One of Brisbane's finest exponents of world music, MZAZA have been delivering Balkan-French inspired compositions to folk lovers across the globe for more than a decade.
Their next instalment is 'Lucifer', a track dominated by its powerful, violin-driven opening that's sung entirely in French. The lyrics explore the history of humans creating institutions to justify oppression and dominate other cultures.'Lucifer' conjures symbolism of the devil and humanity's immorality, examining the idea that good and evil as concepts are human creations utilised as a means of control.
"I am fascinated by our collective human capacity to control our world," MZAZA singer Pauline Maudy says, "our opportunity to create our own prosperity, turmoil, happiness or despair.
"In this song, I explore how something like spirituality can be a positive part of human existence, yet humans have used institutionalised religion as a conduit for division and hurt, for the creation and reinforcement of hierarchies between people of different genders, cultures, sexual orientation, social standing.
"I also explore the idea that people who are protected within hierarchies, institutions or belief systems can be excused from owning their own actions against others.
"These negative consequences are our own creation and I believe that, just as we have the ability to construct systems of oppression, we can create systems that support equality and harmony."
Ahead of the song's commercial release (8 August), scenestr is thrilled to premiere 'Lucifer' today. Enjoy.
MZAZA, whose song 'The Birth And Death Of Stars' was nominated for the World Music award at 2020 Queensland Music Awards (an award they've won twice previously: 2015, 2016), will perform two shows (yes, live music) at The Tivoli (10-11 September) as part of Brisbane Festival's 2020 programme.
