Digital Afrika return to ASW with this incredible EP of 'Gnawa' remixes
Digital Afrika return to the fray with this incredible EP for ASW. Featuring the original Gnawa plus it’s acoustic source recording as performed by Radouan Naim in Morocco PLUS two truly excellent remixes from the legendary Jose Marquez and Melbourne’s own TEYMORI (Amin Payne)
The original source recording for this track was laid down in Planet Essaouira and recorded by Zhonu “Nui” Moon (Digital Afrika ) on one of his many cultural trips to his ancestral home land. The studio is situated on the Moroccan coastal town.
of Essaouira , a cultural hub for the Berber (indigenous Moroccan) traditions.
This enigmatic town , popularised by the beatniks and bohemians of the 60ʼs, most famously by Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones, has a mystique all its own as well as a long musical history.
“Gnawa” in Berber language literally translates as “Trance“ music , and is traditionally performed in “Lilas” musical ceremonies accompanied by dance that can go on for days .. where the purpose is to produce trance-like states of being where different types of healing or catharsis can occur ..
The recording was then brought back to Melbourne, Australia. Where the Digital Africa team applied its electronic Afro-house touches , while keeping true to its original North African aesthetic.
Radouan Naim
From the cultural North African ancient capital of Marrakech, Radouan Is a master musician of the Gimbri (3 stringed African bass Lute or banjo) Steeped in the Gnawa tradition (Indigenous trance music) from a young age and taught from a lineage of masters or “Maalems “ Radouan has been performing most of his life in clubs , festivals and events through Morocco.
Radouan is no stranger to collaboration and is a member of Marrakesh jazz band and has worked with a number of producers from around the world.
Jose Marquez
Los Angeles DJ/Producer Jose Marquezʼs sound is a result of being brought up around Afro-Latin, Caribbean and other World Music at a young age. Always intrigued by electronic sounds as well, Jose's mission has been to fuse his love of global rhythms with the dance floor. Jose indeed succeeded when he burst onto the scene in 2010 with memorable remixes & edits of artists such as Celia Cruz, Nina Simone, Oumou Sangare and many others.
In less than two years time, Jose was blessed with the opportunity to introduce his sound to the world by remixing for renowned House music labels such as Tribe Records, Djoon Experience, Vega Records, Yoruba Records, Wonderwheel Recording and most recently, the iconic label from the 70ʼs responsible for all the Salsa and Latin music out of New York City, Fania Records!
Since then, he continues to travel the globe uniting nations on the dance floor with his signature sound having performed at major events in cities such as Paris, Athens, Toronto, Los Angeles, NYC, Melbourne, Nairobi, Morocco, Singapore, Shanghai, Peru and Cuba
TEYMORI
Melbourne-based producer Amin Payne has adopted his TEYMORI alias to explore a distinctive take on house music. His debut EP which merges the sounds of funk, afro, soul & percussive rhythms which takes you on an organic journey with sophisticated grooves. His 2018 self titled EP and single “ Valley of Peace “ was a worldwide hit
For this release we will be offering the vinyl for pre-order from September 3rd and releasing the TEYMORI remix digitally on the same day. The Jose Marquez remix and acoustic version of Gnawa will be available exclusively on the vinyl which will ship approximately around late September, early October.