Friday - Bhutan sounds lounge at @greyareabhutan with Lopen Tenjure and @walkerbarnard as we record live and progress into more house tonight. Great conversation and possibilities!!!! Join us tonight, at the Grey. Mixology #thinley #seethruthesmoke #greyareabhutan

In circle we travel together - trusting one another as the destination reveals itself. In this beautiful moment from our summer sessions, @arielzutel picked up a thread, @walkerbarnard held it, @jurgisdid and @angeldelallavemusic wove around. Then the others came in… … just like that we had arrived at sublime music unknown. you can find the whole session on our youtube channel.

Ninunihu & Yaka Yawanawa Yawanawa Saiti Shahu is out today! [ Português nos comentários ] We are so excited for this great work to be out in the world. Take your time with this one and explore each of the songs, Saitis and dimensions of this album. Each is a portal into relation with the forest and the nature that we are. Deepest gratitude to creator and the amazing team of humans that made this album possible. Most especially to Ninunihu & Yaka for their magnificent expressions and to Raio for weaving it all together in such an exquisite dance floor filling joy creating way. ! So Alegria ! Album Credits: Ninunihu Yawanawa @ninunihuyawa - Vocals & Guitar Yaka Yawananwa @luizayaka23 - Vocals & Guitar Tawahu Yawanawa @tawahuefamilia - Prayer, Vakush Xinãyura Yawanawa - Percussion Anope, Waro, Owazama Peshahu Yawanawa - Percussion Anope, Waro, Owazama Rob Recker @robreckermusic - Percussion on all tracks except Kere Maro Raio @r_a_i_o - Percussion on Anope, Owazama, Waro Saraswati Dasi @sarasvati.dasi - Violin on Owazama Oleg Tansen - Bass on Anope & Kamaroya Kailash Kokopelli @kailash.kokopelli - Cedar flute on Kamaroya Raio - Producer Bognár Zsolt - Additional Mixing Shawn Hatfield @shawnhatfieldmastering - Mastering Jimena Paratcha @jimenaparatcha - Executive Producer Album & Single Covers - @sarasvati_visual_art Saraswati Visual Art Original cover photograph - @alimuratyilmaz_ UMA SAI - Label Creator - Thank you for making this all possible All lyrics are Intellectual Property of the respective peoples (Yawanawa, Shanenawá, Kulina), their ancestral traditions and are adapted from Saitis from those traditions with all melodies composed by Yaka & Ninunihu Yawanawa. “It was made with much love for all of you to hear, that it may reach your hearts. We are students of the Yawanawa people and very grateful to be sharing everything we have. So it’s from the heart, with much respect and humility in our spiritual world.” -Ninunihu Yawanawa Listen now on Spotify link in bio!! #umasai #yawanawa #yawanawasaitishahu #soalegria #culturevehicle #ninunihuyawanawa #yakayawanawa

“Anope” - A New Voice from the Forest [português nos comentários] We are thrilled to announce the release of “Anope,” the first single from Ninunihu & Yaka Yawanawa’s upcoming album “Yawanawa Saiti Shahu,” now available on all major streaming platforms. Producer Raio’s elegant sonic crafting beautifully captures the sisters’ intention for this project: “This album is a way for us to express love and joy to everyone who listens to our melodies and bring inspiration to those who receive our songs.” Ninunihu & Yaka In a beautiful synchronicity, as we release “Anope” to the world, our UMA SAI team is back on Yawanawa land in the village of Mutum working on a new series of recordings. The sisters’ voices echo through the village as their version of the Saiti Anope plays from houses throughout the community, as this transmission carryies the spirit of the forest, the força feminina, and the spirituality of the Yawanawa people out into the wider world. Anope Credits: Vocals and Acoustic Guitar: Ninunihu & Yaka Yawanawa @ninunihuyawa @luizayaka23 Producer: Raio @r_a_i_o Opening Prayer: Tawahu Yawanawa @tawahu33 Percussion: Rob Recker, Raio, Xinãyura Yawanawa, Peshahu Yawanawa Bass: Oleg Tansen Executive Producer: Jimena Paratcha Additional Mixing: Bognár Zsolti @bognar.zsolti Mastering Engineer: Shawn Hatfield @shawnhatfieldmastering Listen to “Anope” now on Spotify Link in bio #yawanawasaitishahu #umasai #culturevehicle #ninunihuyawanawa #yakayawanawa

Deepest gratitude for our wondrous journey to the “Crown Jewel” of Bhutan: Manas National Park. I will always remember the kindness and warm smiles of all of the lovely Bhutanese who took exceptional care of us, and the epic beauty of the gorgeous, wild rivers, animals, flowers, plants, and land. We also had the joy of flying over nearby Gelephu. I was so excited and honored to visit the birthplace of the inspiring new Mindfulness City. The visionary seeds for this city of the future are being planted with grace and will grow into an extraordinary international sanctuary amidst the rolling green hills and abundant rivers. What a sight to see. 🙇🏼‍♀️🙏❤️🌿🌈🇧🇹

