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The Weapon, the Broom, and the Guitar: South Africa’s Selaelo Selota Unites Music of the Jazz Club, the Gold Mine, and the Hunt
For South African musician Selaelo Selota, home is where electric guitar intertwines freely with broken families, beloved forests, and the wily animals of sePedi legend. Memories of hunting with a throwing stick mix with those of mining gold and sweeping jazz clubs, before Selota discovered his talent for jazz guitar. Sorrow for the father who abandoned him mingles with commitment to be a central figure in his own family’s life. Anger over the abuse of an aunt who fled her cruel husband in terror on a bike intermingles with passionate appreciation for a beautiful lover.
Selota’s roots and hopes combine on Lapeng Laka (SIN/Sony South Africa; August 4, 2009), Selota’s circumspect yet joyful return to the music and deeply personal experiences of his village youth. The album title means “My Home” in English.
“SePedi music grew in me,” remembers Selota, about the music of his people in the northern part of South Africa. “It was always used during story time, when we would listen to legendary stories around the fire and the teller would incorporate songs. I was not aware I had been so enriched with these melodies, these simple, beautiful tunes. Now my whole band when we play, it is more like we are celebrating, an energy I cannot describe. And it all comes from home.”
08/20/09
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