A higher plain of consciousness is chartered during ‘Imbongi’, the new collaborative single between breakthrough Moroccan musical prodigy Jalal Ramdani, and UK afro house activist Mr. Silk. Featuring Africa’s majestic vocalist Lizwi, and with remixes by two afro house heavyweights, Enoo Napa and FNX OMAR, this compelling EP gets a long awaited release on BLOND:IDSH’s ABRACADABRA label.
The duo already released an infectious blockbuster last summer, “SESA”, that stole the show and was heavily supported by Keinemusik and Black Coffee.
The Imbongi, in African tradition, is a composer and orator of poems praising a lover, a chief or other
figureheads, and on this fresh production, positive musical magic is teased from every pore, as Jalal and Silk’s hypnotising production lets Lizwi’s vocal soar high above the transcendental groove. Speaking about the collaboration, Jalal divulges “Imbongi came about when myself and Silk were running afro-house events in London during the end of 2019, so the idea of a collaboration surfaced in between these events. The goal was to showcase a track where we blend the modern groove of house music with the traditional touches of our African heritage (I grew up in Marrakech, and Silk has African origins). We finally decided to materialise the project in my London studio in June 2020 during lockdown. It was done quickly, 3 to 4 days, as there were no distractions due to lockdown. The vocals are in Zulu language and portray a poet, the Imbongi, who recited all his love poems to his lady. We sent the original to Enoo and FNX, who gifted us with masterpiece remixes a month later.”
Remixes come courtesy of Enoo Napa, who has impressed via previous releases and mixes for Madoras, King Street Sounds and Go Deeva Records, and also a version from FNX OMAR, another Moroccan mastermind, whose credentials include remixes for Stereo Productions, Spinnin’ Deep and MoBlack Records.
Jalal Ramdani has also released music on Madoras, Connected and Moblack, amid this recent tour in Latin America/Art Basel, and upcoming performance in the legendary BPM festival.
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