Africa music reviews

I bought this one without hearing it first, based on the reviews. If you like the simpler Mali sound, not the harder blues and pop, you will love this album like I do. Many earlier artists are included that are not on Putumayo's compilation. Maybe I was African in another life, but this music just makes me happy. There are choruses and much native sound. Enjoy.

This was the first Rough Guide CD I bought, and also the first CD covering music from the region. It is still one of my favourite CDs though I have bought a lot more since.

I agree with an earlier reviewer - the song by Balla et Ses Balladins is the best track; although the one directly after it Haidara is also a great song.

But there are no weak points and I would recommend it highly. The inlay sleeve is also quite useful with a lot of history about the musicians and the respective countries.

stand out track balla ses balladines...I am trying for 4/5 years to get music from this unique band...so in the meantime I have to reley on compilations like this superb one from your connaisseurs at rough guide.good to see Mali music catches up with listeners in the USA.I used to live in the remote Ausralian desert and all I ever listened to was Aboriginal rock bands and Mali desert music.You know why? cause it fits in with flat ,open wide spaces and car drives in heat and dust and smiling black faces.move your arse and your head will follow.

Khadja Nin is a highly regarded artist in Belgium and France and I missed so much not hearing her wonderful music on the radio, particularly since she brought out her amazing song, Sambolera. Here in Hong Kong I often play the album at events and social gatherings . This is the only one where people stop talking to listen then ask about the artist and where they can buy the album. The music is so distinctily unique and intriguing and yet speaks to everybody. The combination of Khadja Nin's beautifully deep voice and the exotic language alone makes it worth listening to. Very different and amazingly refreshing to go back to listen to time and time again. Buy it! You will never get tired of this one !

This nice african lady from burundi presents a perfect blend of pop, smoothjazz and world-music. You can compare her music with the similiar sound of Ang�lique Kidjo or Wes. If you dont know this music, buy it. You will not regret.

I received this CD from a friend from France who lived in Sengal for a while. Khadja Nin sings in French and in Bambara, a language spoken in Senegal. Both are absolutley lovely to listen to, and if you like music that speaks to your very heart and soul, regardless of the lyrics, then this is a CD for you.

Arguably one of the best albums in the world. Mellow yet diverse. Semite virtuosity as a musician and singer astound and enfold. This album is the best in the series of fabulous albums made by a man who has been able to carrying the energy and heart of Africa to the shores of America.

This is one of the best albums we've ever owned. The music is very light and full of positive energy, and is easy to appreciate even for people who don't know much about African music (like us). In fact, almost every time we've played this at work, someone new asks who this is and says how great it sounds.

Not much to say other than what's been said. I really love this CD and will be looking to buy more of Samite's work very soon. Just wonderful lighthearted folky jazzy african music.

This is a magical cross-pollination of music from Mali and Spain. I've owned this CD for quite a few years. I no longer remember why or where I acquired it, and it doesn't strike me as the type of thing I would normally pick up. I'm glad I did, because it is one of the finest disks I have. The sound is bright, lively, and intricate. I highly recommend it.

I also found this as a cassette, in a "99-cent" store, of all places, alongside cheesy oriental imports and a variety of low-quality goods. I was familiar with Ketama, so I snatched it up, thinking I might have a pretty cool find on my hands. I had no idea this would become one of my favorite albums. I have since purchased the first Songhai album, but the second is superior, in my opinion. I have owned it for about 8 years, now, and although the cassette itself is wearing out, the music itself seems to get even better.

I found this album as a tape in a 99 cent bin cause it sounded interesting...and boy did I hit the jackpot! Its easily one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. The song pozo del deseo is just magical. The album has both african and spanish sounding parts to which combine very well. I went out and bought the other album after listening to this, and its great too.

I'm glad to have this cd!it reminds me of home;listening to Remmy ongalla.i recommend it to everybody .

More than the hundreds of other African oriented cds and albums that I own, this album is one that I keep going back to for inspiration and fun. Ongala's vocals are just the tip of the iceberg on this lp. His words speak volumes as to his existence, and that of countless others around him. The passion he exudes leaves no doubt that he is fully in tune with all that is around him.

As if the lyrics weren't enough, you have the music itself. His wonderful blend of soukous (a common brand of East African rhythms akin to zouk music of the Caribbean) spearheads the LIFE that permeates this album. His use of horns reminds the listener of Fela Kuti's bands of the late 70's and early 80's- the power of the horns on several of the tracks steals the show.

Ongala's lps are a great introduction to the music of East Africa, complete with the soukous guitar styles and horns- all commonplace in this part of the world. More importantly, this lp will bring you joy and an appreciation of music. It is the universal language, to be sure. As Frank Zappa so often said- "Music is the best!"

