Sisso New Album – Singeli Ya Maajabu

Nestled within the rich cultural fabric of Tanzania's musical landscape, Sisso emerges as a beacon of innovation at its eponymous studio in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. Here, amidst the rhythmic heartbeat of the nation, the revolutionary singeli genre finds its epicenter, pulsating with an energy that defies convention. Singeli, though not clandestine within its homeland, boasts tempos that soar beyond the 200 BPM mark, offering a vast playground for sonic experimentation and exploration. Propelled by the relentless dedication of Uganda's Nyege Nyege label, a venture initiated by two European expatriates driven by a profound passion for East Africa's electronic underground, singeli's more avant-garde iterations have surged onto the global stage, overshadowing the relatively mainstream-friendly offerings of artists like Msaga Sumu.

In this sonic landscape, albums such as Bamba Pana’s "Poaa," DJ Travella’s "Mr. Mixondo," and Sisso’s own "Mateso" stand as towering pillars, epitomizing the raw and unyielding essence of singeli. However, Sisso's latest opus, "Singeli Ya Maajabu," embarks on a daring journey into uncharted territories, a collaborative masterpiece with the virtuoso keyboardist Maiko that transcends mere musical expression, resembling an eccentric yet enthralling jam session of unprecedented proportions.

Sisso Track Listings

As the album unfolds, listeners are engulfed by drum-machine loops that gallop forth with the urgency of a prey in flight, interwoven with beguiling sounds that sculpt simple yet mesmerizing musical motifs. Tracks like "Kivinje" greet the ear with a cacophony of sirens and horn-honk synths, subtly unveiling classic chord progressions reminiscent of rock anthems like "Louie Louie" and "Wild Thing." Throughout the auditory odyssey, Sisso and Maiko traverse a kaleidoscope of sonic textures, from the aqueous effects of "Mizuka" to the whimsical bubble noises of "Kazi Ipo." Maiko's synth leads soar to celestial heights, injecting a neo-classical elegance into familiar chord structures, ensnaring listeners with their sheer audacity and ingenuity...

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