Africa music reviews

Music reviews for "Africa" sorted by average review score:

Missing You (Mi Yeewnii)

Released in Audio CD by Palm Pictures (Audio (05 June, 2001)

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Artist: Baaba Maal

Tracks:

Yoolelle/Maman
Miyaabele
Fa/Laay/Fanaan
Leydi/Ma
Jamma/Jenngii
Fanta
Laare/Yoo
Senegaale/Ngummee
Mamadi
Kowoni/Maayo (Mi Yeewnii)
Allah/Addu Jam

The material on this incandescent release evokes the Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal's previous acoustic stunners, Djam Leeli and Baayo. Maal's piercingly gorgeous, stratospheric Islamic wailing soars over melodies constructed along austere yet sensuous lines as he sings of Africa's imminent heyday, romantic love, and ancient tales. He interacts with constantly shifting strands of song fashioned by guitarists Mansour Seck (Maal's best friend from childhood, who also sings second voice) and Kante Manfila, plus the nimble-fingered kora, or West African harp, of Kaouding Cissokho. The lead trio ripples and leaps among woodsy balafons (xylophones), rattling and swooping talking drums and sabar percussion, and resonant, gutty plucked strings. The ambiance recalls Maal's legendary small-venue live performances or dusk in a small Fulani village, where musicians who have played together all their lives still surprise each other while everybody else sings along. Seasoned fans and newcomers alike will be challenged, astonished, and delighted. --Christina Roden

Average review score: Africa music review

It's good

African singer-songwriter Baaba Maal has created, on this cd, music with melodic lines ranging from very mellow to more fun, with vocals that are often plaintive but sometimes also very catchy. There's always a lot going on in this music. It's good.

SUBLIME SENEGALESE MUSIC!

Unquestionably one of the best albums I'll ever have. Baaba Maal and Mansour Seck bring magic to your ears with this accustic CD. I can't get sick of it! I am listening to it right now as you read this review.

Back to the Basics

If you wish to speak of African music, you must include Baaba Maal, who is unquestionably one of the vast continent's quintessential musicians. It could be asserted that "Missing You" is Maal's quitessential album. Certainly, anyone wishing to seriously explore world music would do well to buy "Missing You."

Senegalese music has become known for its aggressive fusion with western music (particularly French). Maal explored the fusion genre a bit in "Nomad Soul" but didn't seem entirely comfortable there. With "Missing You" he returns to his roots, his basic sound heard before in albums such as "Baayo," and it is here that he thrives.

"Missing You" reminds us of where Senegalese music (and much of African music) came from. The feel is of a night where friends have gathered after dinner to calmly play together. The production is decidedly low-tech, Maal's distinctive vibratto voice accompanied by kora, guitar, balafones, drums, and several backup singers. The music is always light, airy, and folky - very organic and true.

The possible knock against this album is that the songs start to all sound the same. But then "Missing You" is not meant to excite and impress, its purpose is to connect and reassure and it never disappoints in that. It is excellent after-dinner music. Next time friends are over, put aside the standard American folk fare and put some Baaba Maal in for an extremely pleasant change.

Out Of Africa: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack

Released in Audio CD by Mca (25 October, 1990)

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Artist: Neville Marriner

Tracks:

Main Title (I Had A Farm In Africa)
I'm Better At Hello (Karen's Theme l)
Have You Got A Story For Me
Concerto For Clarinet and Orhestra
Safari
Karen's Journey - Siyawe (African Traditional)
Flight Over Africa
I Had A Compass From Denys (Karen's Theme II)
Alone On The Farm
Let The Rest Of The World Go By
If I Know A Song Of Africa (Karen's Theme III)
End Title (You Are Karen)

The great irony of John Barry's Academy Award-winning score for Out of Africa (which also took the Oscar as Best Picture) is that it almost never was; director Sydney Pollack had originally envisioned the film with native African music, going as far as laying the indigenous score down as he was editing. But the weight of John Barry's arguments--not to mention his considerable track record and composing gifts--held sway, and the composer delivered on his intent: a lush, romantic masterpiece for the ages. --Jerry McCulley

Average review score: Africa music review

What happenedr?

