Three Epics - Part Five: Zile Under Zed

 

Zenzile is a Dub band from Angers, France formed in 1996. They took their name from the famous South African poet & anti-apartheid activist, Zenzile Miriam Makeba. The band is made up of, at various times, Alexandre Raux, Erik Sevret, Javier Maillet, Jean Christophe Wauthier, Matthieu Bablee, & Vincent Erdeven. 

Dub is usually an instrumental style, but the musicians of Zenzile are well-known for their leftist politics & often give voice to their beliefs lyrically with regular guest singers Jamika Ajalon, David Alderman, & Jean Gomis. 

Zenzile is a forerunner in the French 21st Century Dub movement but their style is unique, incorporating rock, electronics, punk, soul jazz, even folk. Always riddim driven, each new release focuses on the bands musically superb talents. One never knows what an upcoming Zenzile release will sound like other than that it will be great.

In 1998, Zenzile self-released their debut, a four song EP Dub Promozione to introduce themselves to the world.

Zenzile - Dub Promozione, Zenzile self-released, 1998.
all decryption codes in comments

Amor y Coning
Nexus6
Long Ride
Amor y Coning (alternate take)

 

 

 

 

The following year they released their debut full-length on Crash Disques.

 

 

Zenzile - Sachem in Salem, Crash Disques CRASH CD 22, 1999.

Dub Trooper   
Dub Vendetta   
Single Shot   
Pyrrhus Victory   
H-Air   
Alkaline O.D.   
Pumpin'   
Warning   
Sachem in Salem

 

 

 

 

 

Jumping ahead to 2002s Totem, it was released on Small Axe & is more indie rock influenced Dub, true to Zenzile's exquisite musical vision while reaching out to touch on sounds the band loved.

 

 

Zenzile - Totem, Small Axe...Small 028, 2002.

Pandora's Box
Smell the Roses
Morning Daylight
Open
Anti Bass Neighbourhood
Change
Close
Axis of Evil
Western Addict
She Landed Here
Lacrima

 

 

 

 

Enjoy,
NØ