Mau Mau

The Profile

Mau Mau is an Italian world/ethno music group from Turin, formed in the early 1990s. Early core members mentioned in reviews include Luca Morino (guitar, vocals), Fabio Barovero (accordion) and Tatè Nsongan (percussion). They blend Mediterranean, Occitan, Arab, African and Latin influences and sing in Piedmontese and several other languages.

Their debut album Sauta rabel received the Premio Tenco for best first work of the year. Reviews note later collaborations (Roi Paci appears in subsequent records/tours) and a gradual introduction of electronics and reduced use of Piedmontese in later studio albums.

DeBaser hosts a handful of reviews praising Mau Mau's blend of Mediterranean, Occitan, Arab and African influences, their use of Piedmontese and multiple languages, and the acoustic instrumentation that defined early records. Sauta rabel is highlighted as a revelatory debut and winner of the Premio Tenco; Viva Mama Nera is noted as a celebratory, party-oriented album.