I love watching the film and about every 6 months I watch it again. I enjoy it not only for the wonderful work of art it is but for the majestic score. But the soundtrack album doesn't give the majesty of the full experience of the visuals along with the sound. The soundtrack, divorced from the movie, is a bit boring, though beautiful.

WORTH EVERY PENNY AND THEN SOME!

Quite simply put, this is the MOST BEAUTIFUL MUSIC I have ever heard. No music has ever touched me the way the music in Out Of Africa does. Every song is so beautifully done. THANK YOU, JOHN BARRY for sharing your beautiful talent with me and the world. I am forever grateful. You won't go wrong with this CD! It's "out of this world"!

Beautiful Melody

The sound track is wonderful to listen too. As I really enjoyed the movie, I also enjoy the soft sounds of the CD. Using the various intruments to compose the different melodies, the composition was beautifully developed.

Tree63

Released in Audio CD by Inpop (27 March, 2001)

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Artist: Tree63

Tracks:

Treasure
Joy
Look What You've Done
Sacrifice
Earnestly
Anthem
A Million Lights
1*0*1
Can I See Your Face?
Worldwide

Average review score: Africa music review

It's like looking straight into heaven.

There are no words for this cd. I don't think that I have ever owned a cd that brings you this close to God. So many christian groups these days sing the same lyrics over and over, and the songs all begin to melt together, but with Tree63, the songs are all different and unique. They sing with such truth and conviction, and seem to really touch people's hearts. If you are looking for a great worship cd, as well as one that will lift your spirits and make you get up and dance, this is the one for you!

Necessary for your Christian Library!!

This CD is so utterly fantastic and so-unlike most other forms of modern-day rock or worship (it's really a combination of the two) that is pretty much defies words. You just have to hear and allow their transforming and humbling message to emmanate through your heart. I heard these guys in concert as an opener for RSJ and was hooked by the time they finished. They're soo high-energy and their name, Tree63, stems from the fact that they are from South Africa and the 63 Psalm talks about a tree full of LIFE out in the middle of a desert. This one is def. better than their second CD (Absolute Truth), so if you're even thinking about buying it, do so today and you won't be disspointed!!!!

Excellent!

I first heard this group on Christianrock.net, and the song was "1*0*1". I was a fan instantly. I finally bought this CD after several months... It's great! The music is great, the lyrics are wonderful, and the group is just great! 1*0*1 is still my favorite song on the CD, but "Look What You've Done" and "Joy" are both very good. If you like alternative Christian music, you'll love this CD. I can't wait til the next CD comes out (according to their website, it should be in the fall of 2003).

African Lullaby

Released in Audio CD by Ellipsis Arts (22 June, 1999)

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Artist: Various Artists

Tracks:

Thula Mtwana - Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Omo - Kemi Akanni
Kounandi Deni - Abdoulaye Diabate
Mayo Mpapa - Muriel Mwamba
Nyandolo - Ayub Ogada
Ayo Nene Touti - Mor Dior Bamba
Thula Thula - Ntomb'khona Dlamini
Webake - Samite
Oluronbi - Floxy Bee, The Hikosso Queen
Diriyo Nakana - Sadio Kouyate
Diyore - Abou Sylla
Sigalagala - Anindo
Tesegu - Danone O'Sow
Chitsidzo - Stella Rambisai Chiweshe

As with other Ellipsis Arts releases, African Lullaby is more than a stellar music collection. Its delightful liner notes provide ample context for these "love songs for children" and the collection's innovative earth-friendly packaging is a work of art unto itself. Commencing with the bewitching Zulu harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, "Thula Mtwana" sets the tone, creating an atmosphere of warmth, safety, and peace, and is followed by a baker's dozen that reflect the gentle rhythms of an abundantly diverse continent. "Kounandu Deni" marries the dancing melody of Malian guitar and African harp with lyrics of paternal providence. Broadway's Sarafina! and The Lion King cast member Ntomb'khona Dlamini wails soulfully on "Thula Thula," and "Chitsidzo" is a mystical reverie of parental love and spousal longing accompanied by the intense beauty of a mbira (thumb piano). Standing head and shoulders above others in its class, African Lullaby is testimony to the awesome power of music. --Paige La Grone

Average review score: Africa music review

love this CD!

i listened to this while pregnant, then while nursing. now we listen to it at bedtime, and sometimes in the car. the music is so beautiful and soothing, it's one of my favorites in any category.

