This week's A Cultural Manifesto: Gallo plays Sabbatical
NUVO: I really like your song "Mamawe." It seems to have an almost African sound.
Gallo Rodriguez: That's funny; my wife is from Africa and the first time I played it she said we should go to Mali to record the chorus with local singers. I would've loved to, but logistics got in the way. That song came about on New Year's Day. I just started to chant "Mamawe." It means nothing really, but it felt so good and positive that I decided to record it.
Rodax and I have always listened to African music. Also a lot of rhythms come from Africa - from both pre- and post-colonial periods. So, I'd say Africa has inspired us directly and indirectly.
But everything inspires us: the sun, my son, my family, my friends, trouble and love. Love is the only miracle to me and it reaches farther than most things on this planet.