Larry Maluma to release ‘Ulemu’ world-wide

After releasing his album Ulemu in Zambia in July, Australia-based Zambian musician Larry Maluma will on October 24, internationally be releasing the album which was first recorded 30 years at DB studios and Multimedia Complex in Lusaka.
Music critic Charles Kachikoti, in an August 24, 1985 article in the Zambia Daily Mail, wrote that: “The overall co-ordination of the songs is striking. Larry has a lot to offer and seems set to stand out. This is possibly the most up-to-date reggae production by any Zambian artiste.”
Despite having moved to Australia decades ago, Larry remains a recognised star in Zambia with 11 studio albums and more than 15 music video clips to date. In Australia, he is a major contributor to the Zambian and Australian African roots and reggae scene.
Maluma recorded Ulemu (Respect) with what he terms some of the finest musicians in Zambia.
“With many of the musicians regarded as Africa’s leading session musicians, the individual and collective brilliance of the musicians respectively assures a diverse sound which encompasses complex African rhythms and Roots Reggae. Since arriving in Australia Maluma has broadened the Australian perspective of African music. Maluma was recently honoured with a Life Time Achievement Award.
“It’s a great pleasure and a blast from the past into the future to be able to share with you this unique ‘debut ‘ album, Ulemu (Respect) recorded in Zambia over thirty years ago as Larry Maluma’s 12th album,” reads a statement from his record label Safari Music.
Songs on the album are Chakolwa (Drunkard), Walking in the City,  Chimutima Chako (You have issues), Iwe Ganiza (You think),     1 to 5, Tulayane (Let’s Advise Each Other), Ulemu (Respect), Black or White, Staying in the World and Simifi (Smith).
The songs were recorded in 1984, when out of boredom, Larry invited a few friends to Multimedia Complex in Lusaka. His younger sister, Trinity, went with him just for fun but ended up singing the backing vocals on the tracks.
The manager of then Teal Records was impressed with the album and decided to give him a real push-up by footing all the expenses to Zimbabwe to remix and produce the music under Gramma Records, the sister company to Teal Records.
He thought the songs, particularly those in local language, would make an impact in Europe as they were in vogue. But then, Larry migrated to Australia. But last year, he opened an old trunk only to discover the tape masters from 1984/85.
The result is Ulemu which will now be released internationally on Zambia’s independence.

(DailyMail)