Yamäya - Senegal

Funkiwala Records presents a debut single release -'Senegal' - by the UK based band Yamäya.

This collective of talented London and Brighton based musicians have finely crafted their own distinctly mesmerising sound. Yamäya amalgamate influences from across the great African continent including Afrobeat, Griots and Ethiopiques with modern tinges of dub, hip hop, jazz and beyond. Their rich and intricate grooves are then layered with the inimitable rhythm and harmonic palette of Wolof song and rap.

Senegal is the first of three singles to be released, and also the title track of the up and coming album of the same name – to be released March 2023. This unusual tune is a song of appreciation, that extols the virtues of Senegal, Gambia, and Africa as a whole. In the Senegalese language of Wolof, Khadim Sarr sings out his love for his home country, and his heartfelt wish to welcome everyone to Senegal. His powerful, emotive vocals float over syncopated Senegalese-inspired grooves and are intertwined with melodies and solos from Yamäya's five-piece heavyweight horn section."

FEATURING:

Vocals – Khadim Saar

Backing vocals – Laura Impallomeni, Tom Camidge and Greg Sinclair

Rhythm Section

Drums – John Sam (Incognito, Son of Sam)

Percussion – Tom Camidge (Lakuta)

Bass – Jamie Patterson (Joe Felix)

Guitar- Luke Rattenbury (Lakuta, Son Guarachando)

Guitar – Jarvis Daniel (Swing Ninjas)

Horn Section

Trumpet – Mickey Ball (Basement Jaxx)

Trombone – Laura Impallomeni (The Gentle Mystics, Voodoo Love Orchestra)

Baritone Sax – Greg Sinclair (More is More, Lakuta)

Tenor Sax – Dan Cartwright (Oli Howes)

Alto Sax – Rich Halligan (Son of Sam)

Written, arranged and performed by all members of Yamäya

Recorded at Brighton Electric Studios

Produced by Sam Miller and Laura Impallomeni

Mastered by Sam Miller

PRESS REACTIONS

"An entrancing journey through deep and heavy grooves layered with blazing horns, afro-centric rhythms and mystical Senegalese vocals. Yamäya pay homage to the music's roots whilst forging new frontiers." – Jon Jones, Rootsgarden Records

“Yamäya have honed their tight and funky afrobeat with a new dynamic. Expect of course a thumping Fela horn section, razor sharp guitars, and unstoppable percussion, but their sound is made noticeably unique with its incorporation of vibrant Senegalese Mbalax and Wolof vocals from their talented singer Khadim Sarr”. -John Warr, Afrobase Radio