reginald omas mamode iv: stand strong
Francisco Espregueira
Let’s chill and open our minds with this one. The fourth solo album of Reginald Omas Mamode IV is one of the records of the year so far, cementing his craft as one of the most authentic, sensible and groovy you will hear these days. Stand Strong follows three previous albums and countless other projects, mostly released by Five Easy Pieces. His messages speak against our collective future and the struggle of the Afro Diaspora people, the enslavement and colonisation of his and many others ancestors. His clear modus operandi focuses on a desire for peace, unity, love and a revised value system to insight a wider societal change.
Reginald’s new project encompasses themes like a distaste for humanity's collective responses to the hierarchical systems that the ruling classes have conjured, past abuses and present economic and physical slavery on our and our children’s future. With that in mind, we are nonetheless able to feel an overall message of love, hope and respect for life. Crossing boundaries of hip hop, soul and funky music, Stand Strong brings intuitive instrumentals, raw drums, natty funk bass, soulful fender Rhodes, and Creole percussive patterns. Reginald Omas Mamomde IV keeps producing music that comes with a clear trademark that marks our spiritual direction. Available on vinyl, via Five Easy Pieces.
“Music, it’s a beautiful, spiritual and powerful thing. It transcends boundaries and cultures, brings people together, it can instigate the worst and the best in us.”