Qkumba Zoo were an eclectic duo, Owl and Levannah, from South Africa. (Actually, they were presented as a trio, but 'member' Tziki is credited only with 'energy' in the liner notes, so her contribution seems minimal at best). Their music was an odd mix of tribal-ish beats and vocals, obviously influenced by their homeland, and euro-house beats. They released this album, then titled Big, independently in South Africa, but were soon snatched up by a major label in North America looking to capitalize on the euro-house and world music crazes, and the album was repackaged and renamed. The first single "The Child (Inside)" set North American dancefloors on fire and reached number one on Billboard's dance charts (thanks to mixes by Junior Vasquez and the Berman Brothers), and even reached the Hot 100. But the sound was perhaps a bit too eclectic (a whole album of this sort of thing does wear a bit thin), and although they did release a more downbeat second single,"Cloud Eyes (I'm Scared, You're Scared)", they never had another hit. They released another album independently as QZoo, and then recorded years later as Innaskinz, but to little interest.UPDATE: Just got a message from Owl. No offense intended friend. :) Here it is:
"So, there I was surfing the net, and I came across you illegally putting up my album for free download, and saying something about "wearing a bit thin". Perhaps I could forgive these indiscretions if you blogged about our latest album: www.qkumbazoo.bandcamp.com. Take a listen to these songs: "http://soundcloud.com/qkumba-zoo/let-the-light-in", and "http://soundcloud.com/qkumba-zoo/torn-between-you-and-the-sky". Cheers :) Owl, from Qkumba Zoo www.qkumbazoo.co.za"
UPDATE #2: Owl wrote again and would like me to share the following: "Hi Nasty G. Owl here, from Qkumba Zoo again. Perhaps you could mention that both "Wake Up & Dream", and "Letthelightin" are now available on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon etc. Thanks a mil!!"
Video for The Child (Inside)
Video for Cloud Eyes (I'm Scared, You're Scared)
Download Wake Up & Dream
| 1 | Rain | |
| 2 | The Child (Inside) | |
| 3 | Cloud Eyes (I'm Scared, You're Scared) | |
| 4 | Flesh And Blood | |
| 5 | Big | |
| 6 | Into The Night | |
| 7 | Weeping | |
| 8 | Mermaids | |
| 9 | Happy Earthday | |
| 10 | Time Of Wonder | |
| 11 | Big Mothership |
I would love a copy of this album, if it's not too troubling.
ReplyDeleteI've re-upped it for you. ;)
DeleteSo, there I was surfing the net, and I came across you illegally putting up my album for free download, and saying something about "wearing a bit thin". Perhaps I could forgive these indiscretions if you blogged about our latest album: www.qkumbazoo.bandcamp.com. Take a listen to these songs: "http://soundcloud.com/qkumba-zoo/let-the-light-in", and "http://soundcloud.com/qkumba-zoo/torn-between-you-and-the-sky".
ReplyDeleteCheers :)
Owl, from Qkumba Zoo
www.qkumbazoo.co.za
Thanks for the input! No idea you were still together, as at the time this was posted there was little info on you. Sorry about the wearing thin comment. ;) It's a great album! And if you want me to take it off let me know. Again, at the time it was posted there was nowhere to get it, and this site is a tribute to long lost albums and an introduction to people who may have never heard about you before. No offense intended. ;)
ReplyDeleteAre you still giving the download, I would love to have it. I plan on having the album played at my funeral when I die. It would be much appreciated, and I understand completely it if you deny me the honor. Please and Thank You and of course Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteIt has been reupped. ;)
DeleteThank You so so Much. You have no idea how many memories of mine are attached to Qkumba Zoo. If I could thank you in person I'd kiss your feet. Your work in reuniting us with the music we've grown with is simply amazing. I hope you have a blessed life. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest Nasty G, any artist you feature here in your blog should be at least thankful to you because if it weren't for this blog, we wouldn't know that they existed or at least attempted to get into music at all. I don't see anything wrong you posting the albums for us to download so more power to you.
ReplyDeleteKapi Kat
Thanks! Appreciate that. :)
DeleteHi Nasty G. Owl here, from Qkumba Zoo again. Perhaps you could mention that both "Wake Up & Dream", and "Letthelightin" are now available on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon etc. Thanks a mil!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nasti for mentioning the updates :)Really sorry to hear about your partner. Hope you are doing ok. Cheers, Owl
ReplyDelete