Chrisman: Sweat Dreams.

Congolese debutant Christian Mukamba Mazambi aka Chrisman released his debut LP earlier this year, where he blends different kinds of influences into the dance-style known as Tarraxinha.

It was his grandfather who first saw Mazambi’s artistic talent, and encouraged him to follow his own path. He began his career as a member of the hip hop-group Young Souljah Empire, and worked as a sound engineer in a recording studio in Goma.

His own family weren’t too enthusiastic about his choices of music. He thought to himself that if he went far enough away, he could concentrate on what he wanted to do. This took him to Uganda where he was signed to Hakuna Kulala, an experimental sublabel under Nyege Nyege, who host musicians like the electronic collective Nihiloxita and singeli-artist DJ Travella.

What Mazambi liked about Nyege Nyege was its culture that encourages individuals to express themselves without interference, and gives them the tools and know-how to achieve their goals. 

Mazambi provides a new vision to Tarraxinha, which was developed in the mid 2000s and focuses on heavy-hitting beats and electronic bass, and puts less emphasis on melodies and vocals. The style derives from kizomba that combines elements from Angolan semba and French Caribbean zouk music. The name of the genre comes from the Portuguese word “atarraxar” which means “little screw in a bolt”, visualizing the close proximity between the dance partners. 

The first music he released was the 6-track EP Ku Mwezi, which drew inspiration from gqom, trap and afrohouse. The album was the foundation for Mazambi’s sound, and gave him the opportunity to tour Europe with fellow label artist Ecko Bazz.

Earlier this year he released his first LP called Makila, named after his father who he lost at the age of four. His own favorite track Lupupu is named after his grandfather, so his name can be remembered forever. With his sound of uncommon time signatures and hypnotic beats he pushes African experimental music into defiant fresh places. What he wants is to make people happy and to appreciate his work, and see how his music is transforming onwards.

Link:
Instagram