Four albums of glorious Zambian music from Western Province, also known as Barotseland. Zambian central government refers only to Western Province and consistently attempted to bury the notion of Barotseland. But the sense of nationhood persists in Barotseland, which leads to a strong sense of identity and that is heard in the music. Disc one - Siyemboka Music (SWP 059): the complete party that is siyemboka music, with a large silimba xylophone, drums, and joyous singing, is synonymous with Barotseland. Disc two - The Barotse Guitar (SWP 060): a specific guitar style, derived from the tuning and harmonics of the old kangombio lamellophone tradition, a beautiful sound waiting to get discovered. Disc three - Kangombio Silimba Jazz (SWP 061): a mixture of jazzy music from Zambia's Western Province -- with plenty of improvisation and individualistic identity: a virtuoso xylophone soloist, the cracked voices of the last kangombio players, and a swinging dance band. Disc 4 - Drums, Voices, and Sticks (SWP 062): a collection of fine drumming and beautiful vocals, sometimes accompanied by sticks on wood, sometimes by friction sticks. No compromises here, this is hardcore! Mediabook; Four-CD set including 48-page booklet.
Features Kapata Culture Group, Mumbumbu Cultural Group, Silimwa Selected, Nasiyongo Cultural Group, Yuka Royal Cultural Group, Kwalela Crew, Libala & Kapoba, Lipa Band, Libala Band, Mufalo Mukelabai, Barotse Band, Pelekelo Mufalo, Collens Shawinga, Alfred Chiyembele, Alban Kateta Kapemba, Ulengo Jazz Band, Mboanjikana Cultural Group, Chiweka Dancing Cultural Group, Yuka Royal Cultural Group, Libala Cultural Group, and Sibupiwa Cultural Group.