Africa music reviews
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Music reviews for "Africa" sorted by average review score:
Afro-Rock, Vol. 1
Released in Audio CD by Evolver (23 April, 2002)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Fever - Jingo
- Heavy Heavy Heavy - Geraldo Pino
- Africa - Steele Beautttah
- Envy No Good - Mercury Dance Band
- Yuda - Dackin Dackino
- Kyenkyen Bi Adi M'awu - K. Frimpong And His Cubano Fiestas
- Okuzua - Orchestra Lissanga
- Sweeper Soul - Super Mambo 69
- Mabala - Yahoos
- Onukpa Shawarpo - Bokoor Band
- Pem Dwe - Nkansah And Yaanom
Average review score: 
Great Grooves From the Dark ContinentAfrican music has evolved from rhythm and blues to hip-hop; from blues to classic rock and hardcore metal; and from jazz to funk. This starter CD is a collection of music that had yet to be out in mainstream music culture. Using musical techniques from legendary greats such as Otis Redding and Fela Kuti, Afro-Rock churned out some hits that were entertaining and politically conscious. This is a great way to start a collection of African music for enthusiasts of African culture not only in Africa, but in the Diaspora. I look forward to the second volume.
Good groovesI'm pretty picky, but this album is good. If you like those smooth African translations of U.S. funk, soul- you'll enjoy this.
It;'s greatGritty, authentic, powerful, soulful afro-rock. These were people that sung and played to often make an editorial on their living conditions and political situations. The songs all have feeling. I think track number 5 is the best on the CD. If you like this CD, check out the best of Fela Kuti. Enjoy.
Back in Town
Released in Audio CD by Rounder Select (25 October, 1990)
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Artist: The Boyoyo Boys
Tracks:
- Back in Town
- Maraba Start 500
- Daveyton Special
- Duba Duba
- Mapetla
- Pulukwani Center
- Brakpan No. 2
- Dube Station
- Archie Special
- Vezunyawo
Average review score:
Tj Today, Back In TownThese 2 albums are both an great example of beautiful South African Jive music. The way this music was produced was very fine. Nice horns and violins used in an increadible way.
Another thing that makes these 2 albums unique in, is that there are very few lyrics in this music.
This allows to enjoy it, knowing that the music is whats guiding you and nothing else.
Another thing that makes these 2 albums unique in, is that there are very few lyrics in this music.
This allows to enjoy it, knowing that the music is whats guiding you and nothing else.
Bend down lowSome music makes you want to get down, dance with your eyes shut - move to the low down beat and drive the blues away. This is such music.
All instruments play percussion on this one, with the saxophone as the main talking drum, backed by a guitar, drums and bass. The alto is played like a bass, the bass is a rhythem guitar, and the drums keep it together, pulling you to the floor.
This is dance music of the highest form - possessing the magic that will make everything move. You dont try to dance to this one, you try to resist it, but you just cant, and you find yourself overcome by a simple, magical rhythem.
This is recommanded to all lovers of soulful rhythems.
All instruments play percussion on this one, with the saxophone as the main talking drum, backed by a guitar, drums and bass. The alto is played like a bass, the bass is a rhythem guitar, and the drums keep it together, pulling you to the floor.
This is dance music of the highest form - possessing the magic that will make everything move. You dont try to dance to this one, you try to resist it, but you just cant, and you find yourself overcome by a simple, magical rhythem.
This is recommanded to all lovers of soulful rhythems.
It is great!! super!It is that sophisticated township talent which seems to be dying, but for me I will trry to have as much of this as I can.
Best of Pepe Kalle
Released in Audio CD by Edenways [France] (27 October, 1998)
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Artist: Pepe Kalle
Tracks:
- Moyibi
- Milla
- Pon Moun Paka Bouge
- Djarabi Adjatou
- Argent Ne Fait Pas le Bonheur
- Diarrhee Verbale
- Gérant
- Zouke Zouke
- Loin des Yeux
Average review score:
Truly MasterfulThe song "Argent Ne Fait Pas le Bonheur" is unbelievable. I am not sure who is playing the guitar, (Diblo? - I think I hear his name shouted out amongst the licks) but this has got to be one of the tightest, 'soulfulest' guitar/vocal compositions I have heard, and I own about 40 Congolese Soukous and Rumba albums. The other songs on the album are all gems. Especially: Moyibi, G�rant, and of course there is (Roger) Milla. If you want one Pepe album, or one soukous album for that matter, own this one.
