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Massada

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Massada was a Dutch band with a background in funk, rock and pop and with Latin American influences. The group was founded by Johnny Manuhutu, and many members had Moluccan roots. Their models were groups such as Malo, Escena and El Chicano. They were compared with Santana early on, although at the time they did not yet know that band. From 1975 there were opportunities to record, but because of the terms the group turned those offers down.

Music and breakthrough

In 1978 that changed. The debut album Astaganaga appeared that year, with the hit singles Latin Dance and Dansa (Don't Quit Dancing), both of which stayed in the chart for eight weeks. A book about this album later appeared in the 33⅓ series, written by Lutgard Mutsaers. In 1979 came Unknown Destination and the album Pukul Tifa. In 1980 Sajang é reached number one in the Dutch Cash Box chart, alongside hits such as Feelin' Lonely and I Never Had A Love Like This Before. The album Pusaka appeared in 1980, Baru in 1981. In 1986 they also covered Vahevala, a hit by Loggins and Messina from 1972.

Influence

Massada showed how Dutch pop music could mix with Moluccan and Latin influences, with percussion, guitars and danceable rhythms. Fifty years after its founding, the group got together again in September 2023 for an anniversary tour, led by Johnny Manuhutu as singer and percussionist.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Latin Dance and notice the percussion and the guitar: which rhythms do you hear that you would not expect from an ordinary Dutch pop band?

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists