New ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Game Features Unique East African Music

Assassin’s Creed has made a significant mark in the gaming world since its launch in 2007. Known for its intricate storylines and detailed gameplay, the latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows by Ubisoft, takes players to 16th Century Japan with a unique cultural blend.

Set during the Sengoku period, the game continues the age-old conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood, advocates for freedom and peace, and the Templar Order, who aim to dominate the world. What sets this version apart is the introduction of two main characters: Yasuke, an African samurai from the 1500s, and Fujibayashi Naoe, a shinobi warrior.

To adequately represent Yasuke’s narrative, the game developers crafted a distinct arc and gameplay style for Fujibayashi. This differentiation extends to the game’s sound design, a crucial aspect of any action-adventure game. Yasuke’s sections required a unique African sound, which is where Tiggs Da Author came into the picture.

Tiggs, known for blending Tanzanian music with international influences, collaborated with Thunderdrum to create the Ukombozi soundtrack that captures Yasuke’s essence. Drawing from traditional Japanese flutes, East African rhythms, psych rock, and other elements, the soundtrack seamlessly transitions between Fujibayashi and Yasuke’s stories.

Inspired by the vibrant East African landscape, Tiggs predominantly sings in Swahili, a language he has maintained despite moving to the UK at a young age. Ukombozi emanates a multicultural vibrancy, effortlessly blending Tiggs Da Author’s vocals with Thunderdrum’s production.

The opening track, “Nguvu Ni Umoja,” exemplifies this fusion as melancholic strings build up to an energetic section led by Tiggs, showcasing his unique flair. Tiggs features as the sole vocalist on most tracks, with one exception featuring the Canadian Japanese group TEKE: TEKE.

“Jenga Jenga,” also known as “Yasuke’s Theme,” stands out with its grungy guitars and rock undertones, accompanied by Tiggs’s impeccable vocal delivery. This attention to detail is evident in “Chinja,” where Tiggs adopts a rap-like flow over a dynamic drumline, attuned to the rhythm’s nuances.

The standout track, “Ukombozi Pt. I,” prominently showcases the East African influence, with Tiggs’s dynamic vocals taking center stage amidst an action-packed beat. This captivating piece incorporates desert blues elements, reflecting Yasuke’s emotional journey in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

Overall, the collaboration between Tiggs Da Author and Thunderdrum on the Assassin’s Creed Shadows soundtrack brings a fresh perspective to the gaming world with its fusion of African and Japanese influences. The soundtrack’s eclectic mix of sounds and cultural references adds depth to the gaming experience, enhancing players’ immersion in the world of Assassin’s Creed.