PANJEA
The powerful groove and socially
conscious message of Panjea has
its roots in the ghettos of
Zimbabwe, where Berry learned to
play the mbira and began
commingling hip-hop and
dancehall beats with traditional
African rhythms. Berry's music
was an instant hit in Zimbabwe
(and later in Mozambique,
Australia and elsewhere) though
at first few Zimbabweans
believed that his
indigenous-sounding music was
created and performed by a
23-year-old white man from
America.
The music features lyrics that
challenge the listener. It
speaks of personal power, the
ability to change one's own life
and the world for the better
(“Are You Ready?”), and
admonitions to those who would
try to keep people from
realizing their potential
(“Snake In The Grass”, “Rock It
Down”), sung in both English and
Shona, the native language of
Zimbabwe. The foundation for
these vital themes is a
combination of African and
American rhythms laid down by
the drummer Chris Eddleton,
String Cheese Incident's
mandolinins/singer Michael Kang,
Zimbabwean guitarist Zivanai
Masango (lately of Thomas
Mapfumo's band) and the
virtuosic djembe and Mbira
(Zimbabwean thumb piano) of
Chris Berry. An exclamation
point to the music is provided
by the electrifying horn
section(The Tonal Evangelists
(Dan Sears, trumpet; Chris Cuzme,
saxophone), who complete the
band's sound with precision
lines and an almost psychic
response to Berry's energetic
singing, dancing, and playing.
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Panjea was given the unique
opportunity to open for the String Cheese Incident in the Fall
of 2005, combining an incredible family of musicians, leading to
the great Michael Kang joining forces with the project in May of
2006 for a month long tour. This was soon followed by a series
of festivals including High Sierra, Wakarusa, among many others,
also including the String Cheese great. Now, Kang has committed
to be an integral part of the band, completing the sound that is
Panjea.
All this said, Panjea's music must be experienced live. The
performances never fail to pull the audience from their seats,
dancing and singing along with the infectious hooks. Recent
successes have included repeat performances at High Sierra Music
Festival, Wakarausa Music Festival, Highline Ballroom, NYC's
Zinc Bar, Mt. Holyoke College opening for Zimbabwean star Oliver
Mtuzudzi, and sold-out late night performances at the Blue Note
NYC; the list goes on.
Chris Berry and Panjea combine the best elements of African and
American music into a tightly knit, compelling music that
challenges the head and heart and moves the body. Featuring
virtuosic musicianship, and an incredibly eclectic blend of
cultures, this is a show not to be missed Are you ready for
this?
Panjea
Links:
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