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Minis Azaka by Markus Schwartz

From the album

Album Title: Kay Sa
Label: Soundkeeper Recordings
Released: 2019
Duration: 44:31

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About the Album

Traditional, with additional music and lyrics by Monvelyno Alexis Arranged by Markus Schwartz, Monvelyno Alexis, and Bobby Raymond Minis Azaka (Minister of Agriculture) is a praise name and aspect of the Lwa (Vodou spirit/energy) Azaka Mede, an agricultural spirit known for his folk wisdom and "country" dialect. The piece begins with a short drum solo in the Djouba rhythm, the traditional rhythm for Zaka. The drum is laid on its side with the drummer sitting astride. While playing with their hands, the drummer simultaneously applies pressure to the drum head with the heel of their foot to change the pitch. This technique is found in drumming styles throughout the French Antilles, such as Guadalupe and Martinique. In fact, Djouba is called Matinik in some parts of Haiti.

Tracks

Minis Azaka; Bya-Ya (Bolero); Kay Sa; Wongòl; Epistrophy (Rara); Sen Jak Pa La; Bye-Ya (Bolero) (alternate take)

Personnel

Date featured

March 18, 2025

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.