KHADS ARK MAGAZINE
Preserving art to outlive us
words by Zhakiya
Nana and the Asafo Brigade: A Revolutionary Sound in 'They Hunted The Land.'
It is important to take the time to embrace artistry that relays music as a form of communion. Music that resonates with audiences in a way that is edifying, hopeful, and inspiring. This much is true for Nana and The Asafo Brigade. The eight-person Vancouver-based Alternative band lend their voice and talents to messages of revolution reminding us as listeners of our shared responsibility to disrupt the status quo in the pursuit of liberation.
Nana and The Asafo Brigade (NATAB) emerged as a musical response to the pressing socio-political climate, driven by a collective desire to speak out against injustices. The inception of NATAB was no mere coincidence but a fusion of like-minded individuals brought together by fate, each contributing a distinct element to the band's dynamic essence. Inspired by the reggae greats like Osibisa, Bob Marley & The Wailers, and Asa, NATAB's music transcends time, instiling a sense of shared responsibility for revolution and liberation. With a diverse lineup and shared commitment to meaningful change, NATAB embodies a unity that resonates through its soul-stirring melodies.
Nana (Vocalist): Music is a vehicle for resistance; from the freedom sounds of apartheid South Africa to the rise of reggae music in Jamaica and worldwide, we have seen the role of music in our collective liberation. As reggae musicians, we aspire to create the soundtrack for the impending revolution. We know we have a responsibility as artists to sing the songs of our times, the songs that move the people, the music that creates spaces for our shared pain, to live in our joy, share our gains and be there for each other through our losses.
June 28th 2024 marked the release of the band’s new EP ‘They Hunted The Land.’ The 3 song project can only be described as disruptive and thought-provoking. The songs open with an engaging spoken word piece that captivates you, making you linger on every word. This technique enhances the storytelling, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the song's message. The use of various mediums to emphasize the message is impactful, and the spoken word element heightens your attention to the lyrics.
Nana (Vocalist): The story adds to the underlying message by creating an opportunity for greater awareness of our present reality and looming future. The Akan people have a saying, “obi nkyere abofra nyame” (You can't teach a child about god); therefore, we hope our music serves as a reminder of what you already know deep within yourself. With this project, we collaborated with writer Albury C., a close friend of mine whose work is powerful and will serve as an essential layer for the audience. Our goal has always been to provide a lifetime experience that evolves with each listen, and this story does that. This is not fiction; it is a mere representation of our realities.
The leading song "Thief/Police," delves into societal corruption, materialism, and integrity struggles, contrasting thieves with authorities while referencing historical enslavement and current issues like taxation. The refrain "There's no honour amongst thieves" serves as a warning against dishonesty, emphasizing truth, inner peace, and the resistance against external exploitative forces.
Nana (Vocalist): We first recorded this song intending to release it as a single. However, after meditating on themes of oppression and the dynamics of authority and corruption, it felt necessary to expand on the colonial relationship between people and land. Whatever we do to the land, we do to ourselves. We suffer at the hands of decision-makers and decisions which favour extraction (corruption) over life itself. Words are important, you can use them to lead or mislead and through abstraction and obscurity, we become trapped in a fantasy of untruths. When billions of people share realities of systemic oppression, who’s really the thief? From this came “They Hunted The Land.”
"Asaase Yaa" explores themes of unity, resilience, and interconnectedness, depicting a community coming together in adversity. It emphasizes empathy, support, and spiritual connection through repeated reassurances and references to Asaase Yaa, serving as a heartfelt call for compassion and perseverance, celebrating the enduring spirit of humanity.
In "Talking Drum," the lyrics explore themes of oppression, resistance, and hope for a better future, portraying struggles and the yearning for change. It critiques political greed and violence, emphasizing resilience and the belief in eventual improvement, empowering listeners to challenge corrupt systems, advocate for accountability, and work collectively for a just world.
Together, these songs explore recurring themes of societal critique, resilience, unity, and the enduring human spirit, presenting a journey through the narratives of corruption, community strength, and the persistent fight for justice and moral integrity.
