Africa music reviews

I'm a very big fan of Garifuna music especially paranda, this album is a must have. I would recommend this album for the whole family.

I'll always treasure this CD as a reminder of my time with the Garifuna in Hopkins Village, Belize. You just can't stop dancing when you listen to it :)

Somehow I was drawn to this CD. Fascinated with the idea of finding a CD in Tucson titled Paranda, I turned it over only to find that a few of the artists were familiar names: Junior Aranda, Paul Nabor, and of course, Andy Palacio. I have always been a fan of paranda music, and this CD has certainly not been disappointing. As a matter of fact, it has exceeded my expectations.

As a Belizean Garifuna, I am especially impressed with this album. It represents a major step in the preservation of traditional Garifuna music. The melding of so many paranda artists from Garifuna enclaves in Central America speaks of the close ties amongst Garinagu regardless of where thy are, and at the same time showcases the range and variety of paranda music even as it spans generations.

Paranda music is immensely danceable. And so is this album. Every song on this CD commands the feet to move. Unlike the obvious lustiness of the voluptuous punta and the traditional dignity of the hunguhungu, there is a subtle sexiness to paranda. The songs in Paranda: Africa in Central America have this quality, and it becomes difficult to restrain oneself from dancing as one listens to the songs.

My niece, Renee, and I were mesmerized the first time we listened to this CD. We immediately liked every song, but our instant favorite was the duet by Aurelio Martinez and Andy Palacio, Lanarime Lamiselu. The strong solos at the beginning, enhanced by occasional guitar strums, bring out the power of the lyrics.

There is much variety in the album, Paranda: Africa in Central America. Whilst maintaining the rhythms and acoustic guitar strums typical of paranda music, the songs vary from the traditional Fuyra, Gabbaga, and Nabor songs to the modern and almost experimental (to my ear)Aurelio Martinez songs. The variety also can be heard in the lyrics. Paranda lyrics typically are stories of life, love, and death; these topics are ably represented in this album. The Latinos have their corridos, the American southerners have country music, and the Garinagu have paranda. The lyrics maybe sad yet derisive, but the music invites you to dance your troubles away.

Cheb Mami is, by far, the most intoxicating voice of Rai. Each song enlivens the senses, and his vocal ability awakens my spirit. The album is like a journey of the soul. It is difficult to choose a favorite song among this album. But, if I did, it would have to be Ana Mazel. (Forgive me if the spelling is incorrect.) That piece exemplifies his soaring vocal ability, and the soulfulness of the entire album. My only sorrow is the shortness of the album, and the scarcity of Rai music where I live. Before the internet, it was next to impossible to find such wonderful artists as Cheb Mami (in the midwest). If you love this album and Cheb Mami's other works, as I do,I also recommend Cheb Khaled. Although his voice is not as vibrant as Mami, he, too, evokes the true spirit of Rai in every song.

HE HAS A GOOD SONGS&VOICE I IOVE HIM VERY MUCH & I WANT HIM TO SEND A BIG POSTER(PICTUER)

very exotic very lively music ;mami has a unique voice and i love the violin in this cd;great cd!!!

this cd is really good. It is almost astonishing what people can do with their voices and instruments.
mesmerizing...

Another primo collection from the "Putumayo Presents" series, "Women of Africa" is a treasure. Unless you're tone deaf or otherwise severely Music Appreciation-Challenged, you're going to love this CD; and in fact, so will your kids and so will your parents. Even your co-workers! There's nothing not to like, and I mean that only in the best possible way, not in a bland "one-size-fits-all" way. There are a variety of sounds and styles, but they follow one another well; this assortment isn't all over the map in a jarring, staccato way. It's suitable for all occasions, from lightening up your commute, to the workplace itself, or as a social lubricant at picnics and parties and other gatherings. Go ahead; conduct an experiment by playing this CD (at a mid-level volume), and watch your formerly uptight friends and colleagues start to loosen up and enjoy themselves.

I'm describing the effect of the music more than the music itself, because that is a visceral experience which you must take part in yourself. But I've already done the weeding; I sample and screen music all the time in search of recordings such as this one, and it involves suffering through a lot of turkeys, believe me. But I've done the work for you, so you don't have to.

But for the record, I will mention that Dorothy Masuka's selection here sounds like the kind of smooth jazz vocal piece one might hear from a Nat Cole or Natalie Cole or Diana Krall ensemble. That's one example only; this collection features a whole potpourri of tuneful sounds and they're all delightful (hard as that might be to believe).

I just got this CD recently and I've put it on every morning. The calm, purely happy, energy just makes me start the day on the right foot!

