Originally recorded in 1989 during the height of South Africa’s apartheid era, 'Long Time Ago' is an enticing collaboration between Azumah a collective of talented dancer-musicians from Soweto and visionary eSwatini Instrument-maker Smiles Mandla Makama. Far from a generic or exoticized recording, this album is an organic, avant-garde masterpiece steeped in indigenous South African musical traditions. The album is driven by a rich, experimental tapestry of mbiras, marimbas, percussions, and traditional musical bows (like the uhadi and makhoyane). Infused with bewitching vocal harmonies, the tracks serve as political and spiritual mantras. The music balances deep, melancholic undertones with moments of creative risk, humor, and pure funk.
Reminiscent of the ecstatic, spiritual journeys of artists like Naná Vasconcelos, Don Cherry, and Malombo.