You don't need a baby to enjoy this

This is a great CD and I often listen to it without my child around. I've even played it when we have company and they comment on it being good. The music on this CD is very similar to some of the African influenced music on Graceland. Other CDs in the series are as good.

Fantastic!

I received this cd as a gift from a friend for my 5 month old daughter. We listen to it every night as part of our bedtime ritual. She loves it and I probably enjoy it at least as much. A very nice alternative to the routine lullaby cd's out there!

N'ssi N'ssi

Released in Audio CD by Cohiba (04 March, 1994)

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Artist: Khaled

Tracks:

Serbi Serbi
Herbou
Adieu
Chebba
Les Ailes
Alech Tradi
Bakhta
N' Ssi N' Ssi
Zine A Zine
Abdel Kader
El Marsem

Cheb (young) Khaled was a rebel in his day, an Algerian punk whose music blended racy lyrics with cheesy synths and drum machines in a sort of North African '80s techno. By the time he recorded this CD, he had dropped the Cheb and found that there was a whole world of sounds to choose from. Varying tracks were produced by Don Was and Phillipe Eidel. Eidel added a more lush, North African string orientation, while Was's tracks were pure-pop full of funky bass and R&B horns. Khaled's voice had matured as well, giving him assurance without losing that rebel edge. This recording had a lot of detractors when it came out, deriding it for being a betrayal of the rai "tradition." This is patently absurd, given that rai itself was only a generation old, and was created as a revolt against tradition. With N'ssi N'ssi, Khaled had grown, and so had his music. --Louis Gibson

Average review score: Africa music review

Music From Seventh Heaven

Or audio Hasheesh - take your pick.

One of the most nearly perfect albums I have heard in over four decades of eclectic listening.

I have little idea what Khaled is singing about, or what language or dialect he is singing it in - nor do I much care.
The voice is all you need. Add to that magnificent instrument
superb musicians, spot-on instrumentation, arrangements and production that fits each song like a glove and...what else is necessary to know?

Eleven splendidly varied songs that all groove, cook and flow into each other with an utterly dependable, danceable, intoxicating drive and sheer delight in being alive. It just keeps coming on. And you wish it will never stop. This is music that would make Sufis of the pathetic Taliban.

(Check out Kenza, too!)

Fabulous!

This CD is my first experience with rai music. I am now a devoted fan. The first song truly speaks to my heart. The second song KEBOU is my favorite on the album. I am a student of Middle Eastern dance and enjoy all types of Arabic music. I find the music here to be eclectic, hypnotic, and energetic. I do not speak Arabic and currently enjoy listening to Khaled more than any of my English language CD's. I think the varied instrumentation is invigorating and fresh. Khaled's voice is so engaging and the more I hear it the more I love it. Just can't say enough!

I finally got it

I bought this CD for the "alachi taadi" song from the fifth element. I was surprised to find other songs that are even better. Great Music

N'ssi N'ssi

Released in Audio CD by Polygram Int'l (11 January, 2000)

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Artist: Khaled

Tracks:

Serbi Serbi
Kebou
Adieu
Chebba
Ailes
Alech Taadi
Bakhta
N'Ssi N'Ssi
Zine a Zine
Abdel Kader
Marsem

Average review score: Africa music review

Music From Seventh Heaven

Fabulous!

