This exposition is respectfully dedicated to the memories of Balthazar Emmanuel and Zanzi B.
Balthazar, I am thankful for moments we got to share, and the work we did together. The sound of your mixing will live on in the work you have done and your memory in our hearts.
Zanzi B, the true Rastaman. May your fire burn brighter where you are. Tuli palaa!
The Mwana Mkala album and this research would not have been possible without the people involved and people who supported it.
First of all, I want to thank Kifimbo Yahaya. The real king of the jungle, kaka mkubwa, big brother, who shared his life and wisdom and showed me the greatest hospitality and friendship all through the project. Thanks for the life-changing friendship, great times and lion-like advice on life.
I want to address the greatest gratitude to all the musicians involved in the project: Kikombe Beat, Balaam Charles, Shabo Makota, Ally Chudo, Elisha Keys, Mustafa Omary, Said Makelele, Lennick Joackim, Leedson John, Hosea Bass, Leo Mkanya and Isack Abeneko. With your great talent and support, it was possible to make this music. Thanks to the whole video team of M-Motion Visual, all the actors and extras in the videos. Thanks to Kwame Mchauru and all the staff of Nafasi Art Space for the beautiful setting for our recording sessions. Thanks to John Kagaruki for booking us in Slow Leopard. Thanks to Shadrack Cosmas Maluli for cover art and Jimmy Mathias for pictures.
Thanks to kaka Ronnie Schulte, baba mwenye nyumba, for letting me stay at your place and all the support. Ndoza, Omary Kussi, Leslie Benjamin, Chiringa, Salumu, Rasta Shadow, Aika, I want to thank you for your warm spirit and support. Huge thanks to all the staff of Q-Man Pub, your food kept us going: Mama, Tekla, Jenifa, and all. Thanks for the staff of Skylight Lodge Bagamoyo. Thanks to Lucas Makena, Mangati, Matiga, Chikaya, Outi Mustonen, Joona Mikkola, Juuso Miettunen, Eero Wahlstedt, Kiganja Cha Mkono, Menard Mponda for your inspiring company during my fieldwork. Special thanks to Zipora Ogola for all the support and proofreading.
Thanks to all the people of Sibelius Academy and Global Music Department: my fellow students Tatu Santaniemi, Pia Dunne, Michal Hoter, Prem Gurung, Beatriz Gijon Gijon, Kamila Ovv, Roser Gabriel, Tuuli Wallenius, Elisabet Vik, Stefano Ancora, Pauliina Kauppila, Maarika Autio, Kasheshi Makena and the teachers, Cheick Chissokho, Jarmo Saari, Karsten Aaholm, Jesper Daus, Kiku Day, Johannes Smed, Ville Laaksonen, Joona Hasan, Lari Aaltonen, Lauri Salokoski, Roope Aarnio, Heikki Uimonen, Lotta Aunio (University of Helsinki), Miia Koivu (University of Helsinki) and especially Nathan Riki Thomson for guiding me through the Master Project and helping me through the writing of this exposition. Thanks to Otso Lähdeoja, Arnold Chiwalala, and Jaana-Maria Jukkara for feedback on the project.
Thanks for my friends and family for life and endless support.