Mandé jazz ensemble Balimaya Project Launch “Anka Tulon”

Balimaya Project, a mandé jazz ensemble, released their highly anticipated second album, titled When The Dust Settles on the 21st of July 2023, courtesy of New Soil x Jazz re:freshed. They also shared two singles, “For Aziz,” a composition infused with cathartic rhythms and featuring Afronaut Zu. and “Anka Tulon.”

The expression “Anka Tulon,” derived from the Maninkakan language, carries the profound meaning of “let’s play.” Within the context of this piece, it serves as a joyous celebration of the exuberant impulse that is inherent in the ensemble. This percussive and horn-driven tour de force exemplifies the deep bonds of brotherhood and friendship cultivated within the band. “Anka Tulon” resonates with a palpable sense of elation, showcasing Balimaya Project at their most unrestrained and persuasive. Indeed, it offers a tantalizing glimpse into their ability to captivate audiences on festival stages worldwide.

The members of Balimaya Project eloquently describe the essence of this track, stating that it epitomizes both the harmonious environment they have cultivated within their group dynamic and the inner child that resides within each of them. Moreover, they emphasize the capacity of Black individuals in the diaspora to forge secure spaces wherever they find themselves, whether it be barber shops, salons, restaurants, or bars—environments characterized by a welcoming atmosphere that fosters relaxation and authenticity, akin to a metaphorical sanctuary where their true selves can freely unfold.

When The Dust Settles, the forthcoming album, represents a dynamic evolution of the ensemble’s exhilarating big band sound. It serves as a deeply personal and cathartic outlet for expressing a wide range of emotions, including grief, rage, love, and joy. By seamlessly merging the rhythmic traditions of West Africa with the vibrant energy emanating from London’s jazz continuum, this album proudly embraces and extols the transformative power of brotherhood among Black males within diaspora communities in the British capital.

Under the guidance of composer/arranger and accomplished jembe player Yahael Camara Onono, Balimaya Project has firmly established itself as one of the most enthralling and African roots ensembles in the United Kingdom. With each endeavor, they push the boundaries of their craft, continuously expanding their creative horizons.

Building upon the sophisticated songwriting approach employed in their highly polished debut album, “Wolo So,” released in 2021, Balimaya Project has embraced a more intuitive and fluid recording process for When The Dust Settles. This latest offering serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to providing a secure space for young Black men to express their vulnerabilities collectively. In doing so, they assert the intrinsic connection between West African heritage and contemporary Black British culture, defying the facile categorization that oversimplifies the rich cultural tapestry of the world’s most diverse continent.

As Camara Onono indicates in the liner notes: “This album is dedicated to the deep breath before the plunge, that moment of silence before diving into depths unknown. It is dedicated, not only to the sacrifice that bore fruit, but to the offering that was made in vain. It is an acceptance and a reckoning with pain, regret, joy and hope. We hope that it encourages you to take your own plunge…”

Buy When The Dust Settles.