Sudanese, Egyptian and Mauritian musicians to release collaborative album

Palmer and Homaida are percussionists and the founders of Drum Circle, an art collective. Magdy is a session musician who plays the djembe and cajon while Marimootoo is an environmental activist who sings and plays the kalimba and drums.

Speaking to Music In Africa, Palmer said Drum Circle’s growing interest in traditional sounds outside of Sudan served as the main inspiration for Sawa Sawa, which was recorded in early February by Mohammed Mustafa of Step Studio in Dahab, Egypt.

“We were lucky to meet people like Marimootoo, Magdy and Mustafa, who share our ideas and beliefs,” Palmer said. “The album Sawa Sawa is a belief in the connection between different African cultures and people, and we hope to release it by mid-April.

“The album carries a unique flavour because it has different African sounds and feelings produced by different percussionists with a touch of modernity. The purpose of this is to spread drumming culture across the continent.”

said the collaborative nature of the project was meant to explore new musical territories.

"Sega music from Mauritius is also not known in Sudan. We hope that through the album people get to appreciate this beautiful music. Furthermore, as much as we enjoyed drawing on each other’s similarities and being creative together, we also saw the album as an opportunity for the rest of Africa to be aware of Sudanese rhythms, which are not so well-known outside of Sudan,” Palmer said.

Sawa Sawa has been described as extensive and intense, transitioning from telling stories about war, racism and slavery to calling for unity, love, hope and peace.