2x 12" 140g pressing of this big tune from Cameroonian outfit, ESA, originally released on an LP in 1986. Pressed in full 45RPM glory with extra versions from the original tapes. TIP!

For the first time ‘A Muto’ by Esa is given an official reissue. Not only does this mark a first as a stand along single, but the reissue contains previously unheard Instrumental, Dub and Keys Versions alongside an Acapella. Licensed from writer and producer Martin Socko Moukoko, for 40 years Martin kept the original 2” master tape in mint condition so for the reissue the tape was baked and stems transferred by Archive Audio in Paris and the tracks given new mixdowns by Martin himself alongside Jerome Caron. The resulting mixes stay true the original whilst making the most of today’s digital studio technology, cut at 45rpm and truly representing the gold standard of quality when it comes to a reissue.

‘A Muto’ was originally released in 1986 on the ‘Atesa’ album and became an instant hit in Cameroon and Africa. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who abandons her husband, complaining of being alone as the keeper of the house. ‘A Muto’ is a blend of Makossa, a style originating in the French Cameroons characterised by prominent brass arrangements, and Ambasse Bey, traditional fast paced dance music from Cameroon. Martin assembled a team of session musicians in Paris in 1985 and programmed the drums and synths himself on the Linn Drum and Yamaha DX 7.

The Esa project ground to a halt in 1989 following a legal dispute which saw Martin win a court case in France regaining the rights to his music. In the intervening years Martin has continued to work in music studying jazz for 4 years at the American school of modern music in Paris and providing background music for the corporate world.

Artwork by Bradley Pinkerton. More

we are very happy to announce the debut release of one of our most favorite artist at the moment. very unique mixture of house and african rhythm. beesmunt sound system remix is dope. More

Next up in the Highlife World Series, we take a trip to Kenya where our man Esa plays the role of producer for the first time; with super talented local musicians - Sarabi and Makadem (aka the Fela of Kenya). Instantly timeless on both sides, see for yourself.. More

Release : 07.07. 2014 Barcode: 827170550568
Tracklist: A1: Esa & Bennett - Time of Planck A2: Esa - Paradox Jaz (Recover) B1: Esa - Placid Universe B2: Esa - Drama Queen
Short info:
After nearly a year has passed by - and kitted out with heavy hitting drum timbres, hook laden nuances and a textured palette of unique effects - South African born Esa makes a welcome return to the Burek family fold with another EP that skirts the boundaries of the dance-floor and soaks up the sights and sounds of those on the peripheral edges.
A family that's consisted of many strays and deviants being welcomed in, Esa's EP is another mellifluous fit for the Croatian based house label that prides itself on beats that drip with greasy flavour and a fine follow on from his killer 'Serenity In a Forbidden Place' EP for the label in July of 2013.
EP opener 'Time Of Planck' is the first collaborative production between Esa and classically trained multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Bennett. Laying vocals atop deconstructed, radiating cosmic transmissions, Esa cautiously adds the reverberating oscillators to maximum effect over a washed out, hazy groove, while Bennett also provides tinkling key stabs. Paradox Jaz (Recover) plays further on the synth tapestries and relaxing organ overtones, following a traditional Detroit journey before gradually stepping up-tempo for a cantering, melody-led approach to the intricate details of a modern electronic jazz record.
Flip over for B-side opener Placid Universe, a light and dainty continuation of the previous side's atmospheric, worldly undertones before clicking snares and bulbous, low-end bass lines and acid squelches force their way into earshot. Drama Queen - perhaps the most schizophrenically visualized out of the collection - draws the EP to a close in attention seeking fashion, juxtaposing and flitting between light xylophone riffs and seething, pulsing and hell raising bass stabs, offering a resonating close to Esa's latest 4 track pack of all-original, hot-off-the-grill analogue productions.
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So far in the Highlife series, we've touched on South America, the Caribbean and Turkey in our globetrotting excursions. Our next port of call is South Africa where H+P crew member, Esa serves up two outstanding acidic takes on music from his homeland. More

Release : 1.7. 2013 Barcode: 827170506466
Tracklist EP: a1) Serenity 021 a2) Forbidden place b1) Serenity in a forbidden place (Fudge Fingas remix)
Burek, Croatia's leading independent electronic label, brings you its sixth release, a superb 3 track EP entitled 'Serenity in a Forbidden Place', by South African born Glaswegian Esa. Drummer, producer and DJ, Esa Williams aka Mervin Granger has been a resident at Glasgow's Sub Club for over half a decade. As well as releasing as Mervin Granger and Esa he runs his own label, Rememory, and also partners Brian D'Souza in the live presentation of Auntie Flo, one of the nominees for 'Scottish Album of the Year 2013'. Esa's 12" on Burek spans the emotions upon returning to his native South Africa and the trials of becoming acquainted with his new home of Glasgow. Alongside Esa's original cuts we also have a superb remix from Edinburgh's Firecracker/Rush Hour alumni, Fudge Fingas. The remix encapsulates both of the original tracks and adds FF's own distinctive slant to them to finish an EP that we are most proud to present.
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Golden Retriever returns to Omena with a release that is adventurous, pleasing and ethereal.

There's never been a more ideal time to revisit this artist and Nafasam is a testament to their enduring, transparent & unique compositions.
Six moving and ambitious songs. Absorbing, beatless rhythms blended with a beautiful light-touch and free-flowing feel for harmony, revealing true craftsmanship and a singular sound. More

Omena proudly presents 'Ceramics' by Saine, the much awaited follow-up to 'For The Dreamers' released on Omena in 2017.

Manoeuvring between styles and atmospheres comes second nature to Saine, but what's truly highlighted here is emotion - steering away from short-lived trends, the LP offers a non-forced listening experience by an artist exploring the different facets of what his music can be.

Swaying analogue synthesiser arpeggios, playful beat-work and what feels like echoes from an alternate dimension sum up a full-length which pushes and pulls at the fabric of what you've come to expect from Saine. More

By now Nicola Loporchio aka Nico Lahs has a discography that has become respected and sought after among DJs and music lovers in dance music across the globe.

Whether it be deep, atmospheric, jackin' or jazz-flecked deep house, it's all firmly rooted in house music tradition, something that Nico Lahs masters with ease.
With releases on labels like Moods & Grooves, Delusions Of Grandeur, Ovum, HotMix, Adeem plus many more, he shows no sign in slowing down either.

Ancestors Call is a musical story told in two parts. Filled with melodic and spiritual deep house, sitting somewhere between classic deep house and the spiritual end of house royalty Ron Trent's output.

Just like his previous releases Nico is a producer that has both the confidence to blend late night deep house vibes with soulful dance floor magic. It's house music that is very honest.

Part 2 dives deeper and adds additional layers of melody that tie the whole release firmly together. With Nico Lahs talented songwriting, his evolution is endless and bright...

Ancestors Call is something you listen to from start to finish, each song building a musically expansive story. More

By now Nicola Loporchio aka Nico Lahs has a discography that has become respected and sought after among DJs and music lovers in dance music across the globe.

Whether it be deep, atmospheric, jackin' or jazz-flecked deep house, it's all firmly rooted in house music tradition, something that Nico Lahs masters with ease.
With releases on labels like Moods & Grooves, Delusions Of Grandeur, Ovum, HotMix, Adeem plus many more, he shows no sign in slowing down either.

Ancestors Call is a musical story told in two parts. Filled with melodic and spiritual deep house, sitting somewhere between classic deep house and the spiritual end of house royalty Ron Trent's output.

Just like his previous releases Nico is a producer that has both the confidence to blend late night deep house vibes with soulful dance floor magic. It's house music that is very honest.

Ancestors Call is something you listen to from start to finish, each song building a musically expansive story. More

Part 1 of a two part LP project from Casino Times !
The record Sounds Like: John Carpenter performing a live set at 4AM in a basement club.

Coming off the back of 2021, a year which saw the launch of their new imprint 'What's My Derivative?', Casino Times (Joseph Spencer and Nicholas Church) continue a journey of exploring the unusual spaces between House & Techno, carving out their unique space in the scene which over the last decade has seen them release on many leading record labels.

The duo return to Omena in 2022 after previously releasing two complimentary concept EPs (Decoded / Recoded). This time they take the step up to prepare only their 2nd full-length record 'A Change In Motion'.
An accomplished collection of tracks that are the epitome of their unconstrained style of electronic music, subverting expectations by blending an array of captivating ideas and atmospheres to form a true voyage through sound... More

Part 2 of a two part LP project from Casino Times !
The record Sounds Like: John Carpenter performing a live set at 4AM in a basement club.

Coming off the back of 2021, a year which saw the launch of their new imprint 'What's My Derivative?', Casino Times (Joseph Spencer and Nicholas Church) continue a journey of exploring the unusual spaces between House & Techno, carving out their unique space in the scene which over the last decade has seen them release on many leading record labels.

The duo return to Omena in 2022 after previously releasing two complimentary concept EPs (Decoded / Recoded). This time they take the step up to prepare only their 2nd full-length record 'A Change In Motion'.
An accomplished collection of tracks that are the epitome of their unconstrained style of electronic music, ssubverting expectations by blending an array of captivating ideas and atmospheres to form a true voyage through sound... More

Aleksandir's debut album on Omena, Skin, was both musically and conceptually, a truly personal and expressive record.
Here we have three tracks from the album in glorious remix form.

Tom VR has managed to carve out a unique sound with his music, released on labels such as All My Thoughts, Intergraded, Lionoil Industries and Valby Rotary.
He delivers a dreamy, lucid and melodic take on 'Skin & Mind' and makes an already beautiful track almost implausibly wide-eyed

After several stunning and diverse releases, we had to get Ikonika on board to remix 'I Used To Dream'. Her take on the track is a futuristic electronic beat construction, polished with class and driven by weighty production.
John Dunk launched the Cameo Blush project in 2019 with the 'Murky Waters' EP on Nick Hoppner's Touch From A Distance label and released a follow-up 'Lucky', earlier this Spring on Ross From Friends' Scarlet Tiger label.
Both showcase his inventive rhythms and sunrise-ready melodies. His remix of Prado is both colourful and vibrant, a melting pot of swirling sounds that gives the original new life... More

Louis Fitton debut Kilopascal on Omena is an excellent proof of his ability to deliver forward-thinking music with a fresh and experimental focus.

Sometimes less is more and even though not every track on this release contains drum programming it feels complete.
All the tracks flow well for listening purposes and live performance and Louis shows a unique sensibility and approach to electronic music throughout the EP.
When it comes to remixes, Finland's best kept secret aka Saine has delivered several memorable moments including for Omena in the past. His take on Tides is a dubbed out house version melding house with more abstract techniques.

Bio:
Louis Fitton AKA Louf discovered electronic music from going to Leeds and frequenting clubs such as Wire, meeting longtime collaborator Tom VR with whom he coefounded Valby Rotary, a label focusing on the emotive side of club music. Alongside his various releases on the label, Louf has put out EPs with Thirty Year Records & Silver Bear Records.


Already he has received support from Ben UFO, George Fitzgerald and Gilles Peterson whom Louis worked with at Worldwide FM.

His sound is inspired by a combination of influences, spanning back to sampling for hip hop beats as a teenager, through minimal house and dub techno, to his recent interest in synth and ambient music. More

Repress!

Alex Lawrence aka Aleksandir follows breakthrough LP projects on the Church label and cult Blind Jacks Journey with a beautifully realised selection for Omena.

A sonic palette very much reflecting the fractured club sounds of now, referencing Four Tet / Floating Points et al, but with a personality all of its own. More

Omena hits release no.30 and celebrates by bringing in Twovi aka Vito Loperfido to the family.

Vito released his first track, 'Giango' on Bosconi Records back in 2017 and followed up with 'In Memory of Love', on Chez Damier's Inner Balance, a release that showcased his talent for blending classic house with a fresh approach.
Fast forward 2020 and we got a new release 'Panama' ready.
These four tracks show why Vito is leading the wave of musical talent coming from Italy and he's not afraid of using inspiration from different sources.

The opening track Panama is an ode to a jazzy KDJ breeze while Santiago is a clever broken beat track with a few latin vibes sprinkled on top.

On the flip, Manchester producer Contours continue to turn music into gold with a singular remake of Panama.
It's a deep and rich version with his signature percussions included.
Last but not least Lima ends this fine EP, a track which takes us back to the golden days of Nuphonic. More

Hailed as the king of the modern Balearic sound Mikhail Khvasko aka A Vision of Panorama makes his debut on Omena with another must have EP.

Imagine if Nu Guinea would organize a jam session with Metro Area and set up the following rules - combine doses of slow paced disco, hints of boogie, a dash of jazz and deep layers of house.
Mikhail's music has always been warm and dreamy combined with impeccably tight drum programming. It is no wonder why his music is played & charted by Lexx, Detroit Swindle, Kenneth Bager, Session Victim and many more... More

A. E 14th ST & AVENUE B (MARK HAND REMIX)

B1. E 14th ST & AVENUE B (FYI CHRIS NYC REMIX)

B2. E 14th ST & AVENUE B (SAINE REMIX)




Second time around for label boss Tooli on Omena.
This time it's a remix package with an all-star line up !

The original track was recorded in NYC a few years ago and this release contains the remixes of that very track.
Mark Hand, FYI Chris and Saine all put their mark on the original.

UK's unsung hero Mark Hand infuses the original with some UR vibes, the dynamic duo FYI Chris twist and turns the track into something truly original and finally Saine finish the whole thing off with a beautiful version you never want to end. More

Omena continue to surprise and delight with this superb neo-Soul joint from Belarus !
Lipski deliver a smooth Giant Step era NY style rub, while Saine completely reinterprets the soulful flavous with some added weight and depth. Finally Harry Wolfman applies the swing for a low-slung head-nodder.
Top quality all the way !! More

Omena travels south of the Mediterranean Sea, antique maps and compass in hand, for the release of Parviz's Zerzura EP. An expedition to the eponymous mythical oasis, west of the Nile river, stirring "the passion of men", as St-Exupery would put it. Four songs of romance and reverie, taking you through a dizzying jazz journey, full of twists and turns; starting with emboldened trumpets, only to end on a handful of quaint piano notes.
As dusk settles upon the dunes, the mirage has now vanished, and the forlorn hope turns into a soul-searching journey. More

After the Swedish grammy-award winning "Sunday" and the 2017 EP 'Ta Paus', here is the third and last part of the 'Hemma'-trilogy. The end of an exploration of HNNY's home ('hemma' in Swedish) where he both lives and makes all of his music. Named after a turning point in the life of the artist, the EP is a deeply personal record about being at and away from your home. D
estinations and places fly by in and between tracks, with the track titles giving more hints about the journey. More

With an album on Kerri Chandler's Kaoz Theory plus EPs on his Madhouse and Madtech imprints you could say Benson Herbert and Leo Picking - aka Voyeur - made a triple axel that a lot of producers wouldn't mind themselves.
Their debut release on Omena, Awakening, oozes percussion finesse, deep pads, chord stabs, vocal chants and playful melodies.
As an added bonus we're treated to a remix from our friends Casino Times. More

Casino Times return to Omena with a second EP, Recoded. For those of you that could not get enough of 'Decoded', released in 2017, here's four more tracks - all winners... More

London based producer & DJ Books comes through on Omena with an EP that follows on from his acclaimed 'Feel It In My Bones' & 'High Praise Edits Vol.1'. on XVI Records. Two releases which garnered widespread following from the likes of Gilles Peterson, The Black Madonna, Sassy J, Moodymann, Ashley Beedle, Lefto and last but not least Omena's very own Tooli. On 'Sour Grapes', Books is showcasing his deft touch and effortless way with samples and instruments, presenting an instant cause for dancefloor hypnosis
To complete the package Laurence Guy puts his spin on the title track. More