We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Very very suffer

from A ring around the Atlantic by Peter Maybarduk

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD

     

  • Advance order your choice of CD or vinyl LP with full art. $12 for CD or vinyl, $16 for both. $20 for CD or vinyl plus "No Hay Pueblo Vencido" CD. $24 for everything.

    Includes unlimited streaming of A ring around the Atlantic via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $12 USD or more 

     

about

This short transition piece is one of my favorite tracks on the album. The man speaking is Pa Abu Kamara, who worked for my family when we lived in Sierra Leone more than 20 years ago. The recording is from our recent reunion at his home in Freetown. The guitar is me playing on a rooftop in Guatemala City. Each recording captured musical ambience: the plane overhead, birds, kids, and they fit together in a rhythmic narrative.

I am embarrassed to admit that when I was a kid I took Pa Kamara for illiterate and servile. In recent years we've had the opportunity to get to know each other again, when I've come to Freetown for work. Contrary to my childhood assumptions, Pa Kamara writes perfect Arabic and is second Imam at his mosque. He gives a charismatic service and is a respected leader in his community - an urban farming neighborhood with little infrastructure. He describes the condition of his community as “very very suffer.” In every material sense, his life is harder than mine, but he seems happy.

credits

from A ring around the Atlantic, released December 1, 2011

license

tags

about

Peter Maybarduk Washington, D.C.

Peter Maybarduk is a Washington, D.C.-based songwriter and director of Public Citizen's global access to medicines program.

contact / help

Contact Peter Maybarduk

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Peter Maybarduk recommends:

If you like Peter Maybarduk, you may also like: