Mo’ Music and Mo Kolours

London-based singer-percussionist Joseph Deenmamod, AKA Mo Kolours, produces an eclectic blend of mellow hip-hop influenced by the Sega music of his Mauritian-born father. Sega music is a percussion-heavy blend of rattles, hand drums and triangles, and the influence is prominent throughout Kolours’ work.

Mo Kolours released his debut EP earlier this year. ‘EP 1: Drum Talking’ is a muted, yet hypnotic, introduction to his world, which is rife with lo-fi reggae-electro hybrids. Drum talking is the best way to describe his aesthetic; drums are a stand-out feature, with Kolours showing off his percussionist skills on each track. Vocal samples are also manipulated to create beats that are layered to be performed over.

Biddies offers a constant thumping drumline, layered under electronically-altered vocal samples and hand-claps forming a tribal beat that Kolours’ sings over. The vocals are minimal, reduced to a quiet chant. Kolours’ voice itself is reserved, allowing the sounds around him to wash over. The video, directed by Stefan Asanovic, is easy to zone out to—visually, it’s a colorful kaleidoscope that turns and pulsates almost in tune with the song. It fits the laid-back mood of the song well—the colors and movements keep it interesting without having it distract from the intricacies of the song.

‘EP 1: Drum Talking’ was released on May 14, 2011, and is available for digital download on his bandcamp page.