Sudan’s Synth Siren: Jantra’s Melodies Amidst Chaos
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In the vast, tumultuous expanse of Sudan, a tempest brews – both of nature and of man. And amidst this maelstrom, there lies a rare sanctuary – the raves helmed by the elusive synth maestro, Jantra. It’s a picture that few can fathom – the stark contrast of war’s thunder with an ethereal symphony crafted deep within the Fashaga underground.
As civil unrest continually wracks Sudan, Jantra’s craft emerges as an audible testament to resistance. BBC’s broadcast paints a grim canvas, echoing tales of hundreds dead and millions trapped in conflict. Yet, within this darkness, photos surface showcasing Jantra, engrossed in his music, surrounded by eager dancers at a clandestine rural fête. This encapsulates the indomitable spirit of the human heart and its yearning for joy, even in the direst of circumstances.
Sudan’s volatile history is filled with upheavals – from its 1956 independence to its unending military coups and religious conflicts. The very soil has been drenched in blood and tears. The nation’s quest for democracy remains a mirage, marred by a grim power tussle between the military and a paramilitary faction. Amidst this chaos, Jantra forges his art, grounding it in Sudan’s rich cultural and musical tradition.
Customizing imported synths to resonate with Sudanese aesthetics, Jantra marries percussive folk with ethereal trance. “A custom chop shop for synths,” as Vik Sohonie, founder of Ostinato Records, describes the vibrant musical underground. Jantra’s following is strongest in the rural heartlands of Sudan, a testament to the universal power of music, an anchor in trying times.
Ostinato Records’ latest release, Synthesised Sudan, introduces the world to Jantra’s mesmerising tunes. Yet, communication with Jantra remains a challenge. Whether it’s the civil conflict or Jantra’s intentional disconnect from the digital realm, there’s a mystery surrounding the artist. Yet, when one does interact with him, his modesty and sincerity shine through. Sohonie provides a candid glimpse of the artist, “He’s humble, soft-spoken, unassuming… A man of the countryside.”
Jantra’s approach to music is as organic as it gets. No planned compositions, just spontaneous freestyles that echo for hours. Crafting tracks for the album required sifting through these raw, freestyled melodies and sculpting them into structured tracks.
Synthesised Sudan isn’t just a collection of tracks – it’s an embodiment of resilience. It’s a testament to the spirit of Sudan, forever innovating amidst chaos. In a war-torn nation, Jantra’s raves emerge as luminous beacons, an aural elixir healing the scars of conflict, one note at a time.
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