Search - Qkumba Zoo :: Wake Up & Dream

Unexplored Beauty

Dreams Thunder | 12/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many people have never explored Qkumba Zoo beyond their hit single, "The Child Inside", which appeared on many dance compilations, and recently was (unfortunetly) used in commercials. But beyond the surface of this song lies a band truly unique in every way.



The original trio behind QZoo - Levannah, Owl, and Tziki - originate from South Africa, which highly influences their music. For instance, the song "Weeping" is written about apartheid. The entire album takes a peek into the soul, and into life beyond how most of us view it. Their entire feel, all the way down to their look, is meant to provoke the mind. (Seeing them in action in the Child Inside music video is incredible!)



Qkumba Zoo's music, on this album in particular, is very dancey. Upbeat songs like the leading tune "Rain" and "Time of Wonder" leave you feeling happy, while slower, softer ones such as "Cloud Eyes" give off more of a wistful glow. Owl mixes amazing sounds throughout each song, complimenting Levannah's unique and trilling voice, which has a language all its own.



If you truly enjoy this music, you may want to try hunting down their second album "Butterfly Peepl" (under the shortened name "QZoo"). It is even more powerful than the first, considering they went through many changes themselves (losing Tziki to suicide being one of them). It doesn't contain such a heavy dance beat throughout the CD, and gives off the vibe of metamorphosis. :) I haven't heard of anyone being lucky in snagging a copy since their official site went down; I actually find myself making copies for diehard fans.



All in all, Qkumba Zoo is my favorite group in the entire world, and have been so for nearly 10 years now. They have inspired SO much within my life, especially my future career in art. While that may not exactly help you decide to buy this or not, I have to impress that this album should be given a chance. Grab a copy while you can! You can surely buy it for less than $5 online, even though the music included is worth much more than that."

The theme music from Marine World commercials in California

Lavode | Sacramento, CA USA | 04/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who has seen a commercial for Six Flags Marine World in 2003 has heard the techno music they use. Qkumba Zoo is the band, and the song is "The Child Inside."This is a fantastic techno disc with a strong tribal/african theme. All the tracks are good, with the notables being "The Child Inside, Big, Weeping," and "Time of Wonder." It certainly bears similarity to Yaz, a fast Enigma or Era, but while being familiar, it retains a unique sound. I recommend going to Arista Records website to listen to samples. Any samples from this will be indicative of the overall sound/quality."

A hidden gem

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 04/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It seems like ages since the last time I listened to this cd but I recently brought "Wake Up and Dream" to the office and rediscovered the joys of this wonderful cd. What compelled me to listen to "Wake Up and Dream" was the commercial for Sea World in which they use the song "The Child (Inside)", a wonderful pop/dance song with beautiful harmonies. After listening to the cd, I fell in love again with the fusion of pop, dance with African tribal beats. The lyrics and melodies flow so well together. Nothing negative whatsoever in the lyrics or about the cd. I especially loved the gorgeous ballad "Weeping". It brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to the song. I simply adore the positive, uptempo song "Big". I recently read that Tziki (I think it was her), the back up vocalist, had taken her own life a few years ago. What a shame. Another shame is how "Wake Up and Dream" wasn't embraced by the American public. This is one of the best pop albums around. There is so much positive energy in this cd. The spirituality expressed in the lyrics sends chills down my spine as I listen to songs like "Big Motherland" and "Weeping". Truly a hidden gem."