Single Release /Blind Boys of Alabama + Amadou & Mariam: NETOLA
Because Music Announces Single Release “NETOLA”
out today (June 2) in the U.S. from the EP
FROM BAMAKO TO BIRMINGHAM
Los Angeles, CA — Thursday, June 2, 2022 – Following their successful European and U.S. spring tour, the Blind Boys of Alabama and Amadou & Mariam will release the single, NETOLA, on June 2, 2022. A culturally enriching fusion of Afro-pop and soulful gospel, NETOLA is a joyous song of hope and love in these challenging times.
EP LinkTree https://amadouandmariam.lnk.to/netola
While they may appear worlds apart, Mali’s Amadou & Mariam and the American Blind Boys of Alabamashare something undeniable: deeply felt music of the soul that transcends cultures, nations, and musical styles. Both groups feature blind singers from opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean and have come together again to release a collaborative song entitled NETOLA.
The song began as a basic track recorded by Amadou & Mariam. The lyrics, in the Bambara language of their homeland, bemoan the selfishness and cruelty existing in the world today but declare “I’m not part of that.” The Blind Boys then went into the studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and put their positive spin on the song by adding lines like “Brotherhood, I’m a part of that.” The result is an uplifting song for difficult times sung by two bands from diverse cultural and religious traditions – serving as a model of the fellowship they embrace.
About From Bamako to Birmingham
For over 40 years, Amadou & Mariam have combined their personal love story with a global music career. As revered ambassadors for Malian and African music, their sound is heartwarming, featuring syncopated rhythms topped with lyrical melodies. Five-time GRAMMY Award Winners the Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. These Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees are known for crossing musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel to music crafted by contemporary songwriters. The EP presents the opportunity for longtime fans of both groups to revel in the electrifying sounds of these blended voices and introduces new listeners to a thrilling musical journey.
The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy/GRAMMYs with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of five GRAMMY® Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years. The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits. They have appeared on recordings with many artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Susan Tedeschi, Ben Harper, Patty Griffin and Taj Mahal.
Amadou & Mariam have managed to joyfully combine their love story with a musical career while becoming, discreetly but surely, the most famous ambassadors for Malian music, and African music, all around the world; a golden status that they carry with brio and playfully challenge with each new album. Amadou & Mariam have collaborated with many different artists and worked with producers that seem far removed from their universe, like Damon Albarn of Blur or Manu Chao. They have invited the best artists who are building tomorrow’s pop music to play on their lively songs such as Santigold, TV On The Radioand the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Many songs have been remixed by Yuksek, Vitalic, Henrik Schwarz, Mike Snow and Ashley Beedle, bringing the songs to the dance floor and underlining their intrinsically danceable quality. They’ve played the world’s biggest festivals, from Coachella to Glastonbury, and opened for bands such as Coldplay and the Scissor Sisters. By enriching their Afro-pop with new pigments, by introducing to the world the richness and subtleties of African music, the duo has brought African music to the charts and to the dance floor. They’ve inspired many artists to mix Afro and electro sounds, such as MHD, DJ Mujava, Awesome Tapes From Africa, Four Tet or Jamie XX.
Photo credit: ©Danish Saroee