Introducing the latest release by Highlife, the eminent music label run by afro-house kings Auntie Flo & Esa…
Tanzania Soundsytem:
The Highlife crew is remaining tight-lipped about the identity of the producer (or producers) behind the Tanzania Soundsystem project. Whoever it is, they’ve come up with some dancefloor stormers to kick-start their career. Opener “Msichana”, a kind of semi-organic tribal Afro-house bomb built around intoxicating rhythms and wide-eyed chants, is particularly good, though glistening closer “Upotofu” – all dusty old drum machine polyrhythms, sweet vocals and tumbling juju guitars – is almost as good. Furthermore, like most of the rest of the material on the EP, it’s positive and life affirming. Highlife 12″ singles tend to be nigh on essential, and this is no exception. Have a listen…
About Highlife:
Having originated in Glasgow, Highlife now operates in London and has a radio show on Rinse FM and Radio Comeme.
It has long brought together seasoned artists from across the world to feature as radio show guests, or to play at their events and their former residency at SubClub in Glasgow. These include Rebolledo (Mexico), Charanjit Singh (India), Awesome Tapes from Africa (USA), Matias Aguayo (Chile), Raoul K (Ivory Coast), Hieroglyphic Being (US) and UK afrofuturists Romare, Actress, Cut Hands, Heatsick and DrumTalk.
Highlife has now spawned a vinyl only label. Exploring various regions and sounds including South America, South Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean and India, it has released music by artists such as Red Axes, Mehmet Aslan, Alma Negra, CAIN and of course, Auntie Flo and Esa.
The mantra: Bringing fresh new music from corners of the world you’d least expect.