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Mbanna Kantako
-News/Commentary
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Buy Me A Book!
|
 It's
believed that Mbanna Kantako first began writing his "schoolyard
rhymes of the Revolution" as a learning tool for the kids he teaches
at his self-started Marcus Garvey School of Human Rights, which began
classes in an abandoned building in Springfield's old housing projects.
Once the opportunity to spread the songs
presented itself, though, Kantako, his family and his students have been
writing like mad - and these are the results.
Literally thousands of songs have been
written by Kantako and his students - as he releases them, we'll bring
them to you. Masterpieces of musicianship they're not - but as with many
things about Kantako, the meaning is in the message.
Albums are listed in chronological order
(newest first).
Let
Us Loose
Recorded November, 2001: This is another solo project, featuring daughter
Ebony Kantako on the mic for 13 tracks, and the common theme is justice.
Mind Know Thyself Is Strength
Recorded November, 2001: Mbanna's eldest daughter, Konnadi, is a frequent
participant in many Human Rights Radio projects. This is her first "solo
album" on the music side.
Black Hands (double album)
Recorded 8/10/01: Kantako's
brought the whole Marcus Garvey School of Human Rights on board to help
with production of this latest release, Black Hands. It is not
only a celebration of an entire people, but it's a creative tribute to
the knowledge Mbanna has imparted to them.
Take the Drum / It's Time (double album)
Recorded 2/18-19/01: On
Take the Drum, there are three specific school rhymes that speak
to the FCC harassment of Human Rights Radio: "Take the Drum,"
"Stand Strong Not Wrong," and "99.9 on the Line."
It's Time features no specific songs about HRR; these are more
about pride and heritage. Some tracks that stand out include "We
Must Go Home," "Tel-I-Vision," and "Culture"
- which Mbanna himself can be heard on.
A Warrior Not a Man
Recording date unknown:
I came into possession of a CD sampler of Mbanna Kantako's songs
in the summer of 2000. This "album" is
a musical history of Human Rights Radio's skirmishes with the FCC.
It includes audio of one of the earlier station visits, spoken-word pieces
from Mbanna himself - best described as 'hold your head up high'-style
messages, and tributes to people and groups whose struggle Human Rights
Radio carries on.
If you're interested in hearing more free
radio-related music, make sure to check out this
section of DIYmedia.net.
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