WOMAD

Owiny Sigoma Band

From Kenya, United Kingdom

Strikingly original Nairobi/London collaboration

Plenty of European and American musicians have voyaged to Africa in search of musical adventure, most of whom have been content to simply learn the local ways. But when five young Londoners travelled to Kenya to jam with some local musicians, the results were a true two-way collaboration. Having hooked up with Joseph Nyamungu (who plays the nyatiti, an eight-stringed lyre) and drummer Charles Owoko, the assembly instantly began to make sweet, sweet music. The nyatiti was the core sound, around which guitars flickered, bass rumbled and drums shuffled. At once familiar and yet fantastically fresh, the original recordings won over the ears of DJ Gilles Peterson who promptly commissioned a full-length record for his Brownswood label. A year on from that deeply attractive release, they're back in each other's company, this time with a grateful audience eavesdropping. We recommend you lend an ear, too.

(Biography written by Nige Tassell 2012)

Owiny Sigoma Band - Odera Lwar

Owiny Sigoma Band's » Myspace Page