I was mostly unfamiliar with Esau Mwamwaya before last night, having only heard that recording of him singing over “Paper Planes” that’s been floating around for a while. So big thanks, then, to the central booking kids for introducing me to this demo version of Mwamwaya’s “Chalo,” which I’ve had on repeat all morning and afternoon. Radioclit — who produced this amazing Afro-pop gem — has dubbed Esau “the African Phil Collins,” because, among other reasons, apparently dude can drum. You can forget about the language barrier here, this song is for everyone:
mp3:
Esau Mwamwaya Chalo (demo)
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Check the cover story on Mr. Mwamwaya in the new “Africa issue” of the Fader. Here’s that previously mentioned “Paper Planes” re-interpretation:
mp3:
Esau Mwamwaya Tengazako
No Hollers