Philou Louzolo remix for Siraba on Damian Lazarus’ Secret Teachings label

Meaning ‘The Great Path’ in Bambara, Siraba - the duo consisting of Malian hunter Boubacar Samake and Damien Vandesande, one half of French electronic band dOP - are on a path of bringing the traditional sound of the Wassoulou to the world. They met in 2003 when Damien visited Mali to work with local artists and met Boubacar’s father - the legendary Sibiri Samake. Working together on multiple occasions, the two promised to work with one another and Boubacar on a project one day, and 17 years later, the two connected to begin to develop their unique sound and showcase a blend of their shared universe.

The project represents a ‘spiritual resistance, a musical brotherhood between Mali’s traditional sounds and the Siraba - Ngana Fôlly (incl. Philou Louzolo & Peaking Lights Remixes) electronic music realm’. Inspired by the music of the master hunters from across Mali, the ‘Dozo’, and their brotherhood based on deep values of justice and righteousness, love and respect for others, moral and spiritual rectitude and fraternity and protection for everyone. Offering a first glimpse into the project with a first appearance on Damian Lazarus’ Secret Teachings imprint, an outlet for the Crosstown Rebels boss to delve deeper into musical realms outside of the norm and away from the dance floor, their fist single arrives in early June with the two revealing ‘Nana Fôlly’ - a song Damien notes is ‘dedicated to those who fight for the well being of their families, for unity... a song for the people who also fight a great disease, between life and death’.

A spiritual and hypnotic production rooted within Dozo musical tradition, featuring Boubacar playing the Ngoni while singing in Bambara, ‘Ngana Fôlly’ is a resonant and rich production combining organic textures with warping synths, rich bass and sweeping electronics, capturing the magical essence of Mali across a fascinating
journey.

Providing the first remix on the package, Dutch DJ/producer and DJ Mag ‘Artist To Watch for 2023’ Philou Louzolo harnesses Boubacar’s vocal and places it at the heart of his soaring remix as stripped-back percussion and a commanding low-ends guide sweeping synths, before handing over to San Francisco husband-and-wife pairing and Dekmantel signees, Peaking Lights, who tip things down a bright and blissful rabbit hole of soundscapes as vibrant guitar riffs and twisting leads work amongst off-kilter melodies and acid flecked tones for an eight-minute trip.

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