The Sound Vanguard of Sapiyossi, a New Angolan Musical Expression
Sapiyossi, the visionary Angolan musician, took a bold step in the evolution of African music by creating the revolutionary Zukuma style. This masterful fusion of diverse musical elements transcends genre boundaries and innovatively incorporates African, especially Angolan, cultural richness.
Definition and Meaning:
Definition: “Zukuma” is an innovative musical expression that mixes various African rhythms and dances, with predominant influences from Kuduro from Angola and Kwassa from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This style was designed by Sapiyossi on July 1, 2022, 6:26 pm, during his hospitalisation at the “Saint-Jean” hospital in Brussels, Belgium.
Meaning of Zukuma: Zouk, Kuduro, Kizomba, Kwassa, Kompa and Mapiano
More than just a combination of letters, the term “Zukuma” is a statement of identity and innovation. Each element of the acronym represents a specific musical influence, but together, they form something more significant than the sum of its parts. Zukuma celebrates the richness and diversity of African music, harmoniously uniting tradition and avant-garde.
Origins and Roots:
Originating from Angola, “Zukuma” incorporates distinct elements from various African rhythms, resulting in a unique and engaging sound. The idea arose during Sapiyossi’s hospitalisation, becoming a therapeutic expression that transformed negative emotions into positive ones to cheer him up in the face of the disease and promote his cure.
Zukuma’s Musical Features:
- Catchy Beats: “Zukuma” is recognised for its engaging beats and energetic rhythms, combining electronic elements, vibrant percussion and traditional African influences to stimulate dance.
- Melodic Diversity: This genre embraces a wide diversity, incorporating captivating melodies and harmonies that reflect the richness of African music.
- Meaningful Letters: Like its predecessors, “Zukuma” often features lyrics that address social, cultural and political issues, making it a powerful form of expression.
- Dance Style: Accompanied by vibrant movements and unique choreography, “Zukuma” combines contemporary and traditional dance elements, creating a fascinating visual experience.
- Cultural and Global Impact: Representing African cultural diversity and musical creativity, “Zukuma” has the potential to attract global audiences, contributing to the growing influence of African music internationally.
Goal:
The objective of “Zukuma” is to create a musical style that is unique in its identity, uniting several acoustic instruments, such as drums, percussion, marimba, guitar, piano, and violin, among others. This search for uniqueness is evident from instrumental production to dance, aiming for a complete and authentic experience.
Instrumental Production and Development:
The first instrumental production of “Zukuma” began in Luanda, Angola, in 2022 and lasted eight months, ending in 2023. Several producers were involved, but it was “Cássias Produções” that, with seriousness and dedication, overcame the challenge. The first production, completed with 80% success, involved a talented team led by Sapiyossi.
Music Production and Music Video:
The same Zukuma-style masterpiece, titled “I Don’t Have Money”, received part of its careful production at the renowned Dada Studios on March 23, 2023. The music video, a meticulous visual piece, was produced by CF Production on May 26 and 28, 2023, involving a team of more than 60 professionals based in Brussels, Belgium. The attention to detail highlights the musicianship and Zukuma’s unique visual storytelling.
Continuous growth:
Throughout 2023, “Zukuma” already had five instrumentals produced by a dedicated team at Anderlecht Studios, Brussels. The style will continue to record various productions, inviting artists to explore this unique and extraordinary sound wave.
Zukuma Label: Elevating New Talents
In addition to creating a new musical style, Sapiyossi established Zukuma Label on December 23, 2023, an independent record label dedicated to promoting his work and being a platform for emerging music talents in the future.
Recent articles and interviews:
Featured on Digital Journal, PlatinaLine, Big News Network, Rager Music, NyBreaking, Newsbreak, Hold On Angola, AngoPorta, La Reformer, California Weekly, Elgraficodelsur, Yamasa Digital, Eluniversal Digital and others. Follow this link for recent updates.
Zukuma’s Legacy:
Zukuma is an exciting and innovative musical trend that will continue to evolve and expand, bringing Angola’s rich musical heritage with it. With its catchy beats, impactful lyrics and captivating dance style, Zukuma will win admirers worldwide and contribute to global musical diversity.
