PHOTO: Morian Mikhail
Baltimore-based Ugandan-American artist Ian Mugerwa, aka Dawunaa, has announced a new record, Love’s Arp, his first for the True Panther label. The single, “Love’s Ekongo”, is out now.
According to the announcement, Love’s Arp is a collection of avant devotionals inspired by the full spectrum of Diasporic Black Music, from traditional East African rhythms and vintage gospel to DIY sound design influenced by modern house and techno. Some songs are about a woman named Love.
Mugerwa cites D’Angelo, Prince, Dean Blunt, Tim Hecker, Geese, Kate Bush, Mount Eerie, and Jai Paul among his influences. Joe Williams of Motion Graphics helped develop the synth sounds and mixes, and Heba Kadry mastered the record.
The record follows Dawuna’s 2020 release Glass Lit Dream, 2024’s Naya, and the mixtape African Family Laptop Musick.
Love’s Arp is released on 6 November via True Panther Records
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