Transcontinental Ep. 3
by Caroline DipandaLabdi Ommes is a brilliant multidisciplinary artist from Kenya. Her practice includes composing, singing-songwriting, visual art, sound installations. Last year, she released her latest EP, Pakruok.
" Pakruok is about self-praise. This EP is a confirmation and appreciation of oneself. The music takes on a satirical stance and Labdi addresses different societal issues."
In Kenya, she currently stands as one of the very few woman who plays the orutu professionally, alongside Omwa Owbara.
The orutu is a single-stringed fiddle originating from Kenya ( Luo people). In this episode Labdi Ommes reflects on her artistic journey - from the challenges she’s faced as an orutu player in a patriarchal society, to claiming back the instrument, to preserving the Luo culture. We discuss her notable works including Unganisha, and the music score for award-winning National Geographic Society’s documentary Nkashi: Race for the Okavango.
