On the occasion of the 10th anniversary, Aiaraldea Ekintza Faktoria has presented a new project: Book album K@ntu k@ntari Aiaraldea. The events of the 9 municipalities of the region have been converted into songs, gathering excerpts from history. On the other hand, each song has been illustrated and has had a text as an illustration.

Thus, they have gathered the songs and accounts of each of the places in the work. The work will be presented to the public on 18 December in a public event.

They've been looking for a lot of collaborations at work. The lyrics of the songs have been created by bertsolari Izar Mendiguren Cosgaya, and all the melodies of the music have been composed by Igon Olaguenaga and Egoitz Uriarte. In any case, the list of collaborators has been long: Aiala Mendieta, Irati Mendiguren, Malen Atxa, Jurgi Ibarretxe, Xabier Basterra, Igon Olaguenaga, Egoitz Uriarte, Flor Inza, Igor Arzuaga, Ibon Koteron, Gurene Grande, Okher and Mikel Barros. The music is very varied in terms of style, also in terms of stories.

The objective of the project has been to convey the history and local heritage in Basque and with different cultural pieces. This is a sign of the large number of creators gathered. "It is a project that has been launched during the pandemic and has therefore limited us a lot when it comes to asking for people's involvement," says composer Igon Olaguenaga. Egoitz Uriarte, for his part, stressed that types of rhythms have been chosen according to the stories. The Economized Collection of 10 songs and stories will be on sale as of December 18, and early selling is underway via the Internet www.ekonomatua.eus. The CD-book will cost 15€, but the members of the Aiaraldea Activities Branch will be able to buy it for 10€.

The local heritage as a protagonist

In each song they have tried to highlight a local value or fact. In the words of Izar Mendiguren Cosgaya, the work is full of word and music games: "I've introduced many onomatopeias into the letters. I have tried to bring the vitality of the Basque Country and hooks for the game within reach." Each song makes reference to a fact. In the song of Laudio the protagonists are the witches; in the one of Amurrio the force Mariaka; in the one of Orozko the habit of dancing in Okondo to fire; in Orduña the Customs and the borders; in Artziniega the importance of art; in Arakaldo the burning of Spartero and in Arrankudiaga Eguen Zuri.

In addition, the illustrations by the designer Eider García have been in charge of valuing the stories of each town.

Thus, they will meet the narrations of Anuntxi Arana, Jose Angel Aramendi, Joseba Egiguren, Xabi Zalbide, Julene Onaindia, Felix Mugurutza, Nekane Otsoa, Aketza Merino, Txomin Eguiluz and Jabi Aspuru irakurleak.Aiaraldean.

Here's the video presentation: