| Muntu Valdo [Cameroon] |
|
Under a mango tree in his homeland Cameroon, at the ripe old age of eight, Muntu Valdo strummed his first notes on a battered old two-stringed guitar, belonging to a friend. From that day on, he began to realize that music, song and poetry could allow him to discover the depths of his true self, and that art would help him steer clear of life’s many pitfalls.  Born near Duala, Muntu belongs to the Sawa community which stretches along Cameroon’s coastline. He grew up in the cosmopolitan cities of Yaunde and Duala, where the West has imported television, radio, Internet and a dislocated urbanism. Dilapidated colonial avenues rubbing shoulders with dusty roads, markets and working class quarters. “Each time I left the city for my parents village just outside Duala, it felt like I was in a different world, like I’d travelled back in time. Things seem to happen in slow motion, the people seemed happier, more relaxed and friendlier, despite them having no electricity or running water at home, no coca-cola and no tarmacked roads, but without any dust! I used to feel so happy and peaceful, but I was fascinated by the contrast.”Rather than hybridism, Muntu prefers the concept of reconciliation: blues, bossa nova, Afro-Cuban, soul and funk, all have their origins rooted in the Diaspora and slavery. It makes perfect sense then, to hear this music sung by an African. It’s no longer a question of world music, but a fusion of everything this continent has helped create over the centuries. Play: Di Mala Vocalist, guitarist, harmonica player and percussionist, Muntu Valdo was first discovered alongside some of the great names of world music including Ali Farka Touré, Manu Dibango,Richard Bona, Lokua Kanza, Eko Roosevelt, Lionel & Stéphane Belmondo, Keziah Jones, Alpha Blondy. His debut album "Gods & Devils – Moiyé na Muititi" was met with rave reviews in France, as well as in Cameroon and throughout Africa. His music is rooted in the blues, mixing African traditions with striking modernity and technical mastery. He saunters on stage alone, his harmonica and guitar slung over his chest. His songs are built up layer by layer, thanks to loops, samples and other strange pedals. With Muntu recently relocating to the UK Porthole Productions are proud to be working with him and increasing his UK profile. His recent performances at WOMAD & Musicport 07 were both inspired and inspirational. Porthole Productions represent Muntu in the UK. Website: www.muntuvaldo.com |