The first track, ‘Tryst (Kazanchis Dub)’, transforms ‘Kazanchis’ into a spacious, bass-led meditation inspired by classic dub records from artists including General Echo, Aswad and Stevie Wonder. Named after Tryst, a much-loved bar in the Kazanchis district of Addis Ababa where the bands spent time when in Ethiopia, the remix draws together personal memories with shared musical influences.
SLICKnBOBBY tell us: “This one felt like a natural progression of two worlds in the same orbit. We’re friends, studio neighbours, long-time mutual fans, collaborators and, on occasion, Menelik will sort us some double bass lessons. This record is the perfect excuse to hang out and bring those worlds together.”
Second on the release is ‘Yekermo Sew’, a companion piece that further explores the meeting point between Ethiopia and Jamaica. Originally blending Ethiopian melodies with Cuban and Afro-Latin sounds, the track finds new life through immersive dub production inspired by King Tubby, The Orb and Roots Manuva.
Speaking about the collaboration, ZENA’s Menelik says: “My parents love both Dub and Ethiopian music so blending the two was always a connection I wanted to explore and when we moved into the studio with SLICKnBOBBY it felt natural to collaborate. With tag on bass, I spent the session floating between guitar and keys. Kazanchis was the track from the album we knew had to be a dub and we wanted to pair that with Yekermo Sew”
Listen here.
