Masauko – Masauko (Come to Life Music, 2020)
Masauko is Malawian-American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Los Angeles at a time when his parents were in political exile. His captivating music combines his African background and American music as well. The self-titled album Masauko includes a lively mix of Afropop, funk, reggae, Afrojazz and seductive Malawian influences. Masauko was recorded in Cape Town, South Africa.
The album is dedicated to Masauko’s father, Masauko Chipembere, who is regarded a national hero in Malawi. He was one of the founders of the movement that ended British colonial rule in the region in the 1960s.
The lineup includes Chambota Chirwa on bass; Kyle Luciano Phikiso on drums; Masauko on rhythm guitar, lead vocals; Samuel Mkandawire on keyboards and vocals; Ernest Ikwanga on lead guitar and vocals; and John Hassan on percussion.
Guests: Mongezi Ntaka on guitar; Buddy Wells on saxophone; Robin Fassie Kock on trumpet; Steven Sokuyeka on trombone; Joel Karabo Elliott on trombone; Buddy Wells on soprano saxophone; and Asanda Msaki Mvana, Sinethemba Makanya, Tiyamike Mkanthama, Samela Tyelbooi, NoBuntu Mhlambi, Nailah Porter, C.C. White and Joel Karabo Elliott on backing vocals; Daryl Chonka on percussion; and Henry Masauko Chipembere on spoken word.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.