DRC Music - Hallo (featuring Tout Puissant Mukalo and Nelly Liyemge)

This week saw the release of Damon Albarn's latest project: DRC MUSIC. Albarn, and a group of producers, including KWES, T-E-E-D, Dan the Automator, Richard Russell and Rodaidh Macdonald, travelled to the Congo for a week, in which they recorded music with local musicians on behalf of Oxfam. The album itself, which is being released through Warp Records, is pretty incredible as the producers only had 5 days to get the music down. Albarn talking on Radio 4 mentioned that instruments used were all mainly self manufactured, from various pieces of material, brought in by the local musicians, which give the record such a unique sound. Albarn was particularly inspired about this desire to make music, commenting on how he was amazed about the resourcefulness shown by the musicians they met, and how 'if they can't afford it, they will make it'.  The albums main purpose of course is to raise money for Oxfam. I personally really admire this approach to raising money for a good cause. Instead of Albarn visiting the Congo and reporting back on reasons why the country desperately needs money, which would have been another justifiable way of raising money, they have worked with the local musicians and produced an album that showcases the amazing music that can be heard in Africa. Above is the first track 'Hallo' on which Albarn sings himself, along with Tout Puissant Mukalo and Nelly Liyemge.