Ayub Ogada - En Mana Kuoyo (1993)

Could not find any of this brilliant artist on KAT so I ripped this from YouTube, hence transcoded to MP3 VBR320, gives an ok result and is better than nothing.



When listening to this album, one is struck immediately by the unique sound. The powerful, resonating nyatiti (a stringed instrument similar to the lyre) and Ogada's reflective, subdued vocals are unlike anything you've ever heard. They're also almost the only things you will hear on this disc, the only embellishment being the occasional light percussion or wind instrument. Ogada sings in his native Kenyan tongue, of the beliefs and traditions of his people. "Go far, see the world, but don't forget where you come from," he intones in the song "Chiro," a sentiment he has obviously taken to heart. There are no pounding rhythms on this record, nothing you can dance to, but it is memorable nonetheless, and makes a strong case for the beauty of restraint.

My upload speed sucks so be patient, then please seed for those who follow