Ma Gule Wakwathu

Dancing is everywhere in Malawi. Not only in nightclubs and bars – if you hear singing in the street and look around, you’ll probably see dancing somewhere. As in many cultures, special dances also accompany important events like coming of age ceremonies or the appointment of a new Chief. Giving an insight (even if briefly) to pure Malawian musical structure and melody, ‘Ma Gule Wakwathu’ commonly accompanies dancing and is sung in a call-and-answer fashion with a crowd and as many drummers as can be found. The track begins exactly as recorded in the Senga Bay studio and is charming with no additions. Starting with the second cycle, additional drums and a new bass part are introduced but throughout, the vocals and structure remain untouched. The musical arrangement progressively fuses with more western musical styles until, in the final cycle, wailing distorted electric guitars blend with the calls of the dancers and crowd to create a thrilling and disturbing psychedelic jazz rock climax.