Body Mind Spirit EP

"Body Mind Spirit" is a masterful collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Àbáse and drummer/producer Ziggy Zeitgeist, also known for his live project Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange and his work with Australian Nu-Soul juggernauts 30/70. As Àbáse x Zeitgeist, they share a deep musical understanding and respect, moving fluidly through future funk, deep electronica, house and techno while maintaining an undeniable organic, soulful and spiritual foundation, supported by the voice of the South African singer Dumama.

The term "Àbáse" in the West African Yorùbá language stands for collaboration. And from the very first moment Àbáse heard Ziggy Zeitgeist play drums live with 30/70, he had a very strong vision that they will create music together. Indeed, soon after, the two embarked on a musical journey, merging their experimental background as live musicians with their love for modern electronic productions. Surrounded and influenced by the urban club culture and electronic music scene that their new home Berlin has to offer, the two kindred spirits began improvising and jamming regularly at Ziggy's Xberg studio.

The EP beautifully captures a highly sophisticated hybrid of hand-played elements and progressive, electronic grooves. Most of the studio sessions involved Àbáse improvising on keys, synths and percussion over Ziggy's drum grooves and electronic beat sketches. Ziggy would then spent all night editing and arranging what they had recorded, throwing in loose and crazy ideas, unexpected breaks and cuts that made it difficult for Àbáse to even recognize what he had originally played the day before. Highly motivated by this kind of experimental synergy, the two spent many hours together in the studio following their creative vision.

Coincidence would have it that Àbáse and Ziggy Zeitgeist shared the same stage with Dumama from the duo Dumama + Kechou. The South African-born, Berlin-based, artist, performer and sonic researcher is a compelling storyteller and lyricist. She works to seamlessly blend traditional South African oral culture and futuristic globally-oriented poetics, with a delicate care and awareness of the value of both. Deeply moved by her musical performance and strong spirit, the two decided on the spot to invite her to Ziggy's studio for a musical collaboration. A guided meditation by Dumama was followed by a collective improvisation that laid the foundation for the profound title track "Body Mind Spirit" as well as several short 'meditations' that create a fluid and connective tissue throughout the EP.