Remmy Ongala is just marvellous. A Zairean superstar who can change languages at the drop of a hat, he brought wonderful rumba-like music from Zaire to Tanzania. His music though sometimes political, is very deep and passionate. I will never forget the first cd of his that I bought, "Sema" This music whether you are African or European as I am is enough to die for. Remmy Ongala, Na kupenda sana asante!

Unique and varied styles of music on one CD. I don't want the music to end. I hope there is another CD to follow Toxu.

My sister, the music fiend who lives in Geneva, introduced me to Wasis Diop two years ago with No Sant. I immediately loved his sound and diversity. When I was visiting in-laws this summer, I had to order Toxu from amazon.com because I missed it so much. Now, I wake in the morning with No Sant and Toxu and I'm the better for it!

Wasis Diop and Beth Hirsch team up to give the new Pierce Brosnan/Rene Russo movie "The Thomas Crown Affair" it's heart and soul and lusty romance. The duo's energized and intimate love ballad is the background for one of the most tantallizing romance scenes to hit the movies in years. As Brosnan and Russo reach their romantic zenith the soulful sounds of "Never Enough", off of Diop's "Toxu" CD and enriched by Beth Hirsch's vocals, enrich the theatre so dramatically you may just want to jump in the lap of the person next to you. Diop/Hirsch's song, along with the chemistry of Brosnan and Russo, are "Titantic".

This CD is great. The other reviewers have it right. Read their reviews for more detail on the CDs content. Many of the cuts on this CD (and Mouneissa, get that also!) fully deserve 5 stars.
Actually, I'm writing this review in hopes of bringing more attention to Rokia and her amazing musicians. If you get a chance to see them live, do not miss it. The band is one of the most exciting, talented, mesmerizing acts to come out of Africa.
The ngoni players are two of the most talented on the planet. Having the two together, with their interplay and range, is as good as it gets.

Rokia Traore is an amazing talent; I've seen her live, and it was a great, great performance. This CD is terrific -- she sings with a poise and presence that can stop you in your tracks. The songs here are all unforgettable, and she covers a surprisingly wide range of issues and moods. I've lived in East Africa for many years, and Rokia Traore makes me wish I'd been living in Mali instead. Some of her singing reminds me of the very best of early Joni Mitchell, but most of the time she reminds me of no one else. If you are interested in really immersing yourself in a powerful experience of real African music, this is the best.

Rokia Traore is an impressively talented young vocalist and songwriter from Mali. From the sound of this disc, she has her feet firmly rooted in the traditional music of her homeland, but the other subtle influences heard here indicate that she is not afraid to gently expand her musical horizons.

There is a delicate beauty at work here -- the arrangements are uncluttered (acoustic guitar, balafon, bass, kora and assorted percussives) and unadorned, leaving the vocals clear and unburied. The songs all have vital rhythmic cores, but without the over-produced power-pounding of commercial dance-oriented music.

The kora (an indigenous African harp-like instrument) is allowed to dominate many of the arrangements -- and its delicate sound is a good choice to complement Traore's expressive and unpretentious voice. It is the unforced, compelling emotion in her voice that demands our attention. The recording is first-rate and clear as a bell -- every little nuance of Traore and the other singers is there for us to appreciate.

Released under the Indigo imprint from Label Bleu out of France, the package is exceptionally attracive as well -- a quality-printed, oversixed booklet fits nicely inside the cardstock slipcase along with the cd jewelbox, filled with beautiful photographs, a bio of the artist and lyrics in original and translated forms.

There is an airy quality to this music, but it is powerful at the same time -- proving that louder isn't always better. The talent and production values brought together here make for a musical excursion of exceptional quality, taste and strength. I'll definitely keep my eyes -- and ears -- open for more from this gifted artist.

Welela is my favorite Makeba CD. A bit on the upbeat, dancable side, her voice smoother than ever. In addition, on Welela, Makeba sings two songs by the late composer and Minister of Culture in Guinea-Bissau, Jos� Carlos Schwarz (Dju di Galinha, and A luta continua). Makebas voice suits them well, and is a great inroduction to his music. Listen also to the Capeverdean Terezinha Araujo�s incredibly beautiful interpretation of his "Apili" on the Simentera CD "Raiz"

It is a wonderful CD. It arrived on time.

Known as the Queen of African music- this album is spell-binding and includes tunes Makeba sings in tribute to countries such as her homeland South Africa (which was in turmoil during the production of this album), Mozambique and Guinea.

A political histoy, a story and altogether compelling listening. Give it a listen.

Samba, funk and soul together with spiritual side of Jorge... This is another powerfull example of how great Ben Jor is.

