'Tombo' / Ausecuma Beats
Elevated by upbeat yet sentimental percussion, Ausecuma Beats’ latest single “Tombo” tells a story of sharing knowledge through friendship.
Ausecuma Beats’ single “Tombo”, released October 8th is the latest single from the band’s forthcoming album Musso. The percussion powerhouse’s album is set to be released November 5th by Music in Exile.
The perfect song to complement a sunny weekend in Naarm, ‘“Tombo” weaves complex rhythmic patterns through uplifting and nostalgic melodies to tell the story of a student and their teacher. Boubacar Gaye, leader and master djembe player of Ausecuma Beats, dedicated the song to an important teacher from his childhood in Senegal. In a statement Gaye says,
““It’s very important to me to pay respect to my teacher. This song is about friendship but also forgiveness too. He took me when I was 16, he shared his knowledge with me, became a friend and a dad to me at the same time, teaching me how to move through life. Things I am doing now are because that teacher gave it to me.”
Through conversational rhythmic motifs, supported by the melodic strength and steadiness of the entire band, we are taken along a journey of listening, sharing and learning. We hear the sounds of a student and their teacher calling back and forth, one instrument mimicking the sounds of the latter. As the song progresses the student becomes stronger, and breaks out into a blissful sonic mural of individual expression.
Photo: Nick Mckk
The sounds of each instrument come alive to play the supportive foundation through this trajectory of aural excitement and growth. “The support of the band and the return to the catchy main theme reflects the presence of the teacher - always there, guiding, reminding, and encouraging the song along”.
Boubacar Gaye has said that their forthcoming album Musso can be “defined by the song Tombo”.
The song returns us to moments from our past, soft moments of learning and encouragement. It’s one of Ausecuma Beats’ many incredible tracks.
If you haven’t already, you need to lay back in the sunshine and listen to “Tombo”.
Photo: Nick Mckk
Words by Ria Pillai
Photos by Nick Mckk
Musso artwork by Natalie Cassar
“Tombo” single design by Rochelle Oh and Joëlle Thomas
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