On this International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we are honored to release Saiti Mawai Shahu Vol. 2, a testament to the artistry of Nawashahu Yawanawa and the enduring spirituality of her people. This addition to the album showcases Nawashahu's unique talent for bridging ancestral tradition with contemporary expression, offering her unique and resonant perspective on the Saitis (traditional chants). Through her innovative compositions, Nawashahu breathes her artistry into these ancestral chants, adapting them for guitar and vocals while maintaining their essence. Her artistry serves as a powerful channel, bringing the depth and current of energy of the Yawanawá people to a global audience. Joined in unison by her sister Ykashahu, Nawashahu's voice carries the strength and beauty of generations, inviting listeners into a profound connection with nature and the spirits of the forest. These four tracks, recorded during the original 2021 sessions, capture the raw, naturalistic sound of Nawashahu's performances. As a Yawanawá woman, she embodies both the ancestral lineage of her culture and its evolution, demonstrating how indigenous traditions can thrive and adapt in the modern world. We invite you to immerse yourself in this sonic journey, to experience the transformative power of Nawashahu's artistry, and to celebrate the vibrant, living heritage of the Yawanawá people. Album Credits: Artists: Nawashahu & Ykashahu Yawanawa
@nawashahu_yawanawa @yka_yawa08 Composed by: Nawashahu Yawanawa Produced by: @walkerbarnard Executive Producer: @paskalsuraj Project Coordinator: @luizabrettas_yuva 
Mastering: @audibleoddities Images from video by: @nido_films & @ranimessias Album Artwork: @sarasvati_visual_art Social Media: @la_xtaly 
Project partner: @yawajourneys

𓆃Wimele Oshun Morning Jam on the Powerful Island of Ibiza. It always feels good to Sing for the Waters with the Fam ! Feeling so much Love & Gratitude For playing at @gardenoflight_ibiza tonight✨ We hope to see you there ! And…. Thank you to @haylee_clare_ for bringing this song to our life’s 😉💗 She is actually offering a online course that’s starts soon- check her out ! This version of the song came to being in Bali by @haylee_clare_ @sacreddesigns & @robreckermusic 💗 We enjoyed playing it so many times with our Band Called MUNAY . Such a pleasure to keep on jamming it with extended family. #livemusic #improvisation #groove #practice #musiclover #musicianlife #ngoni #morningjam

Amanar De Kidal Releases New Album “Imetawan” and “Tikunin” Music Video Today marks the official release of Amanar De Kidal’s latest album, “Imetawan,” a compelling exploration of the Tuareg experience through the medium of contemporary desert blues. Coinciding with the album release, the band is also premiering the music video for their single “Tikunin”. “Imetawan,” which translates to “The Tears,” is a reflection on the resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage of the Tuareg people. Throughout the album, lead vocalist and guitarist Ahmed Ag Kaedy and his bandmates weave together traditional melodies, evocative rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrics that address the challenges and hopes of their community in the context of political instability, social change, and environmental pressures. The album takes listeners on a journey through the Sahara, offering a window into the lives and stories of the Tuareg people. The music video for “Tikunin,” created by Holden Davies, visually complements the song’s themes, featuring imagery that encapsulates the essence of the desert landscape and the Tuareg’s connection to their ancestral lands and the feeling that arise living away from them. “Imetawan” is now available on major streaming platforms, and the “Tikunin” music video is up on the UMA SAI youtube channel. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported this project throughout the journey to it’s release and to all those who have played a role in bringing this album to fruition. Amanar De Kidal: 
Ahmed Ag Kaedy - Vocals, Lead Guitar @ahmedagkaedy Bady Ag Aghali - Rhythm Guitar
@bady_agaly Balla Kouyaté - Bass 
Mahal Traoré - Calabash
 music video: @nido_films album produced by: @walkerbarnard executive producer: @paskalsuraj mastered by: @audibleoddities recorded at Kaira So in Bamako, Mali in March of 2022 Check out the “Tikunin” music video on the UMA SAI youtube channel link in bio. #amanardekidal #imetawan #tikunin #tuaregmusic #desertblues #umasai #culturevehicle

