Bantwanas (which means Children of Africa) is a collective of African songwriters and musicians who collaborate with producer Blanka Mazimela to redefine African house music. The project aims to promote raw and new African music talent whilst bringing emotional gravitas to house music in ways that artists like Moby do. Whilst electronic sounds and beats are a central core of Bantwanas, so are live instrumentation and regional vocal performances. It’s a melting pot of the traditional and the new in a way that feels authentic. There’s no room for cheapened “World Music” here.
‘Mama’ is the latest single from Bantwanas and will be featured on an upcoming compilation album by their record label Cercle. It features a letter written by a mother to her son wishing him nothing but the best in their future. The song uses shakers, rainsticks, distorted pianos and warm synths to bring motherly love to the track. It is beautifully sincere and when the beat kicks into full steam, it’s uplifting too. I also adore the visualiser for the music video too. It features various candles, flames and smoke tendrils that flicker when the vocals are heard. It is so simple but very hypnotic and affecting.
Enjoy the heartwarming ‘Mama’ below. The single is out now. Cercle’s compilation album is expected in the Autumn. For more information on all things Bantwanas, follow them on Twitter.
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