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Ama Gogela

by Phelimuncasi

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ghostcopy
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ghostcopy when the waterman starts singing phuck Favorite track: I don't feel my legs (prod DJ Nhlekzin).
darwyn
darwyn thumbnail
darwyn It's flippin' bonkers that's why I love it. The Future Sound of Durban. I didn't know this style of music till I bought it on a whim. Superb, interesting, percussion, bass etc.
All these tracks have you movin'.
A Must Buy! Favorite track: Maka Nana feat Bhejane (prod DJ Scoturn).
Kutkh_Jackdaw
Kutkh_Jackdaw thumbnail
Kutkh_Jackdaw Phelimuncasi's own brand of gqom is showcased brilliantly in this album. From their take on more traditional sounding tracks, to their high energy songs featuring impactful vocals, this is a great representation of how gqom has evolved over the past decade. Favorite track: Dlala Ngesinqa (prod NET GALA).
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    Cassette + Digital Album

    Pro-Dubbed White Jelly Tape with Blue on-body printing housed in Ivory White Library Case. Limited to 180 Copies.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Ama Gogela via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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about

Video for 'I Don't Feel My Legs' youtu.be/FbdaNVrmHhE

In South Africa, the Ama Gogela is large bee known for its strength and ferociousness. Durban trio Phelimuncasi use this avatar as a metaphor for their music. "We believe our music is irresistible, you can't sleep or chill while it's playing," they explain. "The same thing happens when that bee hits you hard. Once it stings you, you can't manage it, it's painful. It's like our songs - once you listen, you can't stop."

"Ama Gogela" follows Phelimuncasi's acclaimed 2020 debut "2013-2019", and once again spotlights the dynamism of Durban's globally prestigious gqom scene. Based in the Mlaszi township, vocalists Malathon, Makan Nana and Khera initially came together in 2012, driven by a desire to illustrate and soundtrack their leftist activist work. Together with some of their neighborhood's most influential producers, they've become notorious for releasing some of Durban's most exceptional music, harnessing gqom's dancefloor futurism and South Africa's ancient theatrical and storytelling traditions simultaneously.

This comprehensive full-length again links Phelimuncasi with regular collaborators DJ MP3 and DJ Scoturn, adding locals DJ Nhlekzin, DJ Ndakx, and SVBKVLT-signed South Korean producer NET GALA as a wildcard. And despite the range of individual talent, the album is exceptionally cohesive, woven together by the trio's conversational call-and-response vocals and unforgettable energy. Phelimuncasi's philosophy is evident immediately on 'I don't feel like legs', as the three MCs alternate between their local language isiZulu and English over police sirens, thick bass and dense percussive chatter. It serves as a call to action for anyone listening, whether you're able to unpack the lyrics or not - like the album's namesake, it's got a sting that won't let you escape.

NET GALA's idiosyncratic sounds underpin the early highlight 'Ngiphupha Izinto', linking ballroom rhythms with early electronic squelches and psy-trance bass to accompany Phelimuncasi's dextrous lyrical back-and-forth. After that brief detour, we're back in Durban with the DJ Scoturn-produced 'Maka Nana', where throaty-voiced MC Bhejane joins the trio for his first guest spot, gurgling bafflingly over gqom staple syncopated toms and ruffled drones. DJ Ndaxy crafts sneak-attack hooks out of mbira clangs on 'Kolamula Ukusa', while Scoturn turns in an inverted bass-heavy slither on 'Uyaphi WeNano', allowing guest vocalist Mafethan the space to shine.

Phelimuncasi manage the impossible on "Ama Gogela", meticulously crafting music that's revolutionary and educational without losing sight of the dancefloor. It's party music that's addictive and indelible, fueled by opposition, dissent and a textured understanding of South Africa's artistic past, present and future.

credits

released May 13, 2022

Photograph by Blackbeast243
Artwork by Lithium
Mastered by Declared Sound

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Nyege Nyege Tapes Kampala, Uganda

Nyege Nyege Tapes is a Kampala based label exploring, producing and releasing outsider music from around the region and beyond.

We fulfill orders twice weekly, so most items will be shipped out within 3-5 days of your order being placed, with tracking provided automatically. We ship all records in whiplash mailers with extra cardboard protection.

For bookings email tapes@nyegenyege.com
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