［Description］

The Okinawan folk song project, Uchina Sleng Teng Project, riding on the strongest rhythm that revolutionized the reggae scene in the 1980s, "Sleng Teng," has finally kicked off. The long-awaited 7-inch release is confirmed!

DJ unit "Shima's" (Shimazz) by Nu-doh of Churashima Navigator and SHINGO (MC) of ISLAND HERLEM will release the children's song "Akata sun do chi" set to the rhythm of "Sleng Teng", which revolutionized the reggae scene in the 1980s, on 7-inch vinyl. The coupling features "Tinsagu nu Hana" performed by Itsumi Higa (vocals, sanshin), along with the saxophone of MARINO, who hails from Miyako Island and is active in supporting artists like Black Wax and Mariko Hamada. Recording and editing are handled by the renowned Okinawan artist HARIKUYAMAKU.

In the 1980s, the monster rhythm "Sleng Teng" brought a computerized revolution to Jamaica's dancehall scene. In Okinawa, the folk songs "Akata Sun do chi" and "Tinsagu nu Hana" have been passed down and sung as unknown songs for generations. 
DJ Nu-doh of Shima's has been nurturing the idea of "Sleng Teng × Okinawan Folk Songs" for 25 years, and it has finally come to fruition. It all started with the realization that "Sleng Teng" and Okinawan folk songs are a perfect match in terms of musical scales. 

Just as the classic song "Bye Bye Okinawa" was born, reggae and Okinawan folk songs are drawn to each other. This intuitive understanding may well be attributed to the blood of the "Uchinānchu". "Akata Sun do chi" was originally a song sung during the festival welcoming Miroku (Miruku) at "sun do chi" (the word means "in the castle") in the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Today, it is loved as a children's song that kids play along with the accompaniment of "Shiyāpu Shiyāpu" and other rhythms. "Tinsagu nu Hana" is a didactic song that advises to imbibe the teachings of one's parents. Both songs are representative folk songs frequently heard from a young age in Okinawa, and even for those unfamiliar with Uchinaaguchi (the dialect), they have a catchy melody that makes you hum along unintentionally. 

The intention behind this selection is DJ Nu-doh's wish from the bottle of heart for "Okinawan songs to spread worldwide through easy-to-enjoy music". 
Following the motto of "always gather in one place, talk, and create music together", this soul-infused creation was nurtured through the bond between participating artists and Yūshō (Dushigwa). After 25 years, the realized "Uchina Sleng Teng" is set to take flight worldwide in 2024.

Text by Norie Okabe

Contributing Artists:
Shima's (Shimazz)
: A DJ unit focused solely on making people dance, consisting of Nu-doh and SHINGO. Super Active in Okinawa Prefecture with genre-less selections and explosive performances.

Itsumi Higa
: She began learning the Sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) in elementary school and started performing at nursing homes and other venues accompanied by her mother. Studied under Asao Sakuda, a teacher of the Nomura-ryū music association, in 2002. After graduating from university, she has appeared in Ryukyuan minyo live performances both locally and internationally, as well as in Ryukyuan classical music performances. Designated as the 6th certified inheritor of the Okinawan traditional music preservation society and a teacher of the Ryukyuan Classical Music Association.

MARINO
: Born in Miyako Island. Since 2009, he has honed his skills primarily in live houses in the Kansai region. In 2012, he joined the Funk Jam Band Black Wax based in his hometown of Miyako Island, releasing four albums produced by Makoto Kubota. He has participated in numerous musician support and recording sessions. A member of the Miyako minyo unit Miuni, he is also active with Mariako Hamada, Nao Kodama, and pianist and ethnic instrument player Shoko Uta-jima in activities centered in Okinawa Prefecture, Shimane Prefecture, and Tokyo.

HARIKUYAMAKU
: Born in 1989 in Nishihara, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture. A music producer, dub engineer, and DJ. He is based at the "Tower of Dub Studio" in Koza. He began his music career as a bassist, starting with rock and hardcore genres, and after numerous travels abroad, he released the album "Shima DUB" in 2012, marking a return to his Okinawan roots. He has also worked with bands such as Churashima Navigator, Isatooment, angama, and Gintendan. Released Kanasu Remixes with Makoto Kubota in 2018, "Oshima Yangō Bushi" produced with singer and shamisen player Sachiko Inamine in 2019, and ambient works, Subtropica (2020) and CHOUJI feat NĒNĒS - No Woman No Cry (2021). In 2023, he composed the music for the WOWOW-produced drama series, Fence written by Akiko Nogi. On November 3 of the same year, he made his major debut with the album Mystic Islands Dub, a dub mix of selected Okinawan ancient songs from "Okinawa Ongakusouran" (1965).