SACRED LOVE

ALBUM GALATHEA BY SPACE ECHO

Kadi Coulibaly Featuring KOLOKO, OUAGA, DIVINITE’

Two years after the release of his self-titled debut, DJ and producer Massimo Napoli—better known as Galathea—returns with a compelling new project: Sacred Love.

In this latest work, Galathea reunites with longtime collaborator, bassist and producer Salvo Dub, and brings together a distinguished ensemble of musicians: Kadi Coulibaly, the Burkinabé vocalist who also featured on his first album; Giulia La Rosa, lyricist and voice behind the title track; pianist Mario Pappalardo, percussionist Sergio Spitaleri, and drummer Luciano Cantone.

Sacred Love marks a significant artistic evolution—more mature, intense, and introspective than its predecessor. The album draws deep from the spiritual and dreamlike roots of African culture, weaving a sonic journey rich in cross-cultural influences.

Tracks like Divinité, Ouaga, and Koloko—graced by Kadi’s evocative voice—explore the sacred and mystical essence of Africa, merging seamlessly with the textures of Western Spiritual Jazz. In Divinité, French poet Diego Hernandez delivers spoken word reflections on faith, existence, and self-awareness. His performance, infused with echoes of classic French chanson, finds harmony with Kadi’s soulful, almost Saharan tones—together expanding into a cosmic, meditative soundscape.

The title track, Sacred Love—also the album’s first single and released on 7″ vinyl in two versions—offers a vibrant blend of Afro-American gospel and afrobeat rhythms, subtly evoking Nina Simone’s See-Line Woman in its cadence and vocal delivery.

The journey continues across diverse soundscapes: Equator brings North African moods, while Medican Blues sails into the heart of the Mediterranean, before docking at Stromboli with Ginostra, a piece of deep jazz that pays homage to the picturesque village in the Aeolian Islands.

The Cuban-influenced Caminito is a romantic cha-cha, featuring a melodic piano line in the spirit of Chucho Valdés, masterfully interpreted by Mario Pappalardo. Eos offers a Balearic breeze tinged with Brazilian vibes, while Impression transports the listener on a dreamlike, emotionally resonant voyage.

The track Sirens, originally appearing on Galathea’s debut, returns here in a new spiritual-ambient version produced by Agosta, adding another layer to the album’s rich tapestry.

Sacred Love is an imaginative, genre-defying album that transcends musical boundaries.

It elevates the sacred traditions of African culture and fuses Afrobeat, Jazz, and Blues with the sun-soaked, Balearic influences of the Mediterranean—resulting in a deeply immersive and soul-stirring experience.

Enjoy the journey.

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