The Almighty Groove – Frère d’Afrique (Real World X/Real World Records, 2024)
The Almighty Groove’s debut EP, Frère d’Afrique, released via Real World X, presents an exhilarating fusion of Colombian rhythms and West African musical roots. This project, led by long-time producer and musical innovator John Hollis, exemplifies his mission to uncover and celebrate the universal “Almighty Groove” that connects global communities through rhythm and soul.
The EP is a transatlantic musical dialog that centers on the tambor, the quintessential drum of Colombian culture and a cornerstone of cumbia music, intertwined with the expressive guitar work of Senegalese virtuoso Mustapha (Tapha) Gaye. Together, the rhythms of Colombia’s Caribbean coast and the melodies of West African traditions reflect the shared histories and sisterhood of two coastal communities separated by the Atlantic but linked through music.
Hollis’s career began in reggae before evolving into collaborations with African, Colombian, and Cuban artists. Over the years, he has bridged cultural and musical divides, exploring the deep-rooted connections between African diaspora rhythms. Inspired by the unmistakable African pulse within cumbia, Hollis dedicated himself to a deeper exploration of this shared heritage.
In 2017, Hollis gathered Colombian tamboleros to record various Caribbean coastal rhythms. With the foundations laid, he brought in Tapha, whose masterful guitar style complemented the percussive structures. Together, they crafted a lovely flavorful sound where Colombian styles like bullerengue, mapalé, and cumbia seamlessly intersect with West African traditions such as Mandinka, Wolof, and Pulaar.
The project is deeply tied to history. Hollis’s personal travels mirrored the paths of the transatlantic slave trade, connecting Dakar’s Gorée Island, Cartagena de Indias, and Bristol. This historical awareness imbues the music with a reflective quality, balancing joy and groove with a thoughtful nod to the past.
Tapha describes his approach as one of subtlety and synergy, prioritizing shared energy over dominance. This ethos shapes the EP’s spacious and natural sound, where every element feels balanced and intentional.
Musicians: Moustapha Gaye on guitars; Barou Sall on xalam;, Wilmer Guzman on tambor; Marco Vinicio Oyaga on tambor; Rafael Castro on bombo; Edwin Hernández on llamador; Jorge Luis Aguilar on maracas.
Buy Frère d’Afrique.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
