Bab L’ Bluz’s Yousra Mansour guests on BBC Music Life podcast
Yousra discusses her creative processes with Derya Yildirim, Hasan Nakhleh, Merve Erdem.
Wed, 28 October 20
For most people, Mozambique conjures up images of tragedy: war, famine, and millions of refugees living on food aid. The other side of this young southern African nation, rich in art and culture, is hardly ever seen.
From the start, the group Eyuphuro’s leaders —Zena Bacar and Gimo Remane— made a concerted effort to preserve the traditional rhythms of their home in Nampula.
Their birthplace, Illa de Mozambique, was historically one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan commercial centres and Eyuphuro’s music reflects a blend of myriad musical influences, as African traditions meet elements of Arabic and Latin styles.
From these roots Eyuphuro wrote contemporary songs of love and social criticism, a sharply perceived commentary on life in Mozambique.
Often referred to as the ‘golden voice of Mozambique’, Zena Bacar’s philosophical view of the world fed Eyuphuro’s contemporary songs of love and social criticism, providing a sharply observed commentary on life in Mozambique and particularly the inequalities faced by women in that society.
Zena Bacar passed away in January 2017.
Eyuphuro means ‘whirlwind,’ and their music draws on many influences as African vocals and Arabic rhythms meet the delicate, lilting, Portuguese-influenced guitar. From these roots, Eyuphuro write original, contemporary songs of love and social criticism, a sharply perceived commentary on life in Mozambique.
Yousra discusses her creative processes with Derya Yildirim, Hasan Nakhleh, Merve Erdem.
Wed, 28 October 20
M'berra is out on Real World Records on 23 April 2021.
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Taking an in-depth look at the Qawwali singer's most loved song.
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Why you should learn another language, and where to go to learn beginner Bambara, Swahili and Urdu.
Thu, 31 December 20