This deserves a spot on any soul/funk fan's shelf. I had Umbagarrauma on a complilation CD and wanted to hear more. I am familiar with other Brazilian styles and the unrelated Rock en Espanol styles but this one is the king. You can party to it, work out, or just groove to this man's genius in your car. I went through the Starbuck's drive through and the kid said,"who is that." Who says the best funk n soul comes out of America? Buy it you won't regret it.

Jorge Ben's sleek vocals and wah-wah funk style applied to samba, latin rhythms and afro-percussion are summary contained in this great album. I, a brazilian fan of black music, do believe in a 'world black music' whose universal conscious jazz also stated long ago, so that now is cheerfully expressed in multicolored palletes of percussions and blues. Jorge Ben also felt the groove as well as Curtis Mayfield did in USA: as Mayfield went through a protestant education, what means 'soul music' in his veins (like Marvin Gaye for example), nevertheless Ben's style is more softly, catholic as old samba can be but wicked as it can be too.

Putumayo is a great vehicle for touring the world -- you can do it from the comfort of your own home by way of some incredible music. This particular disc is an enchanting and rhythmic look at Africa and its many different musical styles. According to the accompanying and extremely informative booklet, Africa is home to over 50 countries, 1,000 different languages, and 3,000 different tribes. That would make this disc a brief glimpse of all Africa has to offer in the music world, even though it is a very comprehensive sampling - ten songs from seven different countries.

Many cultures have influenced the music of Africa over the years, adding to a rich diversity of both music and the instruments with which to play music. The music found here is as beautiful and untamable as the African landscape - showing the strong unbreakable spirit of a strong, enduring, and culturally rich people. As well as containing two previously unreleased tracks of known artists, this disc also contains music of people that have never been heard outside of their marketing areas before. A bona fide treasure to care for and enjoy.

Fundo Di Matu is sung in Crioulo, which is a blend of African languages local to the Guinea Bissau and Portuguese, which is the main language of Guinea Bissau. Manuel Leal Emidio Costa, or Manecas Costa, first released this song on his album of the same name in 1999. Fundo Di Matu means Deep in the Forest and the rhythms of this piece will have you swaying and moving to the music before you realize what has happened, as Manecas' emotion laden lyrics dance around the melody.

Les Go is local slang along the Ivory Coast for "The Girls." This group is fronted by not one, but three young women who are a part of something so much larger - the L'Ensemble Koteba d'Abidjan. The famed dance/ theatre/ music company which was established in the city of Abidjan in order to preserve the Mandingo culture. The director of this school brought the three girls together, and now they mix their cultural music with popular Western music to bring about their own unique and most definitely unique sound. The lyrics of this piece are in Bambara, the language of Mali. In this track can be heard the n'goni (a four stringed lute-like instrument), Malian flutes, drums, and even some modern studio effects. The end result is a stunning and flavourful almost pop sounding track.

Ke Cu Minino Na Tchora is another interesting piece with a definite Reggae influence. The lyrics are completely at odds with the upbeat, chipper melody. The electric guitar has a bit of a spotlight, dancing all about the drum beat and bringing a smile - until you read the lyrics, that is. The Criolu lyrics describe the pain and suffering which comes with war, and focuses on the children thus affected. Bidinte has a strong love for music, according to the liner notes he even changed his religion to Catholic so that he could play the priests guitar! Incredible spirit and drive are combined with some serious talent where this young man is concerned. I hope to hear more of his work in time.

Not only is this a great way to expose yourself to African music, it is a great dance disc. The rhythms are very strong and lend themselves well to such strenuous activity. All of the artists featured on this disc are talented and have something worthwhile to say - this is music with meaning and a deep regard for life.

Review Original Posted at LinearReflections.com

While people associate Africa with drumming,this album leans to the acoustic side.Putumayo excels in exploring world acoustic music,and this album is a shining example.Each song is perfect,haunting.

Manecas Costa sings of a long-lost love;Seydu sings of the plight of children during wartime.Les Go is a powerful trio of women from the Ivory Coast.Oliver Mtukudzi of Zimbabwe,who is on many Putumayo albums,has a beautiful song about the sustaining power of spirituality.Augusto Cego from Cape Verde sings of the melancholy of the sea.Aura Msimang sings powerfully of a mother's loss.Adama Yalomba sings about helping the less fortunate accompanied by an unobtrusive electronic beat;I wish I could find more of his music.Habib Koite sings about the problems caused by polygamy when wives fight;it's not the glossy version of polygamy presented on HBO's "Big Love",but the atrocious nature of it in Mali.Koite doesn't sugarcoat it.

This is a powerful album.Despite its heavy themes of hunger,war&polygamy,its music is relaxing&uplifting.

Putumayo does it again! Beautiful musical voyage of Africa with some haunting melodies. This is an enchanting album ...something you need to add to your I-Pod ASAP! My favorites are Raki by Oliver Mtukudzi and Sinama Denw by Habib Koite.