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Novalima 'Afro'

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With their first international release, Afro, the four Lima-based producers known as Novalima give the sonically rich history of Peru new life, using brilliantly subtle electronic textures, warm bass tones and drums to create a percussive masterpiece that moves effortlessly between conventional organic roots music and progressive digital sounds. One could even say that Novalima has gone as far as creating their very own genre by manipulating traditional instruments such as the native cajon, quijada, and congas to compliment programmed beats, funk-inspired bass lines, and contemporary piano melodies. Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of Novalima however, is not just their forward thinking approach, but their firm insistence on musical authenticity despite their use of more modern techniques. At its core, Afro is a tribute to the centuries-old slave songs of Africans forcefully brought to the Americas. Taking the lyrics of these songs – comparable to the soulful spirituals and gospel Africans would create in America – and reinterpreting them through digital means, Novalima educates two crowds simultaneously: those interested in learning about the rich and tumultuous history of Peruvian land and its people, and those seeking fresh dance music. Take for instance “Zamba Lando,” a modern rendering of the Lando style. Much like gospel, it’s a style that takes the deep blues of slavery and transforms the energy into uplifting, at times even erotic music. The brainchild of producers Ramón Pérez Prieto, Rafael Morales, Carlos Li Carrillo and Grimaldo del Solar, Afro – an abbreviation of Afro-Peru/Afro-Peruvian – is not limited to the land itself. Recorded in Lima, London, Rio de Janeirio, Hong Kong and Barcelona, this band is the very definition of “world” culture. Employing a host of important names in Peruvian music for the recording such as legends Nicomedes Santa Cruz, Lucila Campos, Lucha Reyes and Zambo Cavero, Novalima spans generations as easily as terrain. With their self-titled debut and numerous 12” singles behind them, the continual presence of Novalima in the global music community proves this band’s innate power. Now available stateside, Novalima is certain to accomplish for Afro-Peruvian music what Gotan Project has for Argentina’s tango: a modern upkeep of their culture’s traditional music, appealing to people of all ages and ethnicities. And with albums like Afro, that culture is truly global.

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