When Jamie Catto (Faithless, 1 Giant Leap) met reggae vocalist Aluta Lichaba in South Africa to write and record her duet with Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) for the new 1 Giant Leap song ‘I Have Seen Trouble,’ he made a mental note in thick black marker pen to go back there as soon as possible to make a whole album with her.
Months later in a small studio in Johannesburg, Aluta and Jamie began talking about the kind of album they’d make together. Two important themes kept recurring during conversation and play:
1. The Struggle ↠a direct translation of Aluta’s first name and a word she feels a particularly strong sense of connection with due to its use as a well-recognised anti-apartheid term. Aluta’s own parents were forced to flee South Africa in the 1970s because of their visible anti-apartheid activism. As a small child, Aluta was whisked across the border hidden in the boot of a car during the escape, and “home†became a refugee camp in Tanzania where she partly grew up. The notions of ‘struggle’ for herself, her family, and her beloved country were to be the cornerstones of the Aluta & The Mystics recordings.
2. Reggae Music ↠its lyrics and heritage; its rallying calls for emancipation; the joyfully triumphant ‘One Love’ philosophy. Not only are these elements born of the struggle itself, they are perhaps also more perfectly attuned to the present day climate in South Africa than anywhere else in the world: yet there has never been a more relevant time than this moment right NOW for such a passionate message of hope to shine a light and inspire our whole planet: One Planet; One Love; One Home.
With the help of reggae-dub producer Nick Manasseh, Jamie and Aluta created an irresistibly cool and positive mix of tracks showcasing Aluta’s rhythmic vocals and supported by a whole host of international reggae artists.
‘The Struggle Continues’ is an album whose time has come. It documents a fight for freedom still ongoing, yet offers Hope, Relief, Inspiration and Respite through the powerful Harmony of its music and message.
Aluta & The Mystics’ debut album, ‘The Struggle Continues’ will be available in February 2010.
Keep your eyes on this space for more EXCITING NEWS coming soon!!
Record Label Contact:
Australia and New Zealand
One World Music
www.oneworldmusic.com.au