Nana Afrika, by Mausiki Scales

Nana Afrika

by Mausiki Scales

supported by

Paul Murphy Mr Jamal Ahmad of Atlanta Georgia played this absolutely Tip Top Afro Beat Killer on his Radio Show The S.O.U.L Of Jazz, on Jazz 91.9 FM Atlanta and I am surely glad he did because this is a Killer Diller. Features "Sandra" from Fela's "Upside Down". So Cool . So Groovy. Favorite track: Nana Afrika.

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$4 USD or more

1.	Nana Afrika 09:02	lyrics	buy track
We are… Nanas Ida, Dandara, Nzingha, Nanas Yaa Asantewaa, Nehanda, Araminta We are the destination And the path of life We Dream of fish And Babies arrive Ancestors say Life is a cosmos Not chaos I should journey by Day Rest in the night Never stand in one place Just Follow the light I Listened And kept movin’ I listened and kept groovin’ I Followed the light Only to see my shadows fall far behind me In this life we must stay in motion Often times we must improvise Mama’s wise Her words my daily bread Endless insight For the journey ahead The days will pass, Get your mind right Do the inside work. No place to hide We are… Nanas Ida, Dandara, Nzingha, Nanas Yaa Asantewaa, Nehanda, Araminta The Way to the future is open Focused attention, Hurston See the locs Set in cornrows Know our names Hear our Soul We right here and in distant lands Afrikans, Born into blues Already bein’ sung Holdin’ on Never fully forgettin’ Tha Mother tongue Wood already touched by fire Is easily set alight The ram goes headfirst Into the fight Just when you've seen it all there's more to see just when you’ve done it all there's more to do we all 1st cousins, once, twice removed Life unravels in phases Play your sacred role Take your places Who's got next to receive these uttered texts Mouth to ear I've heard and I have kept Nana taught me to Thank the farmer to her face Thank the diviner When I walk away Spend more time in the garden Hands and feet in Soil Feel the breeze Keep on Plantin’ Seeds So Blacksmith, Oh Blacksmith Forge our bells In the shape Of the kite-bird’s tail Mortars and pestles keep the groove We move To fulfill an ancient pact Between drum and dance Flowin’ lava, We know, We will 4ever flow We are… Nanas Ida, Dandara, Nzingha, Nanas Yaa Asantewaa, Nehanda, Araminta more life, more movement, more life more life, more movement, more life more life, more movement, more life more life, more movement, more life Play the bell with the baby on her back Agogo ...Gather round while I teach you the story of Nanny of the Maroons.
2.	My People 11:06	info	buy track

about

Mausiki Scales, keyboardist and founder of the Atlanta-based Afrobeat/Funk ensemble, Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective, returns with “Nana Afrika,” the first single from his upcoming album, Long Memory [ B-side “My People”]. Vocalists on the single include the talented Sandra Izsadore, Ọyanikẹ Miller, Milkah Sadiki-Yisrael, Giohnah El and Shawna Floyd. “Nana Afrika” also highlights the extraordinary musicianship of Quinn Mason, Charles “LC” Williams, Alex Jones, Eugene VI, Ahsa Ahla, DeWayne Martin and Xavier Jones.

An Afrobeat ode to Pan Afrikan women warriors and freedom fighters, “Nana Afrika” invokes women like Nzingha, Ida B. Wells and Nanny of the Maroons, celebrating their fierceness and traditional wisdom. Scales offers a unique and refreshing take on Afrobeat that celebrates its Diasporan connection.

The single features spoken word by LA activist and singer, Sandra Izadore. Izadore is renowned for her critical role in the birth and development of Afrobeat. In addition to inspiring Fela Kuti’s revolutionary Black consciousness, Izsadore is the only singer ever credited on a Fela album. She delivered lead vocals on Fela’s 1976 hit, “Upside Down,” a tune Scales and the Common Ground Collective keep in heavy rotation during their live performances.

credits

released February 6, 2023

Personnel:

Sandra Izsadore, spoken word
Ọyanikẹ Miller, spoken word
Mia Lewis (Giohnah), vocals
Milkah Sadiki-Yisrael, vocals
Shawna Floyd, vocals
Talibah Mbonisi, outro spoken word
Mausiki Scales, Electric piano, Synth, Whistles, Talking drum, Agogo bell, Clavé, Shekeré (music, lyrics & arrangement)
Quinn Mason, Tenor saxophone solo
Eugene IV, Alto saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, additional keys
DeWayne Martin, Baritone saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Charles “LC” Williams, Trombone for ThaCizzle Music
Alex Jones, Guitar
Xavier Jones, Bass
Ahsa Ahla, Congas, percussion

Produced by Mausiki Scales & Daz-I-Kue.
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Darren Benjamin /Daz-I-Kue (4 I-Kue Production, Atlanta/Nashville)
Additional recording by Steve Waide at Itchy Brain Recording Studio
Artwork & Layout: Larmarrous Shirley

license

about

Mausiki Scales Atlanta, Georgia

Mausiki Scales & his band Common Ground Collective have been a staple on the Atlanta scene since the late 90s. With their influence of African sounds like Afrobeat and Hi-Life mixed in with Funk, Blues, Jazz and other Black musical traditions brings an unique irresistible dance filled soundscape.
"WestWest Africa" (July 2020) ... more

mausikiscales.com

contact / help

Contact Mausiki Scales

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

If you like Mausiki Scales, you may also like:

Jungle Kitten / Asking Eyes
by Da Lata

supported by 20 fans who also own “Nana Afrika”

Wonderful as ever joncnonellnyc
go to album
The Take Vibe E.P.
by Take Vibe E.P.

supported by 17 fans who also own “Nana Afrika”

Soooo good 🎶 Absolutely luv it 🖤 Alan McAdam
go to album
Takumi Moriya Black Nation
by Takumi Moriya Black Nation

supported by 16 fans who also own “Nana Afrika”

Excellent take on Joe Mcphee's 1971 original. Insane sax and keyboards drive the groove. Stronky retro + avant-garde = Defiant Jazz. Tony_Poole
go to album
Pájaros eléctricos
by Adalberto Cevasco

featured on Bandcamp Radio Mar 16, 2021
go to album
Dedos
by FUSIÓN / CARLOS FRANZETTI

featured on Bandcamp Radio Dec 14, 2021
go to album
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Night Dreamer Direct-To-Disc Sessions
by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

A live session from the new king of Afrobeat, the four songs here present Seun Kuti at his raucous, thrilling best. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 11, 2019
go to album
THE POWER OF FEELING
by "SIR EDWARD" AKA HAROLD VICK

supported by 15 fans who also own “Nana Afrika”

soul jazz at it's finest warmtapes
go to album