Some sunshine on a wet Dublin day.
Ahmed Gallab’s Sinkane project which gave us 2014’s album highlight Mean Love has news of a followup. Life & Livin’ It is out in February 10th on City Slang.
Lead single ‘U’Huh’ is a positive slice of William Onyeabor-esque African-leaning pop music with the lyrics “We’re all gonna be alright / Kulu shi tamaam,” central to the song’s message. “Kulu shi tamaam” is Arabic for “Everything is great”.
“Times are tough. Struggles have always existed in our lives. But hope, love and the power of positivity help us stay alive. It is what inspires me to wake up in the morning, make music, and, ultimately, connect with people. To my sisters who ache, my brothers losing strength: we don’t need to be saved. We’ll make our own way. Kulu shi tamaam! As long as we try we’re all going to be alright!”
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The video by Nick Bentgen is here:
Life & Livin’ It was recorded in El Paso, Texas with Greg Lofaro. Players include Gallab, Ish Montgomery (bass), Jason Trammell (drums), Jonny Lam (guitar), and now joined by Amanda Khiri (vocals) and Elenna Canlas (keys and vocals). Trammell contributed lyrics to ‘Theme from Life & Livin’ It’ and Lam helped with arrangements. Daptone recording artists Antibalas contributed horns.
Life & Livin’ It’ tracklist
1. Deadweight
2. U’Huh (Youtube)
3. Favorite Song
4. Fire
5. Telephone
6. Passenger
7. Theme From Life & Livin’ It
8. Won’t Follow
9. The Way
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