Not much more to say than already has... This album is remarkable. The singing is sublime and the rythms are masterful. I would say my only problem is the guitar effect used on a briliant guitar solo on track 2. It is too metalic. Other than that, this is one of my favorite Mangwanas.

On this recording, rumba congolaise legends Sam Mangwana and Dino Vangu join forces to bring the listener a lively collection of great songs of their genre. Mangwana's vocals are strong and full of life -- Vangu's songwriting well-crafted, and his guitar...if Congolese rumba has a trademark element, those ringing guitar riffs and rhythms are it. There is nothing that sound like it in any other form of music. Listening to it brings to my mind some classics of the form from years ago -- Daouda Tou Kone's timeless album LE SENTIMENTAL, Lea Lignanzi's DEDE PRESCILLA.

The songs, the musicianship, the tight harmonies, the pure emotion and joy of this album is infectious. There are no translations provided here (my only complaint, and a small one), and some of these songs could conceivably be sad -- but make no mistake about it, this album is a complete joy to experience.

This is a timeless record and will more than likely be neglected by U.S. critics and music fans.Mangwana has performed and recorded with the masters and creators of Congolese rumba, Franco and Tabu Ley. He is an important vocalist in Music History and this record is an important document.I hate the term World Music because it describes absolutely nothing about any of the music that is lumped into it. All Music is of the World. This record nearly transcends this World.I would also recommend Madilu System, another amazing recording artist who was Franco's favorite vocalist. Also check out the late Pepe Kalle, Tshala Muana, M'bilia Bel, Extra Musica, Wenge Musica (all splinter versions of the band), Kester Emeneya, Kanda Bongo Man, Koffi Olomide, Samba Mapangala, Alain Kounkou, Awilo Longomba, General Defao, J.B. M'piana, Loketo (Diblo Dibala and Aurlus Mabele, and of course Franco (with or without O.K.) and Tabu Ley.

if you are looking for unique music and a gorgeous voice akin to Clannad's Maire Brennan or Loreena McKennitt, Serah is the artist for you. the African drum rhythms will appeal to those who like a little fast and furious and the vocals will appeal to your softer sider. definitely check this album out.

This CD is a treasure! My heart, soul, and feet all respond to this amazing blend of sound and lyric! Gentle and strong......yet mystical and almost spiritual at times. Playful and happy, yet able to feel sadness also. "I'll find a song to wear with my dress!" That line says it all!

This CD is a treasure! My heart, soul, and feet all respond to this amazing blend of sound and lyric! Gentle and strong......yet mystical and almost spiritual at times. Playful and happy, yet able to feel sadness also. "I'll find a song to wear with my dress!" That line says it all!

People ought to know, even though this music is from Cameroon, that it is not Afro-pop. The lyrics are all Born-Again Christian ("Be certain that Jesus will lead you to the Way of salvation", etc.) except for "Bayedi" ("Tribute to the Parents"), and very moralizing in tone, if we trust the translations provided in the notes. If you don't mind that, or the fact that the album is marketed in the wrong category, you'll love this voice and the smooth arrangements.

The vocal harmonies on SEPIA are outstanding: European influences are strongly felt, including classical. Her vocals, which are the most important parts of the arrangements, lean toward the soft ballad side.
�This is very pretty music: music for listening, not for dancing.

This is a very special album. At first, I liked it but it didn't hit the heart until the third time I heard it. Take a chance on this incredible young musical talent.

There is great use of fingers on this album.I don't mind calling them the two great players ever.My personal favourite is Machikichori

I CAN ACTUALLY FEEL THE HEALING IN SHONA MUSIC BUT BY FAR THIS IS THE BEST. IT MOVES MY SPIRIT AND GET RID OF MY WORRIES AND FEARS. I MEDITATE TO IT AND RELEASE NEGATIVE ENERY THAT IS AROUND ME TO CALM MY NERVES.

THIS MUSIC REPRESENTS NEW BEGININGS OF NATURAL ANIMAL BEHAVIORS IN SEASONS OF CHANGE: A SNAKE SHEADING ITS SKIN OR A CAMELON COLORS CHANGES DURING ATTACK TO WARD OFF EVIL SPIRITS, A CACOON CHANGING INTO A BUTTERFLY.

PARTICULARILY, I LIKE THE CALL AND RESPONSE OF THE TWO MBIRAS PLAYING IN HARMONY CONNECTING EACH SPIRT.

WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS THIS MUSIC PLAYED SO DELICATELY BY MEN... THANKS FOR KEEPING THIS BEAUTIFUL MUSIC ALIVE. I RATE THIS MUSIC A 10!!! SOOTHING TO BATH IN.

My title sums this album up about as well as a review of the Book of Genesis titled: "One old guy waving his arms."

This is not "World Music" - it is not of this world. These "old guys" are (or were, unfortunately - Dumi died on Thanksgiving 1999) all-time mbira masters who, for their own incomprehensible reasons, never played together until this album.

I have no idea what the reviewer from "The Beat" (above) was listening to. "Oomph" and "punch" do not apply here. This album, more than any other (including Dumi's rather dry solo album: "Chaminuka") distills the essence of Shona music.

Use it as wallpaper, use it for your breathing exercises, use it to put the baby to sleep, whatever. However you expose yourself to it, you will eventually become addicted.

(You wouldn't know from Amazon's scratchy track samples, but the recording quality is also excellent.)

I couldn't resist picking up this CD for the simple fact that I purchased the follow-up to this one and it was one of the best African Jazz CD's I've heard in a long while. This unique CD gives you the opportunity to listen to some of the jazz greats from the Continent. The listener is introduced to a smooth blend of melodies that capture the imagination no matter where you are and the instruments are a harmony that touches your soul. Pick it up soon, you'll like it!

don't turn away because of africa in the title. open your ears to some gorgeous music. jazzheads, smoothies...this disc is for anyone who loves good music. i play it all the time and recommend it to everybody i know. buy it!

An excellent blend of smooth jazz with an African flavor. All my students enjoy it. They have often asked to hear the album when they are doing written work in class. It's not easy to please middle school students with something other than pop, rap, or hip-hop.[Definately "kid approved".]

Soro turned into a great hit for Salif Keita in the late 1980s and was the album that established him on the international scene. Keita's music is a successful blend of the traditional griot style with influences from Latin America and other West African pop styles. The female backup singers play a prominent role in the arrangements, at least equal to Keita's own searing vocals.

The music is a happy mix of percussion, bass, guitar, congas, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and keyboards. Soro (Afriki) is a long piece in three parts with different percussive tempos and instrumental breaks. Souareba is a particularly moving song with a spiritual undertone, orchestral arrangement and soaring vocals.

Sina (Soumbouya) is a more traditional piece with a bubbling rhythm, flashes of trumpet and the intricate vocal interplay. With its slower pace and gently lilting rhythm, Cono is a soulful ballad with a lovely melody, whilst the mournful Sanni Kegniba is more traditional with intense soaring vocals.

Soro from 1987 is considered his masterpiece but I like Keita's albums Amen and The Mansah Of Mali even more for their greater variety. This however remains a classic of African crossover music.

The first time I heard the music of Salif Keita was in Senegal in 1993. I found SORO on tape in a market in Dakar. I fell in love with his music the first time I listened to him. There is something almost spiritual that moved me when I heard his voice. When I saw him in concert in Washington, DC in 1994, I was not disappointed. His concerts are definitely an experience. I took a couple of friends with me and they were truly impressed with his performance.

Complex, rythmic, melodic, and wonderfully unique. I still get shivers everytime "Cono" (sample track 5) plays.

well, i will not profess to know much about carribean music or where the african music has fused with the carribean music in this album but it's good. angelique has crafted a great album for the end of her musical trilogy. it's not really like her previous albums but it carries Kidjo-ness in it. there is joy and power in the more upbeat songs like 'Seyin Djro' and there is sensual tenderness in the slow songs like 'N'yin wan nou we'.
like the title says, OYAYA, there is joy in this album, and i think is woth having if you like african or latin music or if you enjoy a good song.

Tight Latino-Caribbean band deep with polyrhythms and horn charts sharp as a razor. Big alto voice tends to stay in the mix. Uses a wide variety of styles that sound more New World than African, but African roots surface here and there in especially hot rhythms and lighter elements of the upper part of the mix. Not as African as I had expected. Traditional in many ways.

To be honest, I was disappointed. The Kidjo I want more of is the one who turned the movie, Lightning in a Bottle, on its head. Her boogied Buddy Guy into an incendiary take on Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child." That's the voodoo we want from Kidjo; you won't find it here. [49:47]

This album is not really meant to reflect the true music of her homeland of Benin West Africa. It is a story that tells the journey of the West African Slave deposited in the Spanish, French, English,and Dutch speaking Caribbean as well as parts of South America. If you have a keen ear and have travelled to such locales, you will be able to identify the variety of rhythms and beats from the various islands and countries. Her voice is strong, sultry, and beautiful! In my opinion this is another winner.