ODD OKODDO

»Negore« is the second album by the Kenya-based duo Odd Odokko. After their debut »Auma« saw percussionist Sven Kacirek work with pre-existing recordings of singer and instrument builder Olith Ratego, the two opted for a similar approach for the ten pieces to preserve the expressiveness of the latter’s performance. Further contributions by sound artist KMRU and Angel Bat Dawid on bass clarinet expand the duo’s sonic palette which draws on the dodo music of the Luo people and enriches it with percussive, melodic, and occasionally electronic means. The record’s title translates to »petroleum lamp,« signifying the transition from day to night—when the time has come to dance. In this decidedly joyful spirit, »Negore« is dedicated to transitions and venturing into the future. Ratego’s interpretation of the folk tradition is expressly contemporary, while Kacirek uses a rich variety of avant-garde and advanced electronic music techniques to propel it even further.

Their debut LP »Auma« received praise from a variety of outlets such as NPR, Bandcamp Daily among others when it was released in 2019. Having played at Nyege Nyege Festival in Uganda as well as the legendary Kilifi New Year Festival to kick off an extensive tour in the first half of 2020, their plans were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. »Negore« marks a new beginning, but remains faithful to the unconventional working process of the two and the continuously surprising results it yields.