Description
#jantra #vinyl #vinylrecords
Prepare to be transported to the enchanting world of Jantra, an artist whose innovative blend of custom-modded synths and traditional Sudanese music scales has captivated audiences in the Fashaga region. Now, thanks to Ostinato’s groundbreaking release, ‘Synthesized Sudan: Astro-Nubian Electronic Jaglara Dance Sounds from the Fashaga Underground’, Jantra’s mesmerizing creations are ready to reach a worldwide audience.
Jantra, also known as Jaglara, hails from the border region between Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. His improvised melodies and swaying triplet grooves, performed on a keyboard modified to play the scales of local music, have earned him a devoted following in his locale. Regularly performing at street raves that attract pistol-toting dancers, Jantra has become a cult figure, renowned for his charismatic presence and infectious music.
The album ‘Synthesized Sudan’ presents a richly immersive 10-track suite that seamlessly blends older recordings and recent performances. Each track has been meticulously crafted by the team at Ostinato, who extracted melodic patterns, rhythms, and MIDI data to recreate Jantra’s lengthy sessions into individual dance tracks. The result is a collection that captures the energy and frenzy of Sudanese crowds, transporting listeners to the heart of Jantra’s live performances.
The album opens with the ‘DarGoog Intro’ and a ‘Jaglara Interlude’, providing a glimpse into the fidelity and raw essence of the original recordings. From there, the album blossoms into a full-color sonic experience. Tracks like ‘Homoom’ sway with mesmerizing rhythms, while ‘Shabal’ offers sultrier moonlit vibes. The outstanding closer combines mind-weaving keyboard fanfare with a cosmic reggae lilt, leaving listeners in a state of pure musical bliss.
Jantra’s music defies categorization, blending elements of traditional Sudanese melodies with the hypnotic allure of electronic dance. It is a unique and captivating fusion that showcases his talent as both a live producer and DJ, creating an immersive sonic journey for his audiences.
To achieve his signature sound, Jantra had to modify his Yamaha keyboard, adapting it to cater to Sudanese rhythms and melodies. Legendary keyboard mechanics in the Omdurman market played a crucial role in this process, ensuring the instrument’s aesthetics and flavor profile aligned with Jantra’s vision. The result is a perfectly sweet key tone that resonates universally, transcending cultural boundaries.
‘Synthesized Sudan’ is not just an album; it is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the Ostinato team. They pioneered a new approach, combining reissue and contemporary elements to showcase Jantra’s music to a worldwide audience. This record brings to light an electronic style that was previously confined to Jantra’s legendary parties, tucked away in the outskirts of the Sudanese capital.
The emergence of Jantra’s electronic Jaglara from the Fashaga underground marks a new chapter in African electronic music. It stands proudly alongside other electronic styles exported from the continent, showcasing Sudan’s unique contribution to the genre. This album is a privilege, granting listeners access to a previously hidden musical treasure.
Experience the unheralded beauty of rural Sudanese music with ‘Synthesized Sudan’. Let the pulsating rhythms, captivating melodies, and infectious energy of Jantra’s electronic Jaglara transport you to a world of sonic exploration. From his legendary parties to your next gathering, embrace this remarkable album and share in the revelry of this well-kept secret from Sudan.
