BloomTV: Kuku "Live Life Now" @ Seed the Sound

One of the first artists to grace the stage (before there was a stage) at BloomBars, KUKU always finds a warm home and welcoming audience when he's not off touring in Europe. This performance at Seed the Sound (Sundays at BloomBars), KUKU put on another performance that left us inspired if not spellbound.




KUKU hails from a lineage of the "Balogun (General/Great Soldier) Dodondawa". His family still holds the royal Balogun title in Ijebu Ode, the capital of the Ijebu kingdom in Ogun State, Nigeria. KUKU himself served in the United States Army for some time, hence the term "Soldier" is quite fitting. However, the contradiction in this soldier's tale is that he is gunless, harmless, and peace is his mission. That mission for peace is the bases for his latest release, "Soldier of Peace", which translates in Yoruba to "BÁLÓGŪN ÌRÒRÙN."

The album features the musicianship and production talent of South African Township guitar virtuoso, Mongezi Ntaka, who suggested the phrase "Soldier of Peace" after learning about KUKU's military past yet peaceful nature.

"Soldier of Peace" is an unclassifiable gem. KUKU's sonorous five octave voice and unique acoustic guitar driven sound is what modern Yoruba-roots, Soul-traditional, or Neo-African acoustic music sounds like for the sake of verbal description. On "Soldier of Peace", KUKU uncompromisingly bridges the gap between his African roots and the western world with an effortless blend of Yoruba, English and Pigeon English lyricism, percussive guitar progression, infectious Udu drum rhythms, topped with the South African Township guitar inflections of producer Mongezi Ntaka (Lucky Dube, Vusi Mahlasela, Lorraine Klaasen).

Soldier of Peace is the next chapter in KUKU's music evolution. KUKU explores his roots more than ever on this record. The beauty of Yoruba language shines through like the tropical sun on this record. Songs like "What if God is..." and "Black Man" might even raise some brows while the listener head simultaneously head bops. Those who think Afro beat is greatest music export of Nigeria, think again. Have you heard the"Soldier of Peace?" Visit KUKU online and download a few of KUKU's tracks for free! www.kukulive.com.

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Category:

Music

Tags:

• Kuku
• Live Life Now
• Seed the Sound
• BloomBars