Ghafula from Mijikenda by Katoi Wa Tabaka & The Mijikenda Jazz Band
Katoi’s music is built on the polyrhythms that form the basis of the Mijikenda (the 9 tribes who call Kenya’s coast their home) groove. Although he loves to experiment and fuse with other modern styles like Jazz and Soul, the core “swung eighth” feeling is used in all his jams, and the music can be distinctly identified as Mijikenda. Keyboardist Ahmed brings in elements of the old coastal Taarab and infuses with it the Giriama style percussive excursions, often with great harmonic complexity. An amazing singer, bassist and composer in his own right, he has been vital in shaping the sound of Katoi wa Tabaka. The band’s percussionist Kazungu has his roots in traditional healing ceremonies and is known for his ability to make the drums speak.
Tracklist
| 1. | Ghafula | 6:42 |
Videos
Lyrics
Lyrics & Translation "Ghafula"
AHMED 1st VERSE
The pain is Soo much right now,and it's Soo clear that there's no more peace/you have left me Soo sad,am hurting,am suffering,my heart is Soo heavy it is unbearable/you just left me without any reason,please tell me,what did I do wrong.
KATOI 1st VERSE
You seem to have found a reason to leave me,but please my beautiful love,why don't we discuss it first, don't just leave like that,tell me atleast what did i do that can't be forgiven.the rumors seem to have been true that iam not your only man,the other day a bad spirit was put into my head,all this because people were not minding their own business.
CHORUS
Love has become painful to the heart,I don't know what to do anymore
AHMED 2nd VERSE
Am not happy anymore and my heart is shrinking because of loneliness/my stomach is full of ulcers am sick and I don't know what to do without you/don't leave me to suffer my love I have no other refuge but you/please tell me, please tell me,what is that that I did wrong.
KATOI 2nd VERSE
Ooooh please,you are my heart,guide me,what am I supposed to do/see,iam crying right now,all that sweetness that's called love has become a lump stuck in my throat suffocating me/I remember the days we used to laugh together,please tell me,give me a reason why we have to part ways.
Credits
Musicians recorded on “Mijikenda”:
Katoi Wa Tabaka – Vocals, Kayamba, Ndema
Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed – Vocals, Keys & Synths
Kazungu Masha – Mshondo, Mbumbumbu
Guest Musician:
Fatuma - Backing Vocals on “Ghafula”
All songs are written, composed and performed by
Katoi Mathias Pato & Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed (Malindi, Kenya).
Produced & Recorded by Sidney Simila & Max Doblhoff
Mixdown by Julian Hruza
Mastering by Mario Stadler – Goonmastering
Cover Art by Johannes Walter
Many thanks to all the lovely people who helped to create that „Mijikenda“ EP.
All rights are reserved for the artists!!
License
All rights reserved.
Katoi Wa Tabaka founded his Mijikenda Jazz Band to meet the need for carrying on the rich musical heritage from the coast of Kenya. As a youth elder in his clan and mentor for many young people and organisations he has become a driving force in promoting the art scene in his home town Malindi, advocating for more exposure and communal appreciation for local artists.