‘MANA’ is certainly quite a peculiar find, a leftfield, heartfelt jewel that seeks to build a bridge between epic and cinematic influences and more traditional Greek and Mediterranean material. More specifically, a lot of what you hear in the record stems from “traditional zeimbekiko rhythms” (a Greek folk dance), plus a whole lot of eclectic inputs from the region, something that makes a lot of sense when considering the two talented creatives behind the track, lyricist Dimitris Nezis and composer Konstantinos Oikonomopoulos.
The listening experience behind ‘MANA’ is certainly unique. While Western listeners will be drawn to categorise the piece as ‘world music’, they also wouldn’t be too unfamiliar with the single’s elegant and cinematic character, and its luscious melodies. Packed with intense poignancy and a keen anthemic flair, ‘MANA’ develops slowly and with hypnotic allure, guided by strikingly evocative, spiritual vocals.
From a lyrical standpoint, ‘MANA’ boasts a deeply meaningful ethos, celebrating the foundational role of a mother, both in family settings and more general philosophical imagery. As we are told, the song is “a message of gratitude to mothers everywhere”, something that is going to deeply connect with a large audience out there, especially as society reckons more and more with the importance of motherhood, and its need to be recognised and celebrated.
‘MANA’ features an impressive list of international collaborators, including award-winning artists S. J. Jananiy, SIYER, SF1, and AN VEDI, as well as GRAMMY-nominated figures Mak Grgic, Charu Suri, and Mehran Matin.
Recommended! ‘MANA’ is out now via Pulse+ Records: