Sara Mama

A project long in the making, Sara Mama, which translates as ‘mother corn,’ has its roots in the Kichwa communities of the Ecuadorian Andes, where back in 2010, 12 teenagers (eight musicians and four dancers) gathered to revisit their collective ancestral knowledge and culture. Taking inspiration from the ritual dances of Kichwa communes at the foot of the Tayta Imbabura and Mama Cutakachi volcanoes, this is a concept album exploring the relationships between humanity, nature and the gods. In the face of its serious subject matter and lengthy genesis, Sara Mama, it must be said, is strikingly playful and beautiful – a true celebration of living spirit. Bass bombo drums provide the bouncing bedrock over which interwoven pan pipes, violins and bandolin (15-string guitar) dance and spin. Vocals range from intoned, almost spoken word, to hypnotic, circling melodies. Fans of Andean music will be familiar with the irrepressible nature of the ‘stepping,’ foot-tapping rhythms to be found across a generous 12 tracks but, even to a seasoned ear, Humazapas offer something wonderfully fresh and arresting. This decade-long project is well worth the wait.