and last thursday a Rebel Up & Friends session with SebCat & Didi at Kiosk Radio. 2 hours of eclectic music, from global sounds to jazz, electronics and more. also a Festa Afro Tuga moment in the 2nd hour. Listen below >>>
On 4 May we did a live videochat interview with Congolese musician Jupier Bokondji of band Jupiter & Okwess in Kinshasa about their new album ‘Na Kozonga’ (Everloving Records) and an interview with Lebanon producer Chahine (Out Of Nations) and filmmaker Hassan El Khatib about a critical political song/video. Also tunes by Malian blues master Samba Touré and a new ecological EP by German jazz band Muito Kaballa Power Ensemble, a fundraiser for a reforestation project in Bahia, Brazil.
It is #bandcampfriday again today 7 May, where Bandcamp waives their fees for 24 hours to fully support artists & labels.
In case you like to support Rebel Up, we also offer 15% discount on all items today! from digital albums, vinyls, cassette, CD’s, tshirts, hoodies, tote bags and even our super fresh limited edition ceramic mug. Use discount code ‘bcmay’ at checkout
‘Curupira’ is the 2nd single by German jazz ensemble Muito Kaballa Power Ensemble as part of their upcoming album ‘Mamari’ on 28 May. Curupira is a mythological creature that was known for being able to communicate with the inhabitants of the forest, notably alarming them about danger.
The song starts with the sounds of an awakening rainforest slowly flowing into a lively groove of the jungle, that musically depicts all its power and diversity. However, the forest is burning and we are calling Curupira to come help us. The Baritone solo depicts the arrival of the demonic figure. The jungle sounds appear again but are quickly drowned out by the arrival of humans and the sounds of machines cutting the trees. Vocals and spoken word by Nora Beisel.
The remix by German-Ghanaian producer Lee Bass (Gato Preto) takes Curupira to a different level. The drop is definitely another wake up call. While making you dance, the remix puts the message right to the front alarming the listener about the ecological collapse.
This single serves as a fundraiser to support a reforestation project in Brazil – Resgate Climático. To actively protect and reforest land in Bahia that once used to be pristine rainforest. Under the current political circumstances and the record wildfires in the country, their work has become more important than ever.
Ghana artist Ayuune Sule has his new album out since last friday. The Frafra title ‘Putoo Katare Yire’ translates as ‘Wickedness has no home’ and is released in a 3 label collaboration by Rebel Up, Makkum Records and Red Wig.
Pure kologo soul and Frafra afropop power from Northern Ghana, recorded at Francis Ayamga’s Top Link Studio, featuring guest vocals by Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah (African Head Charge), Prince Buju, Florence Adone, Fausty Amoa Mabile, Kwame Sko and DK. It’s a catchy and energetic album about education, good advice, spirituality and against evil doing.
You can now order the album digitally, on vinyl or CD via our Bandcamp.
Also available on all streaming platforms and our Soundcloud.
Brussels based global electronic producer Rafael Aragon made an amazing remix of ‘Mamari’, the single & title song of German jazz groove band Muito Kaballa Power Ensemble.
This remix takes the listener on a dreamy journey. Starting with birds in nature, passing by dubby pianos and beautiful synth melodies, the heavy groove inevitably hushes you into trance. The remix album will be released at the end of June.
Buy the single here, or streaming on all digital platforms.
Here is our latest Rebel Up Nightshop episode for April via Radio Campus Bruxelles & Rhythm Passport.
Lots of new sounds and albums of the month by Joãozinho Morgado (Turma da Bênção), Roforofo Jazz, Abelardo Carbono & Meridian Brothers, CHEB, Omar Sosa, Stella Chiweshe, Ayuune Sule, Damon Locks & Black Monument Ensemble, Electric Jalaba, DJ Click & Hamadcha de Fes, Habibi Funk, Praktika, DJ Black Low and more! Tune in below >>>