central to Guerilla. This creates a more intimate, individual atmosphere – without completely ignoring the political. The concluding »DMZ« is less conciliatory than the title suggests. But a demilitarized zone is always a temporary solution – a place of transition, not a final peace. This is where Demilitarize comes in: between disarmament and remembrance.
Demilitarize
