Sanguma - Papua Nuova Guinea (1984) 

We start our trip from the second biggest island in the world: Papua New Guinea! 

Papua New Guinea has more languages than any other country, with over 820 indigenous languages, representing 12% of the world's total, but most have fewer than 1,000 speakers. With an average of only 7,000 speakers per language, Papua New Guinea has a greater density of languages than any other nation on earth except Vanuatu. 

Sanguma band

It is estimated that more than one thousand cultural groups exist in Papua New Guinea. Because of this diversity, many styles of cultural expression have emerged. Each group has created its own expressive forms in art, dance, weaponry, costumes,  and of course music. This incredible richness is well represented by the Sanguma band.

Sanguma (ie, "black magic") is an ensemble formed at the National Art School of Port Moresby in 1977 and was among the first Papuan groups to perform abroad. Combining traditional instruments with western ones they give us a whirlwind mix between jazz-rock, local folk and progressive rock.

Their first omonimous album is from 1978, then they released Sanguma 2 in 79 and two live album in 1980.

This album called "Papua New Guinea" is from 1984, released in New Zealand, contains reinterpretation of songs previousle released.

Interesting links about Sangums:

https://malumnalu.blogspot.com/2011/12/tony-subam-and-legend-of-sanguma-band.html

http://yumistori.blogspot.com/2013/04/subam-sanguma-and-sounds-of-80s.html

TRACKLIST

A1 - Garden Song

A2 - Namilai

A3 - Sugu Kupma

A4 - Woma

B1 - Crystal Rapids

B2 - Welcome To The House

B3 - Sosi Sosi

Produced by Terence O'Neill-Joyce.

Group members: Leonard Talatus, lead guitar ; Raymond Hakena, drums ; Apa Saun, bass guitar ; Soru Tony Subam, saxophone, flute ; Tom Agai, trumpet, flugelhorn ; Paul Yabo, trumpet, syntehesiser, piano ; Sebastian Miyoni, vocals ; Buruka Tau, vocals, synthesiser, piano

Publisher: Auckland, N.Z. : Ode, p1984.