This is pure congolese FIREWORKS!!!!This album is pure class, kalle will forever be a legend.for those of you want to hear what real soukous sounds like ,check this album you can,t go wrong.that dance, how does he do it! his gone but his legend lives on, till then ameh! ameh!
Simply perfectIt's a real loss to the world that Pepe passed away, but his music will live on. This album has so much class.
Bottom Belle / African Rhythm Messengers
Released in Audio CD by The Orchard (29 March, 2000)
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Artist: African Rhythm Messengers
Tracks:
- Suzanne Kpango
- Bottom Belle
- Mama Dey For Cumba
- Okoh
- Sawale
- Oriwo
- Udeaja
- Chalatcha
- One Pound No Balance
- Baby Wayo
- Obiara Bewu
- Onyega GBA EQWU
Average review score:
superb remake of highlife musici bought this CD based on a recommendation by a friend and i can tell you that i was glad that i took the advise. The production was superb and all the tracks really did justice to the original version if not even better. The sawale version was a real classic and it was just wonderfully done. Other great tracks included Suzanne Kpango,Okoh,Udeaja and One pound no balance. If you are a true lover of African Highlife music, you cannot go wrong with this CD. Best bang for your buck !!!.
To the African Rhythm Messengers, i say a job well done. If you guys ever decide to have another compilation, please think about doing Rex Lawsons "Jolly Papa" ,"So Ala Temen" and "Uwei Bo Nua". i bought a CD (won't mention the name) that had the remake of "So Ala Temen" but i was a bit disappointed with the way the track was done and the CD in general. Somebody needs to do some modern justice to these great tracks.
To the African Rhythm Messengers, i say a job well done. If you guys ever decide to have another compilation, please think about doing Rex Lawsons "Jolly Papa" ,"So Ala Temen" and "Uwei Bo Nua". i bought a CD (won't mention the name) that had the remake of "So Ala Temen" but i was a bit disappointed with the way the track was done and the CD in general. Somebody needs to do some modern justice to these great tracks.
Classic Naija High-LifeThis is an excellent remake of oldies from the Nigerian High-life scene. If listening to its soothing sounds don't make you happy, I don't know what will! Keep them coming
Give us more of the sameI bought my first copy of "Bottom Belle" some two months after the CD was released. The cuts from this CD make for both great listening and dancing. However, I do not hear any reggae or soukkous sounds in the CD as the first reviewer in Amazon.com claimed and as is being advertized. I hear authentic Nigerian highlife of the late 50's and 60's vintage with enriched instrumentation and vocals. I loved this and have since bought 3 additional copies as gifts to friends. A friendly challenge: which of the cuts contain reggae and or soukkous sounds? Anyway, keep up the good work and produce more of the remake of these classic oldies.
Chimurenga Forever: The Best of Thomas Mapfumo
Released in Audio CD by Blue Note Records (23 January, 1996)
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Artist: Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited
Tracks:
- Serevende
- Mhondoro
- Vanhu Vatema
- Nyoka Musango
- Zvandivivinga
- Hanzvadzi
- Hwahwa
- Nyarara Mukadzi Wangu
- Zvenyika
- Hondo
- Ndavekuenda
- Shumba
Average review score:
An excellent collectionAn excellent Thomas Mapfumo disc. His music is different from that of the Bhundu Boys or the Four Brothers, as it is calmer (for lack of a better word). Track 12, Shumba, is one I found to be particularly good, as is Track 1, Servende. The CD contains only good tracks and I would definitely recommend this album, along with the Four Brothers (The Best of the Four Borthers, Makorokoto) and Bhundu Boys (True Jit) to others seeking great music from Zimbabwe.
(The Four Brothers' Best of... album is absolutely fantastic. It is the best CD I own. It is beyond excellent....)
Get it!!..PERIODFirst I am not from Zimbabwe..but I love the Cd so much That even though it was recently stolen out of my car when thieves broke in and carted my stereo cd player away.. I have reordered this compilation along with my Best of Best fela that was taken as well...(sniffle sniffle...Damn these American rogues!!!... I hope they become African music fans though after they (hopefully)..llisten to the stolen cds)
Mapfumo: Timeless and ethereal to downright sillyI first heard Thomas Mapfumo while walking past a store that was using "Zvandiviringa" (track 5, here) as sonic wallpaper. It stopped me in my tracks.
