Information/Write-up
Gayap is a collective of brethren from the Caribbean and North America, who during the last seven years have performed and travelled extensively in Canada.
Gayap was formed in 1975 in a time of change. The impulses of the founding members were spiritual, and the unifying vibrations came from the drums and the songs and the words – all of which reflect the experiences of the African Diaspora and so help to reshape the heritage of the Americas.
The name “Gayap” comes from the Trini word “gayap” – in the Yoruba language this word means “togetherness.”
Gayap has performed at numerous festivals across Canada, including the Mariposa Folk Festival, the International Drumming Symposium, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the Edmonton Folk Festival, and the Ontario Folk Festival.
This record is a tribute to the work of the artists who are part of the Gayap family – Mohjah, Aki Allen, Gideon Rightly, Julius Allen, and others. Now-members of Truths & Rights, Lillian Allen and DJ Sittu.
Iowata: bass, piano and organ on Zion Gates
Mohjah: background vocals on Open Up Your Eyes, Sweet and Free and The Challenge
All songs arranged by Gayap
All music by Gayap
Produced by Gayap, Michael Brook, Clive Schaeffer and Iowata with additional assistance and motivation by Michael Brook, Tom Rogers, Iowata, and Mohjah
Recorded and mixed at Kensington Sound
Mixed by Jesse Daniel
Mastered by Peter Norman at McClear Place, Toronto, Ontario
Executive producer: Clive Robertson
Graphic design by Clive Robertson
Front photography by Hosel/Harris
Back cover photography by Anand Persaud
The Sunlight
When the sunlight
Filters into our morning faces
And shows us the colours of
Creation,
Surrounding sounds are born
Which is vibrating to the beat of life
With the rolling of the Drum
The story has been told.
Let the talking drum
Ring in your ears
And touch your soul.
Awake my people
I call you
A new day has begun
I call you
For I am the Drum.
– Gayap
GAYAP RHYTHM DRUMMERS
Suite 228, 238 Davenport Road, Toronto, Canada M5R 1J6
The recording part of this project was assisted by the Explorations Programme, Canada Council.
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