Mau Mau

Mau Mau

Mau Mau is an Italian group active since 1991 and associated with Italian patchanka, with elements of new wave, folk and world music. The current members listed are Roy Paci, Fabio Barovero and Luca Morino. The name also refers to a political movement in Kenya, while in Piedmontese usage it suggests people who come from far away, often with hardship.

Formation and style

The band forms in Turin in 1991 through the initiative of Luca Morino and Fabio Barovero, together with Bienvenu Tatè Nsongan, who comes from Cameroon. Its project links African and South American rhythms, and the group develops a sound rooted in this blend of influences.

Early releases and collaboration

In 1992 the group releases its first recorded work, the EP Soma la macia, sung in Piedmontese. Peter Gabriel notices the band and invites it to Real World Studios, where it prepares its first album, Sauta Rabel. After that release, the band tours and appears at major festivals.

Festivals

Mau Mau performs at the Palestine International Dance & Music Festival and at the International Festival of Babylon in Iraq.