Stills from Amanar De Kidal “Tikunin” music video, coming out tomorrow. In an excerpt from one of our interviews with @ahmedagkaedy he shares these words: “”Tikunin” is simply a song aimed at drawing the attention of the Tuareg population, and beyond, of all those populations where there are constant uprisings. Because we shouldn’t always believe these leaders who start these uprisings. Every two years, there’s a new rebellion. I said, “Be careful, just because a leader starts an uprising doesn’t mean it will benefit all of you.” I’ve formulated blessings for those who lose their lives in these wars. Believing that they met their end on a path that is not the path of truth. For example, someone who loses their life in a war believing they are seeking independence, you are a martyr. But if there is no independence, you died believing a lie. That’s what I was trying to draw the attention of the people to with this song.” Tikunin music video comes out tomorrow along with the Amanar De Kidal album “Imetawan” which when translated from Tamashek means “the tears”. Stay tuned and visit the link in our bio to learn more. Video stills: @nido_films Album produced: @walkerbarnard #Imetawan #Tikunin #AhmedAgKaedy #UmaSai #CultureVehicle #TuaregMusic

Amanar De Kidal Releases Final Single “Tikunin” from Upcoming Album “Imetawan” Amanar De Kidal has released “Tikunin,” the third and final single from their upcoming album “Imetawan.” The track showcases the band’s distinctive fusion of traditional Tuareg music and contemporary desert blues while addressing the challenges faced by the Tuareg people in times of political instability and social change. In “Tikunin,” lead vocalist and guitarist Ahmed Ag Kaedy draws from his own experiences as a former rebel fighter to caution against the human cost of conflict and the importance of seeking peace and unity. The song’s lyrics serve as a reminder to be wary of leaders who instigate rebellions for their own gain. Musically, “Tikunin” features Amanar De Kidal’s characteristic sound, with intricate guitar work, layered rhythms, and emotive vocals that evoke the landscapes and experiences of the Sahara. The release of “Tikunin” sets the stage for the launch of “Imetawan,” an album that reflects Ahmed and Amanar De Kidal’s artistic evolution and their commitment to using music as a medium for social commentary and cultural expression. “Tikunin” is now available on major streaming platforms. The album “Imetawan” will be released on June 7. Album produced by: @walkerbarnard Lead Guitar & Vocals: @ahmedagkaedy Rhythm Guitar: @bady_agaly Bass: Balla Kouyaté Calabash: Mahal Traoré #AmanarDeKidal #Tikunin #Imetawan #NewRelease #DesertBlues #TuaregMusic

In his work with the band Amanar de Kidal, @ahmedagkaedy draws heavily on traditional Tuareg music and ritual forms, such as the Tende. The Tende, with its participatory nature and deep cultural significance, serves as a powerful symbol of the resilience and adaptability of Tuareg society in the face of change, both environmental and social. By incorporating these elements into his compositions, he not only preserves and celebrates Tuareg cultural identity but also creates a space for shared understanding and appreciation. His songs often address themes of environmental degradation, forced migration, and the need for unity and cooperation among all Malians in the face of shared challenges. By sharing his own experiences and those of his community, Ahmed invites listeners to engage with the complex realities of life in the Sahel and to work towards a more just and sustainable future. Find out more through the link in our bio and stay tuned for more music and interviews coming soon. Photo: @nido_films Writing: @walkerbarnard #umasai #culturevehicle #tende #tuaregmusic #mali #amanardekidal #storyinmotion

The adaptation and evolution of Tende demonstrates the resilience of Tuareg peoples in the face of adversity. As they navigate the challenges posed by climate change, political instability, and economic transformation, their ability to adapt cultural practices while maintaining identity and relationality is a central pillar for their well-being and long term cultural coherence. To ensure a sustainable and equitable future for Tuareg people and their nomadic way of life and their interface with sedentary agriculturalists in Mali, further inquiry and dialogue are needed to address the complex issues of resource management, political representation, and cultural preservation. This is a situation that we see and feel in increasing waves across the world with rising tensions around land and water usage exacerbated by climate change and the extractive global market culture. By feeling, receiving and appreciating the beauty of the Tuareg and other cultures we form a somatic bridge of human fellowship and understanding, reflecting back the value of their unique way of walking on the earth and finding balance as a people in the changing reality of the Sahara, Sahel and each biome where humans live on Earth. Culture is a story in motion, constantly evolving with feedback from the environment and changing societal landscapes. Our ancestors have walked across this earth since the beginning, have come to new places as settlers and struck a balance, some sustaining and thriving in that place and some moving on. This movement across the land stretches back hundreds of thousands of years and is a lineage all humans on Earth share. The practices and rituals that allow a people to evolve and yet stay connected, coherent and in relation as a people are the treasures of human consciousness cultivation on the planet. With this recognition and understanding we celebrate the Tuareg people, the cultural and musical form of Tende, the emergent form of the Desert Blues, the work of Ahmed Ag Kaedy, Amanar De Kidal and the exquisite diversity that is the living system of planet Earth. Learn more through the link in our bio and stay tuned for more music and interviews coming soon.