Associated with Kampala, Uganda's
Nyege Nyege
collective, DJ
Kampire
is a regular presence at dance festivals and clubs around the world, exposing global audiences to a wealth of African music spanning several decades.
Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola
, her first compilation, surprisingly isn't a selection of forward-thinking new sounds, but a well-curated exploration of the roots of Africa's current dance styles. The tracks included were the types of records her father had when she was growing up, and which she didn't come to appreciate until much later. These include Congolese rumba and soukous, township bubblegum, and Zambian kalindula. Tracks like
Princess Aya Shara
's "O Wina Tienge" consist of upbeat rhythms, hypnotic guitar figures, and bright vocal harmonies. Other songs represent some of the continent's earliest interpretations of house music, paving the way for later genres such as kwaito and amapiano. "P-Coq," by the appropriately named
African House Party Project
, embraces samples and futuristic effects, which elevate the exuberant vocals on top of a minimal dance rhythm. The house-influenced bubblegum of
Di Groovy Girls
' "Ririmi Rotsombela" is even sweeter and more celebratory. The slightly more melancholy "Sala Mi Toto" by
Pembey Sheiro
has one of the collection's strongest vocal hooks. "Ngoma Mansia" by
Princesse Mansia M'Bila
is much faster and rawer than most of the other tracks, while "Mabazi" by
Gaza Sisters
and
General M.D. Shirinda
feels lo-fi and relaxed, especially compared to some of the more polished studio productions, but it still has a strong groove. "Djepue" is a sophisticated early-'90s tune by Congolese legend
Tshala Muana
, and "Mashariki" by the also-revered
Samba Mapangala
is a festive prayer for African unity.
Bwaluka Founders Band
's "Kimbera" is comparatively softer and calmer yet still has sharp guitars and enchanting vocals.
A Dancefloor in Ndola
provides a valuable history lesson, but it also functions as a collection of great, uplifting dance music. ~ Paul Simpson