Exclusive track premiere of ‘Keleya (Jealousy)’ by Orchestra Gold, taken from the upcoming album, ‘Medicine’, out January 20th 2022.

Behind Oakland CA-based ensemble Orchestra Gold’s original sound is a decade-long story of knowledge, respect, and collaboration between Mariam Diakite of Mali and Erich Huffaker of Oakland. Blending the traditions of Mali and American Rock/Funk with a retro feel, Orchestra Gold represents a world of powerful cross-cultural experience. The group transcends borders and boundaries to be a force of healing within the community. Orchestra Gold offers a kaleidoscope of magical sound deeply rooted in the past while boldly blazing towards the genre-bending future: African Psychedelic Rock.

Orchestra Gold’s vibrant sound is spearheaded by the dynamic Mariam Diakite, whose raw, hypnotic vocals deliver heartfelt and thought-provoking lyrics in the highly symbolic Bambara language. While paying homage to Malian musical traditions, this fierce new sound thrives with heavy swinging rhythms, a funky fresh brass section, and cosmic guitar licks. With the January 2023 release of their third album, ‘Medicine’, this profoundly spiritual and dance-inducing ensemble continues their pursuit of spreading healing and community through the universal gift of music.

Guitarist Erich Huffaker sheds a bit more light on the song, “When I asked Mariam about the meaning of this new song, ‘Keleya,’ she said, ‘It’s about jealousy in the context of polygamy/polyamory.’ It illustrates how destructive it is when partners pit one another against each other for selfish reasons. It’s told in parable format where the protagonist (a woman) is the second wife of a man, and the husband is playing them against each other. To me, even though it’s talking about a polygamy situation, it could apply to polyamory as well. I think it speaks to how easy it is for jealousy to arise in situations like that.”

Just last month Orchestra Gold opened for Afrobeat living legend Ebo Taylor at The UC Theatre, and they’ve performed live at Treefort, Oakland Museum of California, Bandcamp, Commissioned for Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, and Joshua Tree Music Festival.

Orchestra GOLD’s new studio album ‘Medicine’ will be self-released on CD and all digital/streaming platforms on January 20, 2023, with a limited vinyl pressing to follow afterwards.

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