
FUSION 5 – الانتفاضة


Dj Zhao: Edits, Mixing and Selection (Berlin)
Werner Puntigam: Trombones (recorded in Linz, Austria)
Marcel: Percussion (recorded in Berlin)
A hybrid musical entity made of dj and live instrumentation consisting of 2, 3, 4, or 5 members, NGOMA Soundsystem fuses Ancestral Rhythms, Acoustic Textures, and Urban Bass Pressure. Drawing from both the wealth of sonic traditions from Africa and beyond as well as up-to-the-minute street sounds worldwide, NGOMA Soundsystem exists in the tension between electronic composition and live improvisation, creating unique “Ancient-Futurist” musical experiences for both concert hall and club, often at once mind expanding and dance-floor smashing.
this recording is a 1 hour studio edit of the 3 hour live performance at Fusion Festival:

Additional shows:
Fri. 28/09 —- Disofeng Dobsonville
Sat. 29/09—– Club Ozone (N. West)
Sat. 29/09 — Panyaza (with Zinhle)
Sun. 05/10 -– Panyaza
Sat. 06/10 — Vintage life style (pimville)
Sun. 7/10 -— Mofolo Park Stadium (w/ Nick Holder)
Sun. 7/10 -— Pandora Chesa Nyama (Ekhuruleni)
Sun. 7/10 -— Liquid Chef (Rosebank)
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(also published on This Is Africa.)
downtown Johannesburg
At once after touch-down i noticed the modern, international air of Johannesburg, which looked wealthy and stable; and of the friendly, smartly dressed and hip Africans around me, who seemed as informed as anyone in the East Village or London. But soon a more complex picture emerges.
the culmination of a decade’s hard work, this album and remix album is Maga Bo’s Baile Funk masterpiece – infused with loads of Afro-Brazillian drumming and sick vocal contributions from many MC’s, at once warm and organic as well as futuristic and floor smashing. I am honored to have provided the visual concept and graphic design for this project. (and a few of these tunes will find their way into my sets for sure)

the inside spread shows graphic depiction of the inside of a slave ship, a Real Note of Brazillian currency, and image of a burning bus during one of many protests and riots of recent years which has come to symbolize social upheaval. 

check out optikom for more visual stimulation, and anyone needs design don’t hesitate to contact me: leo (at) optikom (dot) com
design for the next Kid606 EP. for more visual stimulation goto www.optikom.com
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Tropical paradise or apocalypse? Holidays in the sun or foreign backed corrupt governments and military interventions? Feel good grooves or intense urban pressure? the answer can only be BOTH.
these were the thoughts in my head as i designed the cover for this first compilation from long time friends and riddim comrades, Berlin collective Tropical Bass. Read, listen, and buy here.
visit optikom.com for more visual stimulation.