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Digital Indigenous 05: Katula

by Katawa Singers

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about

We present the band's next release after the album Ufulu 1991-1997. The previous CD documented the Katawa singers' early years as they experimented with keyboard synthesizers and drum machines. Digital Indigenous 05: Katula features recordings from the latest stage of the group's work. This era began with the decision to use the computer as an instrument. “We learned it from the scratch, by trial and error,” says Nthala. “We were also the first in the region to work this way,” adds group treasurer Thomas Lupeska.

In 2005, Auden Nthala became the chief producer and soon developed a unique, idiosyncratic style. He founded a small studio, Hena, and there, using simple technical equipments (one microphone, one MIDI keyboard and a computer), he began to create beautifuly complex arrangements. The rich vocal harmonies were retained from the previous incarnation of Katawa, but they were complemented by sophisticated rhythmic patterns and the use of the entire palette of digital sounds. In his songs, Nthala used and modified local rhythms: ingoma, malipenga, kamchoma and others).

The band's digital incarnation has also proven successful and became an inspiration to religious and secular performers in Malawi. However, no one has yet been able to copy their refined style.

credits

released October 4, 2023

Auden Nthala - music, production and words
Katawa Singers - singing
Dang Thuy Duong - artwork
Piotr Cichocki - mastering

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about

Digital Indigenous Mzuzu, Malawi

Digital Indigenous is a new series by 1000HZ Records. It presents most local producers who utilize rudimentary digital tools to create thrilling mixes of electronic and traditional music - either pop or avant-garde oriented.

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