Need an intro to Sisso Studios? Nyege Nyege Tapes has/had the skinny on the Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania-based outlet, courtesy of a compilation that they sponsored relatively early in label’s exploration of “non-commercial orientated” East African music. The compilation came out a mere eighteen months ago, and if you’re looking for something to differentiate the Singeli sound from reminiscent African genres like Shangaan electro, it does seem faster paced, and the vocals join the frenetic feel by frequently sounding funnily Alvin-esque (of the chipmunk species).
Sounds of Sisso featured a plethora of artists currently contributing to the underground electronic scene in Tanzania’s capital, but apparently, there was one name curiously missing from the tracklisting. (Let’s blame his absence on an overabundance of Sisso talent; cassettes don’t allow for unlimited music, after all.)
Jay Mitta is the name of that particular artist, and owing to his connection to Sisso Studios, NNT is sponsoring a new full-length entitled Tatizo Pesa, which comes out tomorrow (January 11) in digital form. Have a listen to the title track below, which features the “sensational” 14-year-old Dogo Janja confidently performing MC duties. The attitude is fierce and not a far cry from the more bravado-laden music that permeates the West. I’m sure I’m not alone in welcoming a different take.
Take a listen down below, and grab Tatizo Pesa here.
Tatizo Pesa tracklisting:
01. 2015
02. Tatizo Pesa (feat. Dogo Janja)
03. Don Bet
04. Mchuma Bet
05. Sio Star
06. Mwakidimba
07. Sapienz
08. Masera
09. Dura
10. Mpya Singeri
More about: Jay Mitta
