Smokey Haangala ‎– Aunka Ma Kwacha

If you have a road trip playlist, this album is a perfect addition. There are some songs that just make you want to hit the road and embrace the feeling of freedom, even if it’s a feeling you can only borrow for a weekend, a day, an hour, a moment. Haangala’s sweet, warm voice comforts you into this feeling of limitless freedom and possibility. Listen in the sunshine, in the park, while you garden, or channel his joy and spirit while you doodle in a notepad. Aunka Ma Kwacha was the first solo release by Zambian musician Smokey Haanagala, who became a household name in Zambia not only for his music, but also for his writing and TV appearances. The album merges folk and psych-rock into a soft, breezy, flowing album enjoyable from beginning to end, featuring alternating languages (Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, and English), and what was then – circa 70’s Zambia – rare, avant-garde drum machine technology, which pairs surprisingly well with organic, earthy folk singing and guitar. What was once a holy grail record is now available as a reissue from Toronto based label, record store, and friends of ISC Séance Centre – pick up a copy to brighten your day.

– Lauren Fay Levy

Recommended – A3 Cinyala Munyanaka, A5 Tulondoke, A6 Flowers On My Grave, B4 Ndausa

Available for purchase in the ISC Store.