Backtracking Forward: Wanted On Wax V

posted in: Features

In my ideal world, everyone would have access to a vinyl press in their own backyard. Cutting discs would be as easy as ripping a CD. Until this happens, I will be digging in the OurStage archives to bestow upon the reader an artist whose music I would love to hear on vinyl. This month, the incredible grooves being projected from the group Bantunani are guaranteed to get anyone with even the slightest bit of rhythm on their feet.

Rumba music has roots dating far back into the 19th century. While the genre is commonly attributed to music and dance styles known throughout Cuba and Spain, its origins can be traced back to Africa. Rumba’s popularity in the Spanish culture was a result of Cubans adapting the genre from the African slaves who brought the style to the small island in the 1800s. While Spanish rumba experienced its own intricate evolution over time, African rumba evolved as well and branched into soukous ” a genre that is still popular today and contains its own sub-genres. Due to its proximity to Africa, France adopted this unique music, dance and culture as waves of musicians immigrated. Fast forward a few decades and enter the Paris-based group Bantunani.

At the core of Bantunani are Michel and Umberto ” two African-bred, French musicians who envisioned a band that would draw upon the historic sounds of African rumba while blending elements of funk, soul, afrobeat and hip hop. They coined the term nu-rumba to encompass all of these influences under one banner, and assembled a stellar lineup of talented musicians and vocalists to bring their vision to fruition. By establishing a new genre of music, Bantunani not only opened the doors for other musicians to continue experimenting under the rumba umbrella but also saved themselves from being pigeonholed into one category. Similar sounding groups who have revived the spirited music of afrobeat and its father, Fela Anikualpo Kuti, have skyrocketed in popularity throughout the past decade. Rather than being lumped together with these talented and like-minded musicians, Bantunani are forging a new path and enticing anyone to come and follow their rhythm. All praise aside, the proof lies within the virtual vinyl grooves.

“Rumbafever,” currently in competition in the OurStage World Channel, is an infectious track that is soaked with influences of Nigerian high-life and afrobeat. The guitar and drums truly maintain the groove on this upbeat number, which also features a key component that Fela utilized with his Africa ˜70 ensemble ” commanding and contagious female backing vocals. These women are more than just backup singers though ” their intoxicating chords project far into the soul and help lift the song to epic proportions.

The band lays down funky instrumentation on “Coltranrush” courtesy of quick and naughty guitar licks being plucked alongside fat pounds of percussion. The addition of the violin to this composition, as well other Bantunani songs, show the group is unafraid to experiment with sounds not normally associated with hard driving, funk-tastic rhythm. The piercing strike of the bow against taught violin strings complements the energy coming from the rest of musicians and plays its part by enhancing the nu-rumba genre. Another rhapsodic floor mover, “Blackninja,” resonates with a distinct Fela vibe yet roars its own mane of funk and culminates in a chaotic breakdown of instrumentation and vocals that make this song one of Bantunani’s most striking numbers.

“African Slam“ utilizes the group’s distinct chorus and violin while introducing a hip hop flow to the lyrics. The track calls out to the people of the world and our leaders to wake up and realize the violence and oppression that continues to run rampant in Africa ” bringing to mind a similar struggle that Fela vocalized in his music over 30 years ago. Leaving no stones unturned, the group whips out their American soul bag and drops two tracks that feature the impassioned females of their vocal section. In the tradition of famous duets like Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell and Carla Thomas/Otis Redding,  “M. Heartbreaker” contains a back and forth vocal style between a man and a woman with a smooth, underlying groove cooking underneath the singers. “Bobby Clarck“ captures a modern R&B sound with hints of Erkyah Badu-inspired vocals dropping in between jazzy and funky instrumentation at the core of the track.

Bantunani successfully craft a sound that is palatable to many different ears. While the influence of afrobeat will catch the attention of any enthusiast of African music, it’s the diverse ingredients the band spice their compositions with that make them stand out in today’s burgeoning music market. Experience the music by releasing your inhibitions and let your body feel the powerful rhythms coming from Bantunani.

Check out the playlist for a generous sampling of Bantunani’s music

Keep Digging!
-Gregorious-