Extra Golden's new album, Hera Ma Nono
Will be out this October on Thrill Jockey
Extra Golden |
Extra Golden is the Kenyan and American musical cooperative who first introduced Kenyan benga music to American indie rock on their 2006 debut, Ok-Oyot System. On their new album, Hera Ma Nono, those styles are fully integrated. Hera Ma Nono is Luo for "love in vain." It's a theme that reverberates throughout the album and will surely resonate with anyone hearing these songs. But in true benga style, Extra Golden's music always celebrates life and vitality, even when its subject is struggle and loss.
Extra Golden's future was uncertain after the unfortunate loss of co-founder Otieno Jagwasi in 2005, whose voice highlighted the band's debut, Ok-Oyot System. However, an invitation to perform at the 2006 Chicago World Music Festival presented an intriguing opportunity to regroup for a U.S. concert debut and a chance to return to the studio; some help from people in high places including Senator Barack Obama made the trip a reality.
The group is rounded out on the new recording (as it was on the tour) by Opiyo Bilongo, a dangerous presence on the Kenyan benga scene for over a decade, and Onyango Wuod Omari, whose singular drumming punctuated Ok-Oyot System. Also joining the fray Postal-Service-style is Onyango Jagwasi, brother of Otieno who penned the lyrics and sang lead on a tribute to his late brother. On the American side, Extra Golden is Ian Eagleson, founding member of Golden, and Alex Minoff of Golden and Weird War.
Check out JamBase's 2006 Extra Golden feature HERE.
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