Vocal Tradition: IYASA and "Helele Mama"

Our random tune for today is called Helele Mama, and is performed by IYASA. Short for Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts, IYASA is a Zimbabwe-based award winning performing arts school for youth which was established in 2001. The school uses workshops, classes, projects, training programs and performance to build awareness of and support for the arts in Zimbabwe, and also serves as an incubator for talent in the country in a wide range of fields, including poetry, acting, music, voice, drama, film and other areas. You can find Helele Mama on the 2016 album Best of African Mbube. Mbube is an African vocal genre which is commonly associated with the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and was originally developed in coal mines by young Zulu men. It is characterized by a strong four part a cappella vocal harmony with dancing.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Striking Some Blows for Women: Mala Maña and Tres Golpes

Today's random tune is by Albuquerque group Mala Maña. An all-female voice and percussion ensemble, they focus on Latin American music with flavors of the African diaspora to the New World. Formed originally around a love for the music of Colombia's coastal regions, they play traditional music as well as their own original tunes. In their music, you can hear elements of Caribbean reggaton, African-American traditional, salsa, and Mexican cumbia. The band has had a fluid lineup, allowing them to explore music of different genres and as we can attest, are a favorite on the Albuquerque music scene. This song, Tres Golpes, is from their 2013 debut CD Mala Maña.

And I Just Washed My Car: The Mediaeval Baebes and "Return of the Birds"

You might not think you are in to mediaeval music, but today's song may change your mind. Return of the Birds is sung in Latin by a bevy of amazingly beautiful young women known as the Mediaeval Baebes. The Mediaeval Baebes began in 1996 when a group of friends led by Katherine Blake of the vocal group Miranda Sex Garden broke into a North London cemetery and sang a capella in flowing white robes and leaf garlands. They soon became an ensemble, and their first album, Salva Nos, shot to number two on the classical charts. It doesn't hurt that they are all gorgeous and very talented. The Mediaeval Baebes have since had many incarnations. They sing in an array of obscure and ancient languages, and have placed three albums in the top ten of the classical charts and participated in the BBC's television series The Virgin Queen. As you contemplate winter's advent, think of the promise and glory of the Return of the Birds, found on their 2005 album Mirabilis.

For City and Father: Yungchen Lhamo and "Lhasa"

Today's random tune is by Yungchen Lhamo, a Tibetan exile in New York City. Lhamo's name translates to "Goddess of Song," and was given to her by a lama after her birth in Lhasa. Fleeing Tibet in 1989, she first lived in Australia and then in New York. She tours extensively, singing unaccompanied, and has collaborated with artists such as Annie Lennox, Billy Corgan, Sheryl Crow, Michael Stipe and Peter Gabriel, to whose label, Real World Records, she is under contract. This song, Lhasa, can be found on her 2008 album Ama, and is dedicated to her father.

Throw-Wayyyy-Back Thursday: San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble (SAVAE) and "Esta es Cena de Amor Llena"

A real blast from the past is in today's random tune fitting with Throwback Thursday. The San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble (SAVAE) went back to colonial Mexico. This tune, Esta es Cena de Amor Llena, was written by Tomás Pascual in the 16th century. The lyrics refer to the Mass:

This is a supper full of love,

this is a supper of love.

When we are in this supper there is love,

and it is love that He has ordained as a great glory.

Since such a supper has been created

it has been maintained for all.

This alone unites us

because it includes His essence. 

SAVAE is a unique ancient vocal music ensemble that is accompanied by early and traditional instrumentation. They made their debut in 1989 presenting Latin music from the colonial period. Its artistic director, Christopher Moroney, has penned arrangements and new compositions for the group, that has involved delving into ancient history and cultures. The group has been featured on national radio shows and has toured the United States and around the world. Esta es Cena de Amor Llena can be found on their 2000 album El Milagro de Guadalupe.

A Polyphonic Spree: Chet Nuneta and "Ayazin"

Today's random tune is a haunting song called Ayazin by Chet Nuneta with Michael Fernandez. Chet Nuneta is a French five piece polyphonic group accompanied by percussion. Their music draws from Arabic, Eastern European and Sephardic influences. Started in 2000 as a female vocal trio, they have increased to five members and have always been inspired by the musical traditions of the world. They sing in more than 15 languages and have performed at prestigious venues such as WOMEX and WOMAD. They have released 2 albums. Ayazin can be heard on their 2008 album Ailleurs.