Late Junction 🔊 (BBC Radio 3)

Fred Moten Lecture, 3/13/14

Maisha

Fahari Yetu

Father and Son

Coin is more than an album—it’s a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the unyielding power of the human spirit. Born from a crucible of challenges, this project survived against all odds. When the MSI computer housing the album’s tracks was stolen, it seemed like the end. Devastation hit hard, threatening to erase a body of work that meant more than anything. But hope emerged from the ashes: private demo copies saved on SoundCloud became the lifeline that kept Coin alive. The overwhelming joy of that discovery fueled an unstoppable drive to push forward, transforming despair into triumph.
Coin is a sonic odyssey that unearths the true self—a hidden power within, a bridge between the physical and the spiritual. Its pulsating organs, deep subs, and resonant 808s are the atoms of elevation, crafting an experience that lingers in the soul. This isn’t just music to hear and forget; it’s a journey back to where your essence resides, a call to reconnect with your innermost being.
The album opens with the vibrant dancehall rhythms of Ugandan artist Bignani Afrika’s Backshot, setting an electrifying tone and the Apocalyptic synths. The groove continues with Ratigan Era and Mhadia, a South Sudanese female vocalist and producer, weaving raw energy with soulful finesse. The tempo shifts as Ugandan avant-garde rapper Ecko Bazz delivers No Hesitation, a bold dubstep-infused collaboration with Bignani Afrika, showcasing his versatile flow.
The Congolese vocalist Freed Mushaka, open a portal to what artist Chrisman calls “finding your true self.” Mushaka’s voice blends futuristic African vibes with traditional roots, creating a transcendent finale that feels both timeless and otherworldly.

Chrisman doesn’t stop there. His ambition on making always surprising music and interacting never stopped. He surprises with a powerful collaboration featuring Masaka Masaka, a Ugandan producer and filmmaker whose pivotal support shaped the album’s soul. From making, recording vocals and directing video clip, Their synergy shines in Rise and Shine, where electrifying synths and 808's pull listeners into an unknown, breathtaking world. The momentum carries into Leo Season, a chill freestyle hip-hop track Chrisman describes as “the way through it,” offering a moment of introspective calm amid the storm.

The album closes with Under His Cover, a profound reflection on the tension between societal expectations and inner truth.
Coin Album is a cure for those navigating hard times, a beacon of inspiration drawn from Chrisman’s relentless spirit. Take this journey, let it spark your own resilience, and discover the power within.

Coin is a journey worth taking. Dive in, explore, and let it guide you to the core of who you are.

Fahari Yetu

The Zawose Queens