Chima Anya and Thabani Nyoni brilliant collaboration single LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM is out now and available for download on all on line retail sites.
The song LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM written by Thabani and Producer/bass player Fabrice Quentin is a tribute to Nelson Mandela and it will be featured on Thabani’s third album Ekaya set to be released later this year.
This single which is a different take on the song was born by accident when Fabrice sent a mostly instrumental demo (with exception of Thabani’s Chorus and ad lib Zulu melody) of the track to Chima who wrote two brilliant verses. The contrast between Chima’s rapping, Thabani’s soaring vocals and Sabelo Ntuli and Tshepo Rakobo’s unmistakable South African tone and phrasing make for an interesting listen and viewing.
For those of you who don’t know some of the names above, here is a bit of background and some links for further information:
Chima Anya
Meet the doctor!!! Born to a Nigerian research scientist & Romanian economist, this nationally rated MC is also a bona fide GP.
“The doctor” made his first step onto the national stage as one of the UK’s premier MC’s with his first solo mixtape release “Higher Ground”. The mixtape instantly drew acclaim from prominent DJ’s on the UK’s most influential radio stations such as Radio 1, 1xtra, Kiss and Choice FM as well as international attention. “Higher ground” was followed by the independent release of the album “New Day” (on his own imprint Phoenix Down). Despite minimal promotion and a demanding work schedule the album made multiple end of year “best of lists” (including Itunes best of 2010 hip-hop alongside artists such as Kanye West and Big Boi). 2010 also saw numerous high profile international performances across Europe and as far afield as Bahrain.
Having shared stages with legends such as Amp fiddler, KRS 1,Flava Flav, Jay Electronica, Brother Ali, Wale and Homeboy Sandman it’s no surprise that when asked Chima states his greatest joy comes from the live show. Always engaging, energetic and charismatic, Chima also fronts his own genre-leading 4 piece electronic / hip-hop outfit; a group that can only be described as a “must see”.
Thabani Nyoni
Thabani Nyoni was born in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. His family moved to the UK, Newham, London when he was five. African music was very much part of Thabani’s upbringing. His father was a singer in a band called Amabutho, an all male harmony choir with a repertoire sung in Zulu. The band performed internationally alongside major western acts. Thabani joined the church choir as a teenager and sang for various bands until he decided to form his own to perform his material, essentially soul music
Thabani released his first album “Mind is a rebel” in 2006 and toured UK universities, Europe, US and Japan clubs. Although the first album was very much “Soul” music in style and spirit, it already featured African influences. The African influence is more prominent on “Child of Independence”. Thabani is also promoting the Kaya festival.
Fabrice Quentin
In one sentence, Fabrice is a French born Bass player turned producer based in London. Fabrice performed countless gigs internationally with several acts but most notably JJ Grey and Mofro and Thabani Nyoni. His bass playing is featured on a number of albums including a “One of the Best Of The Decade In Music (amazon.com)”. Fabrice set-up his studio after several years of gruelling touring and he has been producing a lot of music; mostly “soul” and “progressive World music” drawing inspiration from London’s multiculturalism. Some of his productions have been used on a number of TV programs: Californication trailer, CBBC, RTP Africa, Mandala TV.
Tshepo Rakobo & Sabelo Ntuli
Both singers are from South Africa, a township called Soweto in Johannesburg. Tshepo and Sabelo met Thabani whilst on tour in the UK with the now defunct band Igagu. Thabani was so impressed with Igagu’s electrifying live performance showcasing township, Maskandi music and Zulu dancing that he invited them on one track of his first solo album. Tshepo and Sabelo have since then been invited to perform on all of Thabani’s albums. They can be heard singing counterparts and a Zulu line on Long Road to Freedom.
hiphoplifeandtimes 