Debut release from Cohorte Les Solidaires
Album: Umoja Ni Nguvu (Unity is Strength)
Artist: Cohorte Les Solidaires
Producer: Janvier Mushagalusa Mihigo
Label: A4A Records
Release date: August 4, 2023
Cover art: Marc Leardi (Null & Void)
MMM is proud to present Umoja Ni Nguvu (Unity is Strength) – the first EP from Cohorte Les Solidaires out of Katana, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. With newfound hope and self-confidence, this collective of youth are rising above adversity and committed to taking their place as tomorrow’s leaders. This is the second release from the Healing in Harmony mobile studio, a project funded by Grand Challenges Canada.
Lead track ‘Umoja Ni Nguvu’ symbolizes a desire to let go of the past and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous community.
Unity is strength, separation destroys
Hand in hand, let’s build our society
Let’s reject neglect and laziness
Let’s help each other
In the past, we were refugees because of the war
Our brothers welcomed us and took care of us
Such love is of paramount importance to every human
Unity is strength, separation destroys
Hand in hand, let’s build our society
Me and you, you and me
All of us together
Let’s build our community
You and me, me and you
Us and them
We have to go forward
Let’s reject neglect and laziness
Let’s help each other
Unity is strength, separation destroys
Hand in hand, let’s build our society
(Lyrics from title track ‘Umoja Ni Nguvu’, translated from Swahili)
LISTEN + DOWNLOAD FROM YOUR FAVOURITE PLATFORM
The Healing in Harmony mobile project in South Kivu is made possible with the partnership of Panzi Hospital and Foundations, and with funding from Grand Challenges Canada as part of the Global Mental Health program.
Tracks were mixed by members of Artists 4 Artists (A4A)’s Community of Mixing and Mastering Engineers, a global network of professionals who volunteer their time to help Make Music Matter bring marginalized voices to the world stage.
Umoja Ni Nguvu tracklisting:
- Umoja Ni Nguvu (Unity is Strength) – mixed by Nino D. Celella (Canada)
-
Maisha Bora (A Good Life) – mixed by Nick Page (USA)
Album produced by Janvier Mushagalusa Mihigo (DRC)
Album mastered by Noah Mintz (Lacquer Channel Mastering, Canada)
