Burkina Faso’s Kananayé have been bringing fresh twists to their sound with their latest project, Kananayé Remix EP by Tzig’Art. Four producers, Mo Laudi, Murphy Cubic, Kayrop and RMBO, reinterpret the group’s sound.
Across the African continent, traditional rhythms are being blended with modern dance music. From the worldwide success of amapiano in South Africa, to kuduro in Angola and the vast electronic sounds coming from Nigeria, African producers are constantly finding new ways to blend tradition with innovation.
Kananayé have a uniquely West African sound. Fronted by the incredible vocalists Clotilde Rullaud Nacoulma, they bring together an incredible team of musical talent. Abdoulaye “Debademba” Traoré (guitar), Achille Nacoulma (drums), Seydou “Kanazoé” Diabaté (balafon) and Boubacar “Papa” Djiga (kundé). They create music that is skillfully performed with poetic lyrics and upbeat rhythms.
Each track has been reinterpreted by different producers. Murphy Cubic from Zimbabwe reworks Cimetre with some Afro House elements. Sea Lion Woman, a traditional American song linked to Nina Simone, has been reworked by Mo Laudi, who has helped bring South African electronic music to a wide audience.
Kayrop from Kenya uses traditional instruments with some electronic flair on Teri Djougou. The last track has been reworked by RMBO of the South African band BLK JKS into an upbeat dance track.
This shows how much creativity can be brought to a project when working with artists and producers from varied backgrounds. Kananayé create music that is rooted in their culture but also uses modern sounds, technology and opportunities.