Mapfumo's music is rooted in the ancient Shona culture of Zimbabwe, and his music and lyrics were a rallying focus in the slow revolution that eventually toppled the all-white Rhodesian government (the lyrics were written in an almost-unbreakable code -- the Shona language -- so for a long time, his subversion went unnoticed by the authorities).
However, you don't need to know anything about Zimbabwe or the Shona culture to love this music. You can hardly tell from the scratchy sound samples, but most of these tracks are similar in lilt to reggae. One slow track, "Hondo" is alone worth the price of admission, as is "Zvandiviringa." Listen carefully to the samples and you can also hear the gorgeous, African-style lead guitar work.
This album gives a varied selection of Mapfumo's work, which makes it fairly good choice for your first Mapfumo album, and it contains no dud tracks (unlike most of his other albums), however, if you think you'll only ever buy one of his albums, I would instead recommend "Chamunorwa" (which seems to be currently out of print, unfortunately).
Two more reasons to try Mapfumo's music: 1) Zimbabwe is in desparate financial straits, so you will be engaging in international relief, and 2) small children LOVE it. My 3 year-old constantly demands his "daka" music, and dances himself silly to it.
Crusade
Released in Audio CD by Wea Corp (09 June, 1998)
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Artist: Rocky Dawuni
Tracks:
- Inside Your Head
- Sweet Bright Day
- Crusade
- Sufferer
- My Love
- In Ghana
- Conqueror
- This Is Reggae
- Jah Be For Us
- Tale Of Two Stories
- Jammin Nation
Average review score:
New King of ReggaeThis cd is it. If you like reggae, buy this cd, I think Rocky Dawunni will be the next big reggae star. Every track on this cd is great, it reminds me of my Bob Marley cds. I think Rocky Dawuni is up there with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, etc. He is one of the best, if not the best, new roots reggae artists, the only one that can rival him is Ziggy Marley. "In Ghana" is probably my favorite song on this cd, but all of them are good. So if you like real roots reggae buy this cd.
Amazing record... Reggae is alive and well in AfricaFor those who were wondering what was going on in reggaeland, well check out this fine, fine album. The rythms, the warmth, the lyrics, songs like Crusade, My love, In Ghana, Inside your head, will want to make you move your dancing feet for sure, so pump up the volume. Dawuni is definetly a great musician and it is a delight to discover him. Hope he will have the good idea to come to Montreal...
FOR ALL LOVERS OF REGGAE MUSIC, THIS ALBUM IS THE ONEI AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS. AFTRE LISTENING TO THIS ALBUM I NOW REALISE THAT THERE ARE REGGAE ARTISTS OUT THERE WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO CREATE RIDIMS AND LYRICS WHICH APPEAL NOT ONLY TO REGGAE LOVRES, BUT TO ALL LOVERS OF MUSIC. FOR OUR BROTHERS WHO WANT TO GO BACK TO THE MOTHERLAND, THIS ALBUM IS CERTAILNY FOR YOU. FOR THOSE ALREADY THERE, IT TEACHES YOU THAT YOU HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD OFF. OVERALL, THIS IS THE ULTIMATE REGGAE ALBUM.
Donia
Released in Audio CD by Tinder (10 July, 2001)
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Artist: Sawt el Atlas
Tracks:
- Don't Judge Me
- Oh Lady
- Life
- People (featuring Natacha Atlas)
- The Sunshine Of My Life
- Abandoned
- Andalucia (featuring Chico Cana)
- Mother
- The Wheel Turns
- Our Life Led Us
- The Faithful, The Believer
- Colodia Mix
On Donia, Sawt El Atlas deliver 12 odes to love. Many members of the band are of Moroccan origin but grew up in France, giving the group a cross-cultural perspective both musically and lyrically (the lyrics here are in French or Arabic, dependent upon the song). Fronted by vocalists and songwriters Kamel El Habchi and Mounir Mirghani, who are only in their early 20s, the group combines elements of Middle Eastern, reggae, Latin, funk, and dance music into a lively pop blend that is continually upbeat. There are many interesting moments within Donia--Egyptian string orchestra over pulsating bass and beats ("Ne me jugez pas"), the soulful vocals of Natacha Atlas paired with live dumbek and programmed rhythms ("Ness"), and flamenco guitars woven into a pop setting ("Andalucia"). Some may find Sawt El Atlas a little too mainstream in its fusion, but this group performs its peppy world pop with zeal. It may be hard to resist the urge to groove along. --Bryan Reesman
Average review score:
Shake that butt!Donia is upbeat music that will make you want to shake your booty. "Ness," featuring Natacha Atlas, is my favourite track with its dumbek solo at the beginning and Natacha's trademark soulful vox. The music is at times funky, at times classical Egyptian string orchestra, and at all times danceable, with the faster tempo songs being my personal favourites. Languages vary from French to Spanish and Arabic, and even if you don't understand these tongues, you'll find yourself tapping along to the beat.
