Jessey Jansen
Austin, TX
Portraying whispering moments to challenging paradigms of social mobility through mixed media, collage and collaboration --> Voice of Maasai
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Inspiration Behind the Album Art:
The design for Kalo Shore Ele Lindaito album art is centered around vocalist Nemaa Koshuma and his pioneering spirit. His courage to use song to raise his voice about progress while keeping his mind about his traditions is truly admirable. I try to put myself in his shoes, into the labyrinth, the meandering path, the confusing human-made structures that affect life in Maasailand and the Serengeti. Circular elements weave their way into my designs as they are central in Maasai culture; from body marks to migration patterns in nature, to aerial views of the vast countryside dotted with circular bomas, you sense connectivity all around. The format is inspired by the nostalgic 12" vinyl record cover, paying homage to keeping the music (the story) alive. Signed artwork made from six vibrant layers of cut paper.
Song Description
Kalo Shore Ele Lindaito, Voice of Maasai FT Nemaa Koshuma, released Feb 28, 2022
Kalo Shore Ele Lindaito (What Kind of Friend Are You) featuring vocalist Nemaa Koshuma and songwriter/producer Alex Lobulu. This A-minor composition adds electric guitar and synthesized beats as Lobulu merges influences of jazz and Maasai cultural flavor, creating a song that is easy to follow and truly unique.
The DNA of this composition is influenced deeply by Koshuma's constantly challenged livelihood of tradition competing with development across Maasailand. Jessey greeted Nemaa in 2016 where he worked full-time as a performer and maintenance engineer at the Four Seasons Serengeti. Nemaa is allowed work-leave every six weeks, which he uses to visit home in Kakesio Village Ngorongoro District; where at his core, pastoralism is his cultural identity. The transition home doesn't come without an interpersonal cost as ridicule and often judgments occur as increasing imbalances of resources exacerbates circumstances in the rangelands of Maasailand. Nemaa recognizes that diversifying through education and skill advancement is crucial to negotiating the ever-changing environment and hopes to use his talents and skills to advance the worldview of those in his community and the greater Ngorongoro District.
- Framed: 13 x 13 x 1.5 in
- Created: January 2022
- Collections: VOM + JJ
Other Work From Jessey Jansen
For me, creating has always been a companion, allowing me to make sense of seemingly uncontrolled situations through controlled mediums.
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