Hache ST and Quilomboarte present ZAFRA (Album release May 3rd), the title of its most recent album; a project consolidated under a lucid discourse on Quisqueya, whose principal subject matter is the plea of the excluded, highlighting their struggles against hegemonic culture.
The artist underscores the subject of dominicanidad (dominican-ness; the Dominican national identity) and the construction of identity from the point of view of the the Haitian-Dominican predicament, delving into a deeper history than that which is popularly taught in elementary schools. In that sense, ZAFRA pays homage to well-known figures, such as Sebastian Lemba, in their struggles for emancipation; in that way the album picks up cross curricular issues on a cultural platform that allows you to visualize the versatility and interpretive strength of Hache ST’s current album which moves through subject matters such as the vindication of celebration, the importance of self-determination of women in the patriarchal setting, and the distorted educational system.
Musically, ZAFRA expresses a balance between soulful beats, neo-soul, jazz, drum sequences notably divergent from the 4/4 beat, and haitian “Gaga” percussion. In addition, the backing vocals sung by feminine vocals give the album a touch of sensibility through smooth melodies while energetically charged at the same time, similarly to those small details of synthesizers over samples, scratches, and live saxophones.
The album features collaborations with artists such as Frank T (one of the first and most respected MC’s in Spain), Bocafloja, Cambio, Favi, Lianna (Colombia), Acentoh (Dominican Republic), Alexandra Blakely (Seattle), Jonatan Piña Duluc (Jonás), Kwesi Ernesto Rodríguez (percussion), Ari Why (scratches) and DJ Bobby Bob (scratches). Producers include Jim B, Gas Lab, Best Quality, Andino, DJ Manuvers and Oscar Da Great.