This rocked!!i am usually a fan of the great cheb mami, but when i saw this at the store, i couldn't resist.i really like "ne me judgez pas," and even if you don't speak arabic or french (i speak both, but all my friends like the album) you will find yourself dancing along within the first 30 seconds of "ne me Judgez pas" or "ness". a must for arab music fans and those who dont even like arab music. its also a great cd to work out to! it keeps you going!!
Sawt El Atlas LiveThese guys just played at WOMAD in Seattle on July 29, and wow! They were awesome! I didn't stay for the whole set (holding my spot for Peter Gabriel & Afro Celt won out) and I didn't have time to pick up a CD there, so I'm ordering it here. From the little I did hear and from the enthusiastic crowd they drew, I'm really impressed. I'm really looking forward to this CD arriving!
Galbi
Released in Audio CD by V2 (20 July, 2000)
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Artist: Abdy
Tracks:
- Liyem
- Finek
- Emma
- Galbi
- Bladi
- Chalini
- Kindir
- Amane
- Raiha Oueine
- Weldi
- Galbi (Version Orientale)
Average review score:
It has everything!There are several musical styles put together to create an amazing sound. I love every song on the CD!
Abdy Finek from Morocco one of the best music ArtistAbdy Finek one of the most Popular Artist From Morocco his music is pop not rai.
Excellent Buy It NOWThis is my first approach to rai and algerian music. Abdy's voice and the great instrumentation make this CD a must have. The CD contains both dance tracks and slow pieces with great lyrics.
Hagda
Released in Audio CD by Blue Silver (Fra) (17 December, 1996)
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Artist: Raina Rai
Tracks:
- Zina
- Rani M'Hayar
- Hamama
- Zahri Ouine
- Hagda
- Zabana
- Taïla
- Maghreb
Average review score:
impressively well achievedI got the tape at a "souk" (market) in Marrakech by mere accident, and I was very impressed by the sublime fusion of pop, progressive rock, and traditional Northwestern African rhythms. Raina Rai is a must for every serious CD collector willing to expand their understanding of world music.
an Algerian FAN:"they are out of this world"You don't have to like the rai, the couscous or even Khaled to try them. Raina Rai is .... Raina Rai and they are perfect at it. Guys, quickly buy the CD, they won't be any left soon. (I'll buy them all if I can) Tahia el djazair
The outstanding seminal work from which rai music sprung.Raina Rai's early 1980s recording is to rai what Casablanca is to movies or Macbeth is to theatre -- groundbreaking and just as relevant today as when it was first released. The album was remarkably ahead of its time and shows almost no signs of being dated. The infectious grooves which combine the traditional North African rythms and music with other world influences (such as reggae) produce an album which is joyful and exciting to listen to. If you have the open ear and open mind to enjoy international music, you cannot go wrong with Hagda....
Hope
Released in Audio CD by Navarre Corporation/ (01 February, 1994)
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Artist: Hugh Masekela
Tracks:
- Abangoma (The Healers)
- Uptownship
- Mandela (Bring Him Back Home!)
- Grazin' In The Grass
- Lady
- Until When
- Languta
- Nomali
- Marketplace
- Ntyilo Ntyilo (The Love Bird)
- Ha Le Se (The Dowry Song)
- Stimela (The Coal Train)
Average review score:
Powerful music, especially STIMELAJust heard this CD at a stereo store. It is a fantastic combination of Jazz and South African rhythms.
A moving authentic collection of South African jazzI love this CD so much that I played my last copy to death. Hence the replacement! Hughie stays true to his culture and represents the multiculturalism of South Africa very well. Stimela, Languta, The Marketplace, Lady are amongst my favourite tracks. The insert also enriches the piece.
This is an amazing CD!!!This CD has a wonderful mix Masekela's songs. There are both slow and upbeat tunes and they are all great. It is one of the few cd's that you can listen straight through and love every song. One of the best buys I've ever made.