Nyanyo Addo: The Tranceformer (WW 119-2)
14.
africian cream (alpaca remix)
15.
unwritten speech (amirprod. remix)
The rhythms of Nyanyo Addo's second solo CD are from the Ashanti people in Ghana as well as from the eastern coastal part of his home country. They reflect the meditative, healing side of ritual Ghanaean drumming. Addo was raised by his grandparents who were healers, so at an early age he was taught how to cure people from their deseases - mental and body pains. Ritual drumming, especially the slower rhythms, eliminate "bad feelings" In trance people speak in a different language which is a mixture of african and non-african languages. Only people who are 'spirited' can understand this language. Although Addo (33) lives in Germany now he still feels strongly connected to his roots - to be a healer is a 'gift from god'. Apart from their social aspect these rhythms can also give advice: What you do is wrong so come together and cool down.
Apart from their social aspect these rhythms can also give advice: What you do is wrong so come together and cool down. This is similar when Addo plays his concerts in Europe. Playing the drum, the flute or the ballaphone is part of a conversation with the audience. The instruments become a part of his "family", they talk with each other like neighbours. Addo considers his country very open for other cultures so it's no surprise that he treats rhythms and drums from other cultures as 'family members', coming in from Egypt, South Africa or Latin America. It's important that you can create your own tone which come from the heart.
For the first time Addo has allowed three DJ's from Duesseldorf and Bremen to thoughtfully tranceform three of his songs into dancefloor anthems.