The band opens up about the unique strengths each person brings to the table and how these talents coalesce into a unified sound. They emphasise the importance of everyone’s contribution in maintaining harmony and pushing their collective vision forward. By leveraging their individual skills, they create music that is not only sonically excellent but is also profound with messages of change and empathy. As the band passionately puts it:
Nana (Vocalist): Collectively, we have varied lived experiences which create a refined yet relatable sound. We start from the message, and everything comes together.
Ali (Producer): The source of the music is firmly grounded in the essence of our everyday lives, the things we see, hear, and touch. Our biggest strength is our ability to work without egos or distractions; it keeps us striving for more.
Maya (Vocalist) : As a vocalist, I uplift the message of the songs and co-create with my bandmates. I am involved in it all, from singing and writing to helping build ideas to add power, variation and emotion to the songs. (Maya, Vocalist)
Eli (Guitarist) : My experience has taught me to keep it simple: sit in when necessary and know when to fall back. NATAB has a message, and making that the highlight is essential. I allow the music to speak and hopefully open people’s minds to an intention they can confidently stand on.
Ahsia (Vocalist): My experience with different genres brings a fresh perspective to our music. The goal is to keep it innovative while staying true to our core message. I write deep and thought-provoking lyrics because music can evoke emotions and spark conversations. I aim to capture that in every song we create to inspire change.
It is evident that the band's approach to music is solid and the music reflects it. Creating music that strikes a chord with listeners requires more than just a catchy melody; it demands a profound understanding of the complex and often painful issues that shape our world. For NATAB, addressing these themes in their lyrics is both a responsibility and an art form. NATAB is invested in being the mouthpiece of a crusade drawing inspiration from musical luminaries like Osibisa, Bob Marley & The Wailers and Asa, creating timeless art that will live beyond the brigade members. I wondered what it takes to translate complex and meaningful ideas into lyrical content that resonates with listeners
Nana (Vocalist): The only way is through simplicity; the complexity comes from how our messages relate to the lived experiences of the audience. We see the world through our language, and our goal is to provide more ways to communicate the circumstances of our reality in a way that unites the masses. On “Never Give Up” from our debut project “Peace and Love,” we say, “these songs that we’re singing are not meant to bring in animosity amongst the people.” Reggae music is music that has some of the greatest world-changing potential. We encourage you to listen to the music and let it connect with you as it is meant to. We always hope it serves as a guide on whatever journey you find yourself on. If that leads you to impact your community positively, no matter the scale, humanity will forever be grateful.
Translating powerful lyrical themes into compelling music is a nuanced process that demands a seamless fusion of words and sound. For NATAB, the themes explored in their lyrics—whether addressing oppression, corruption, or racism—directly influence their musical arrangements and overall sound. They meticulously craft their compositions to complement and enhance the lyrical content, ensuring that every chord, beat, and melody amplifies the emotional weight and urgency of the message. The interplay between the music and lyrics creates a holistic experience that stays with listeners, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. As the band articulates their approach:
Ali (Producer): The themes we explore tend to precede our being; hence, the music has to feel bigger than life yet grounded in imperfection. The process begins with drums and percussion, to which lyrics and melodies are added. The messaging is essential, yet the soundscape needs to embellish the lyrical content.
Eli (Guitarist): The message is the essence of our sound. It gives direction, yet we are sensitive to moments of change. They bring a light to the songs we may not have seen before their inception.
Beyond making powerful music, Nana and the Asafo Brigade are driven by a fervent aspiration to carry forward the legacy of those who have previously embarked on similar journeys in revolutionary music. Their songs are a call to action to make a difference. When impactful lyrics meet evocative music, it ignites empowerment and solidarity. In doing so, they honour the trailblazers who came before them but also position themselves as predecessors for the next generation of musical revolutionaries. With the aim of using their art to pave the way for a more equitable world, the band reflects on their mission:
Nana (Vocalist): It’s a long road for sure, but like those who came before, we take the journey day by day. We hope to impact as many people in the world as possible, but even if that ends up being just one person, it still counts as an effort within our collective struggle. We are just a part of the overall story. So many great ones have come before and exist with us now; we honour their lives and acknowledge their contributions, and with that, we carry the mantle.
Stream 'They Hunted The Land Here' :