Tupa Ruja – Contrast (Filibusta Records, 2025)
Tupa Ruja’s latest album, Contrast, delivers ten tracks that weave diverse musical influences with deep emotional lyrics. The compositions, by vocalist and composer Martina Lupi, traverse a broad spectrum of musical influences.
Lupi, known for her eclectic approach, shapes the album around autobiographical themes, with each track reflecting a distinct expression. She is joined by Fabio Gagliardi, the group’s co-founder, who modifies the Australian didjeridu’s role beyond its traditional ritualistic roots. His use of the didjeribone (a modified didjeridu) introduces a melodic dimension to the instrument. Percussionist Stefano Vestrini contributes groovy rhythmic influences from Africa and South America, while guitarist Mattia Lotini provides additional depth, allowing Lupi’s vocals to flow with clarity and warmth.
The album also features notable guest musicians. Saxophonist Javier Girotto and bassist Marco Siniscalco contribute to “La Distanza,” a track that captures a sense of emptiness and release. Girotto also lends his soprano sax and quena to “Oua,” a song in the Genoese dialect written by Gagliardi, infusing it with Argentine influences. Pianist Alessandro Gwis, a former member of the group, offers a nuanced performance on “Nina Tu Eres,” a chacarera-inspired piece dedicated to Lupi’s daughter. Violinist Michele Gazich adds a joyful gypsy and Middle Eastern dimension to “D’ali,” a song incorporating Italian and Turkish lyrics.
The album’s title track, “Contrast,” carries an allegorical meaning tied to the cyclical struggle between life and death, symbolized by carnival traditions. The song, performed in Friulian, won the Alberto Cesa Prize at Folkest 2022.
Tupa Ruja, meaning “Red Cave” in Sardinian dialect, was founded in 2006 by singer-songwriter and composer Martina Lupi and multi-instrumentalist Fabio Gagliardi. Originally a duo, their vision centered on returning to the roots of natural music; fusing melody and rhythm, specifically voice and the didjeridu, Gagliardi’s primary instrument.
From 2006 to 2013, the duo immersed themselves in the world music scene, traveling as street musicians and selling approximately 7,000 self-produced CDs, including Terra Mi Chiami and Suono Dunque Sono. Their performances at international festivals earned them critical recognition. In 2013, they expanded into a trio with guitarist Alessandro Chessa and released Impronte Live, recorded at Teatro Sala Uno in Rome.
Tupa Ruja reverted to a duo in 2016, and in 2017, they began collaborating with pianist Alessandro Gwis; known for his work with Javier Girotto & Aires Tango, Avion Travel, and Samuele Bersani. This partnership led to the 2019 release of In Questo Viaggio under Filibusta Records.
In 2022, with a new quartet lineup, Tupa Ruja won the Premio Alberto Cesa at Folkest, securing a Nuovo Imaie-funded tour.
By February 2025, Tupa Ruja had solidified its quartet formation: Martina Lupi on vocals and various musical instruments; Fabio Gagliardi on didjeridu, percussion; Mattia Lotini on guitar, bouzouki; and
Stefano Vestrini on drums, percussion.
Awards & Recognitions: 2012 – Mediterraneo – Rive Sonore Award (Civitavecchia Ethnic Music Festival);
2015 – Rassegna di Musica Diversa – Omaggio a Demetrio Stratos Award; 2022 – Premio Alberto Cesa – Folkest.
Buy Contras.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
