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about
‘Komborerai Mafaro’ is a wonderful explosion of energy and human joy in the form of music, a call to celebrate the here and now, as the title means “bless this joyful time we are having right here!" This song is a powerful reminder that goes beyond the borders of language, nations, and cultures.Komborerai Mafaro' is the first single from the upcoming KTO Project's album, 'Mafaro eZimbabwe,' a heartfelt tribute to KTO's Zimbabwean teachers and her profound connection to the Zimbabwean community that has nurtured her musicianship for decades. With each track, KTO takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant rhythms and soul-stirring melodies that have become her signature and will leave an indelible mark on your soul, as it did on her in 1994, when her life-changing adventure in Zimbabwe started, and when she came across the true power of music as a universal language.
And since then, Kelly's music has fused African diaspora traditions, crafting a unique and danceable sound, and promoting unity and positive change, inspiring audiences worldwide with master musicians from Zimbabwe, DRC, and Kenya. With lush vocals and powerful rhythms, she truly bridges cultures effortlessly, as praised by African American musician and cultural historian Linda
Tillery.
'Komborerai Mafaro' has also won 2nd place in the world music category in the "Unsigned Only" music competition. Out of 6,000 submissions, The KTO Project's song was chosen to be in an elite group of musicians from around the world, which is a testament to the power of Zimbabwean music and the care KTO and her team put in recording!
lyrics
Hiya Baba, hiya Baba, hiya Baba, hiya Baba
Ishe komborerai mafaro ari pano
Baba komborerai mafaro ari pano
Yave komborerai mafaro ari pano
Zame komborerai mafaro ari pano
Samatenga komborerai mafaro ari pano
Samatenga komborerai mafaro ari pano
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai
Ishe komborerai mafaro ari pano
Baba komborerai mafaro ari pano
Yave komborerai mafaro ari pano
Zame komborerai mafaro ari pano
Samatenga komborerai mafaro ari pano
Samatenga komborerai mafaro ari pano
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai,
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai,
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai,
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai,
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai,
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai,
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai,
Ishe komboreraiwo, Baba komborerai!
credits
released August 11, 2023
KOMBORERAI MAFARO
(Bless this Joyful Time)
Arr. Zivanai Masango
Kelly Takunda Orphan: lead vocals
Diana Samkange: vocals
Zivanai Masango: guitar, vocals
Musekiwa Chingodza: nhare mbira, hosho
Salani Wamkaganise: nhare mbira, vocals
Ayla Davila: bass
Bob Crawford: keyboards
Deszon Clairborne: drums
Zoe Ellis, Sarah Noll, Amber Hines, Fernanda Bustamante, Bryan Dyer & Jacob Mafuleni: background vocals
Producer: Jim Santi Owen
Producer: Kelly Takunda Orphan
Pre-Production and Tracking: Zivanai Masango, ZiviMusic (USA)
Assistant Producer and Engineering: Clive Mono Mukundu (Hatfield, Zimbabwe)
Mixer and Engineer: Neil Godbole, Airship Laboratories (Richmond, California, USA)
Mastered by Jeremy Goody at Megasonic Studios, Oakland, CA
The KTO Project performs original music rooted in tradition. Led by Bay Area native Kelly Takunda Orphan, Kelly shares her
unique social, cultural and personal perspective in her songwriting and arranging. The KTO Project debuted their first recording in 2004. Cultural historian Linda Tillery says: "...her vocals are warm and lush and the music will make you want to dance.”...more
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