Esa curates new Soundway Records compilation, Esa Presents Amandla: Music To The People

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  • The double-vinyl LP, out in September, is inspired by the South African-born, London-based producer's musical journey.
  • Esa curates new Soundway Records compilation, Esa Presents Amandla: Music To The People image
  • Esa has curated a new compilation coming on Soundway Records. Landing on September 6th via the London label, Esa Presents Amandla: Music To The People features ten tracks, including a new cut and edit from Esa himself. It follows his musical journey from growing up in Cape Town during the end of apartheid to becoming a globetrotting artist. The compilation's title and inspiration comes from a popular chant during the era, "Amandla, Awethu," which translates to, "The power is ours." "Music was a crucial way of bringing people and communities together," Esa says. "It's what I hope to achieve with this compilation, too." Masalo, Alaska and the late DJ Spoko are among the artists featured on the compilation, which spans kwaito from South Africa, zouk from Brazil and French Antilles, Afrofuturism and Tanzanian fusion. A teaser 12-inch featuring Penny Penny's "Shilungu" and an "Esa & Mervin Granger '99" edit has already been released via Soundway Records. Esa is currently the Saturday resident of London club Phonox. (His last two parties before a summer break will take place in the coming weekends.) He's also served as band leader for Ghanaian act Ata Kak and released on Dekmantel and Highlife. Listen to Esa's extended edit of "Tucheza" by Ze Spirits Band.
    Watch our recent film about the role of South African dance music during apartheid, featuring Esa.
    Tracklist 01. Penny Penny - Shilungu 02. Alaska - Accuse (Instrumental) 03. Ze Spirits Band - Tucheza (Esa Extended Mix) 04. Nonku Phiri - Sîfó (feat. Dion Monti) 05. Os Panteras - Melo Do Anjo (Outra Edit) 06. Pascal Latour - Lague Yo (Boulo Edit) 07. Masalo - Yera feat. Doussou Koulibaly 08. Esa - Pantsula Traxx 09. Narchbeats - Cheeks 10. DJ Spoko - #Justsnares Soundway Records will release on September 6th, 2019.


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