Ivan Mazuze Group - Penuka

The acclaimed Mozambican saxophonist and composer Ivan Mazuze breaks new ground with his latest album; Penuka delves into the profound influence of Arab and Indian cultures on African traditional music, presented through a contemporary jazz lens. The music is a testament to the centuries-old cultural exchanges facilitated by trade routes across the African continent. Mazuze’s deep dive into this historical tapestry forms the core of the album, showcasing how African musical traditions have absorbed and reinterpreted elements from Arab and Indian musical heritage over time.

"This album is a celebration of the enduring cultural connections between Africa, the Arab world, and India. Through Penuka I aim to offer a fresh perspective on how these influences have shaped African music, blending traditional rhythms with modern jazz improvisation" says Ivan Mazuze

The rhythm section on Penuka features seasoned musicians with longstanding musical relationships with Mazuze, including artists with roots in Cuba, Norway, and Mali, all currently based in Norway. Their collaboration adds layers of rhythmic complexity and global flair to Mazuze’s compositions, enhancing the album’s dynamic fusion of styles. In addition, Mazuze collaborates with a diverse array of guest artists, each bringing their unique cultural backgrounds to the project. These include musicians from India, Pakistan, Morocco, Senegal, Gambia, and Zimbabwe, whose contributions enrich the album’s eclectic sound palette and introduce new musical expressions such as Gnawa and languages such as Shona, Urdu, Wolof, Rajasthani and Indian Sargam. Penuka is a collaborative effort that bridges continents and cultures. It reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our interconnected world, celebrating the richness of musical expression that emerges from cultural exchange, Mazuze emphasized. Penuka is commissioned by Global Oslo Music.

Ivan Mazuze - saxophones
Jørn Øien - piano
Olav Torget - guitar and ngoni
Per Mathisen - bass
Raciel Torres - drums
Papa Asane Samb - sabar percussion
Modou Mbaye Tama - talking drums
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Morten Minothi Kristiansen: Video
Theodor Tsovak: sound engineer
Assisted by: Leif Johansen
Sound mixed and mastered by: Ivan Mazuze at Imazuze Music Studios

Title song: Mamidje - from album Penuka (2024)

A production by: Imazuze Music
Web: http://imazuzemusic.com/
Album link:
   • Penuka