Still, Flowing by Mas Aya

Shika Shika is very proud to present Mas Aya’s “Still, Flowing” - a 4-track EP that touches on themes such as family, intimacy and spiritual purposes, the title itself taken from a lecture by influential Buddhist monk Ajahn Chah.

Brandon Valdivia a.k.a. Mas Aya has emerged as one of the most prolific and respected musicians in Canada, working as a drummer and multi-instrumentalist over the past twenty years. He has worked with artists such as GRAMMY Award-nominated Lido Pimienta, Bomba Estereo, Not the Wind, Not the Flag, Laraaji, Sook-Yin Lee amongst others.

While influenced by many genres, the EP centres around ambient folklore with strong references to jazz and Caribbean music. Diverse percussion, polyrhythmic drums and ethereal flutes tie the music together, transmitting calm and rooted hope.

“Still, Flowing” begins with Capullo, a track that deals with themes of parenthood and family life, even containing a sample from Brandon’s daughter playing in the background during the COVID lockdown. The slowly developing piece lingers with a floaty Hip Hop beat and eventually morphs into an Afro-Cuban rhythmic coda. Featuring his partner and influential Canadian-based Colombian-born vocalist Lido Pimienta, Vamos Pa’ Lante feels like an anthem for these times. In Lido’s voice we hear the voice of migrants, their resilience and resistance to move forward and confront borders, old and new.


Quietly Flowing Along is a sombre, delicate song whose title is taken from John Cage's String Quartet in Four Parts. Valdivia wanted to create a feeling of water, how it is constantly moving and changing but can also hold a stillness. The track features collaborations with Nick Storring, Rob Clutton on contrabass and Nicole Rampersaud providing a moody trumpet.

The final track, Reflection, was the last piece written in this compositional period and is a reflection of Mas Aya’s musical offering. It opens with a Deep House beat before diving into Hip Hop meets with flutes, congas, Tambor Alegre and Batá drums. In Brandon’s own words:

“I felt this song provides a meditative mood that allows you to look back on the music from this EP and my last album and combines all of the elements of both collections. “

Mas Aya is prolific Canadian producer and percussionist Brandon Valdivia's solo project, collaborator to US Girls, Sandro Perri, Sook-Yin-Lee, Lido Pimienta and Not the Wind Not the Flag.

His new album "Coming and Going" is out now!