We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
supported by
darek mazzone
darek mazzone thumbnail
Cali
Cali thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £1.50 GBP  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Double LP with 4 page full colour liner notes
    Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    comes in Time Capsule's bandcamp exclusive thick PVC plastic overbag

    Includes unlimited streaming of Lèspri Ka : New Directions in Gwoka Music from Guadeloupe 1981-2010 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Sold Out

about

One of the best examples of Gwoka Moderne from Guadeloupe. Deep percussion, groovy bass line with jazzy instrumentations, cosmic synths, spiritual call & response vocals with lyrics of emancipation. This track has everything and was celebrated upon release in Guadeloupe and among the diaspora in 1984.


DAO – ‘Chenn La’

Darius Adelaide was immersed in gwoka culture from a young age, learning the craft from masters like Vélo and Fritz Nafer. Briefly part of Madame Adeline’s folklore troupe that toured Guadeloupe, he moved to Paris in the hope of becoming a professional footballer. Needless to say, it didn’t turn out as expected and Dao soon returned to music.

After playing with several bands, notably Black Soul, he took vocal lessons and spent years creating and developing a style he calls “gwoka traditionnel moderne”. Playing traditional instruments in a modern way, this hybrid approach follows certain rules and techniques of gwoka traditionnel but incorporates updated phrasings and a freer way of singing. In 1984, he recorded this cult 12” in Paris with musicians including Armand Archeron and Roger Raspail on percussion, Patrick Ralichon on synths and Michel Alibo on bass. Under Dao’s direction they created a new style of gwoka that diverged from traditionnel, introducing not only unique arrangements but also notions of poetry and theatricality. It was always Dao’s vision to perform these pieces in theatres.

Both cuts were celebrated upon release in Guadeloupe and among the diaspora, so much so that ‘Limyé Limé’ (‘Turn on the lights’) became a standard Créole expression as a result. On the B-side, ’Chenn La’ evolves effortlessly in a dimension of its own, where grounation-like drumming (the kaladja rhythm), deep bass, cosmic synths, intricate Rhodes and a dreamy flute combine with haunting vocals and spiritual lyrics of emancipation (‘Chenn la’ are the chains Dao sings about breaking).

credits

from L​è​spri Ka : New Directions in Gwoka Music from Guadeloupe 1981​-​2010, released January 28, 2022

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Time Capsule image

Time Capsule London, UK

Time Capsule is a reissue focused record label that captures the feelings & sonic experiences from across time & space.

*Please send us message if you'd like to add a tracking number for your physical order.

contact / help

Contact Time Capsule

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Chen'n La, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now