BCUC Our Truth

First outing from French formation BCUC - Their “incantations” in Zulu, Sotho and English and their funky modulations extend over twenty minutes in a whirlwind of sound reminiscent of Fela’s Afrobeat. This record is very recommended! Like its elders, Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC) sees its music as a hedonistic trance, but also as a weapon of political and spiritual liberation. Artistic heirs to Philip “Malombo” Tabane and Batsumi, they seek to give a contemporary voice to the ancestral traditions of indigenous peoples. Jazz sounds of 1970s and ‘80s productions have been replaced by hip-hop influences and a punk-rock energy. It all started about twelve years ago in a community centre workshop. The format of the band hasn’t changed much since that time, but its musical language has been greatly refined. While vocals and percussion have always driven their music, BCUC found its magic formula in 2013 when they folded a frenzied electric bass into the simple drum-and-vocals mix. And that’s the alchemy of “Africangungungu”, the name they’ve given to their “afro psychedelic” music. “Music for the people by the people with the people” – a people they refuse to box into one community, to circumscribe to one skin colour.