Revolution hardly ever sounds as danceable as when Super Mama Djombo does it: complex cross rhythms and sparkling guitars accompany the story of independence, the fight against colonial rulers, African self-confidence. It’s hard to believe that this music’s story began in scout camps in the jungles of Guinea-Bissau – back then, a Portuguese colony. Super Mama Djombo became one of the most important voices of the country in 1974. It was the year in which Portugal’s Carnation Revolution swiped away the fascist regime, in which Guinea-Bissau won the fight for independence. Super Mama Djombo provided the sound of the revolution, not least by singing in Kriol, a mix between Portuguese and African idioms. Their music mostly consisted of African elements, while rumba, jazz or funk only played a marginal role. They served as the young country’s voice until 1980, when they broke up for political reasons. However, shortly before their separation, they recorded six hours worth of music in Lisbon, which were mostly used for the five records released in the years to follow. And yet, six tracks had to wait until now to find their way to the daylight – and »Super Mama Djombo« is anything but using up scraps. Instead, it’s full of politically charged lyrics, brought forward through catchy tunes full of warmth and groove.
Various Artists
Roots Rocking Zimbabwe: The Modern Sound Of
Analog Africa