Syrin

SELKTA Series #004 — Syrin

As we celebrate Women’s Month, we’re putting the spotlight on Syrin.

For this one, she takes us through jazz, reggae and sounds that sit somewhere in between. Warm, easy and made for taking your time with.

We’ve been wanting to hear what she’d do with the SELKTA format and she came through with a beautiful selection.

SELKTA Selector Notes

How would you describe the sound or mood of your mix?

Today’s offering is a nod to Black music expressed across different timelines.

What kind of space were you trying to create with this selection?

A safe space to explore and have conversations around Black music and how it influences most soundscapes.

What does being a selector mean to you?

Experiencing the ability to find rare and meaningful records that shape my perspective on the past and future, and unpacking those perspectives on a larger scale.

Are there any tracks in the mix that feel especially important to you right now?

Alemayehu Eshete’s “Temar Ledje,” or “My son, you had better listen,” has reignited my love for Ethiopian jazz and blues. He was dubbed the Ethiopian Elvis for his eccentric lyric delivery, and the song was a popular motivator for many to get an education.

What sounds, scenes or artists have been sitting in your rotation lately?

South Africa’s expression of funk jazz or Motown jazz between the 1960s and 1980s, and how artists in exile drew influence from American soul alongside local sounds, creating a groove-heavy and revolutionary hybrid.

Where do you think people should listen to this mix?

Definitely with people, to create that space for conversation around the music and what it represents.

What do you want people to feel after hearing your transmission?

Just an all-round sense of pride and a greater understanding of how cool our people and continent are.

Full Tracklist

1. Menahan Street Band - Dust to Dust

2. Alemayehu Eshete - Temar Ledje

3. Unity - Manejre

4. The Souljazz Orchestra - Aduna Jarul Naawo

5. Minoru Muraoka - Take Five

6. Youssou N'Dour - Djino

7. The Sorcerers - She Who Perceives the Sounds of the World

8. Amadou & Mariam - Massa Allah

9. Sweg Unity - Musikana

10. Harare Mambos - Shanga Yangu

11. WITCH - Funky Reggae

12. Arat Kilo, Mamani Keïta & Mike Ladd - Dou Coula

13. Letta Mbulu - Mamani