Icelandic Afro Band Issamwera releases highly funded album
Issamwera is an Afro-Latin band from Iceland. Their name is a combination of Samvera (Icelandic), which means togetherness, Mwera (Mwera people in northern Mozambique), and Issamwera (Sena a language from Center Mozambique which means “to come” or “welcome”).
Issamwera’s journey began in 2013 when Yara, a Mozambican-born musician known as Monace, experienced “rhythmic screams.” Yara is a multi-instrumentalist who primarily plays the guitar.
On her musical journey, she met Andres, Cheik, Ellert, Ingo, and Kwami, where the sound converted into an experience, like a journey to the sunny side of the world, with organic and spontaneous melodies that capture so many different styles and influences. It was certain that after meeting them, the sound of Issamwera’s music spiced up with melodic chords, powerful African hand drums, and strong Latin vibes.
“It was only after meeting them that I came to believe that the music we were making was unique and worthwhile,” said Yara.
Issamwera faced a difficult challenge when funding their first album on their own, and almost called it quits when they decided to create a KarolinaFund crowdfunding campaign to help with their goal, to fund recordings of their first EP. With seven songs in their repertoire from exotic Bossanova to powerful African percussion rhythms, the craft was ready to be released. Little that they know is how interested people are in this type of music, and this type of experience, leading the campaign to surpass what they initially asked for with 130% of full funding, which in todays world it is hard to come by.
In December 2021, after many years of perfecting the album, Issamwera released their first single titled Ástin mín, which means “My Love.” The song is a result of a beautiful blend of exotic sounds from Bossa Nova, a unique flute solo and beautiful melodies with an Icelandic touch. Which is a result of their exposure to the local music scene with strong acts such as Bjork, Retro Stefson, Sigur Ros, and others.
Ástin mín is the first song in the album, titled with the band’s name Issamwera meaning Welcome. The inspiration for this album came from the urge to take audiences on a musical a journey to travel across the warm lands of Africa and Latin America with the combination of African rhythms, soulful sounds, and high-energy performances. The long waited vinyl will be available this August when the touring begins.
For more information, visit:
Website: https://issamwera.com
For updates follow @issamweraband on Instagram and Facebook.
About Issamwera
Issamwera is an Icelandic Afro-Latin band. Yara started the band in 2013, and the other members of the band are Andres, Cheik, Ellert, Ingo, and Kwami. After their first single titled Ástin mín, the band is ready with their first album Issamwera.
Media Contact
Company Name: Oktaves
Contact Person: Yara Polana
Email: Send Email
State: Reykjanesbaer
Country: Iceland
Website: www.issamwera.com