I finally got it

I bought this CD for the "alachi taadi" song from the fifth element. I was surprised to find other songs that are even better. Great Music

Juju Music

Released in Audio CD by Mango (25 October, 1990)

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Artist: King Sunny Ade

Tracks:

Ja Funmi
Eje Nlo Gba Ara Mi
Mo Beru Agba
Sunny Ti De Ariya
Ma Jaiye Oni
365 Is My Number/The Message
Samba/E Falaba Lewe

Quite possibly the most beautiful and influential West African record ever released internationally, Juju Music remains a revelation. With a phalanx of electric guitars that functions like a percussion section, and talking drums that sound like a gossipy Greek chorus, Nigerian juju star King Sunny Ade and His African Beats, all 20 of them, proved that African music could be as complex, dramatic, and symphonic as any European ensemble. Some thanks must go to French producer Martin Meissonier, who took the basic elements of Ade's sound--unison guitars, Yoruban drumming, seamless song medleys, and self-reflexive lyrics--and added a diverse assortment of Jamaican production techniques to heighten, deepen, and psychedelicize a sound that, with Ade's deliciously sweet vocals and the haunting strains of Demala Adepoju's Hawaiian steel guitar, was plenty wild to begin with. A masterpiece. --Richard Gehr

Average review score: Africa music review

classic and infectious

I wore out the grooves on the vinyl ... so I had to get the disc, which sounds great. A staple in any music lover's diet.

perfectly great music

I got this CD in a local book/CD store's reggae section. As timeless & beautifully as it is, I just want you to know that the music focuses more on the intricate African rhythms than upbeats, as he's from Nigeria & devoted to carrying traditions of Nigeria. Important thenes here are spirituality, mrality, & honor. This music, from conception to production, is a vision immaculately realized. That's why this has earned its reputation as one of the most monumental recordings of the 20th century, not only of this kind of music but ever!

I hope this review has been helpful to you!

postmodern africa

What is astounding about this contemporary masterpiece is its absolute ground-breaking and utterly contemporary fusion of innumerable elements. About as experimental and open-hearted as music gets, the endless interweavings of various guitars, heavenly voices and subtle percussion have been killing me softly since it was first released. A masterpiece in any terms.

Moffou

Released in Audio CD by Decca U.S. (17 September, 2002)

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Artist: Salif Keita

Tracks:

Yamore
Katolon
Baba
Iniagige
Souvent
Ana Na Ming
Madan
Moussoldu
Koukou
Here

Salif Keita made his name with Rail Band and Les Ambassadeurs, but he gradually veered away from re-Africanized Latin tunes to explore his Mande birthright. Then, in the late 1980s, he released Soro, a potent blend of traditional sources, Western pop, and savvy studio electronica that took the international market by storm. There have been other high points since then, but on Moffou, what went before is consolidated and transformed via the depth and patina of an artist in his prime. The set opens with a slinky, accordion-laced duet between Keita and Cape Verdean diva Cesaria Evora, but quickly moves on to the soulful Malian acoustic ballads that form the heart and soul of this masterpiece. Other tunes recall the insouciant heyday of Paris-posse Afropop, but minus that era's banal production values. Keita's voice is magnificent throughout; alternately silky, sensual, and ethereal, it floats amid Kante Manfila's intuitive settings like incense. --Christina Roden

Average review score: Africa music review

One of the best albums ever....

The music of "Mouffou" is haunting. That is the only way I can describe it. It was one of those special finds during a visit to a local music store. I can not imagine not having been introduced to Salif Keita. This album is by far one of the best music purchases I HAVE EVER MADE! The music is rich and full of emotion - it's a complete musical experience, one which I return to again and again.

Just give it a try and you'll love it.

It's the music that leads you beyond the imagination. It is heavenly serenity and earthly bliss.

Even Cowboys Like Salif Keita

With a voice both weary and childlike, Salif Keita is a man for all seasons. Need to romance that special someone? Want to get blind drunk on Boone's Farm in a lonely room? Inviting some folks over for dinner or drinks? This is the perfect record - the production sparkles, the tempos are varied and interesting, and Clear Channel wouldn't play it in 10,000 years.

C'est la Vie

Released in Audio CD by Tinder (17 March, 1998)

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Artist: Henri Dikongué

Tracks:

Ndutu
Ndol'asu
C'Est La Vie
Na Tem Ite Idiba
Na Teleye Owa Ngea
We Nde Mba
Bulu Bo Windi Tenge
Francoise
A Mumi
Wen Te Mba Wenge
Douala

Don't mistake Dikongué's music for the Afro Beat sounds of makossa, the national pop music of his home, Cameroon. He holds a musical ethic much closer to Pierre Akendengue or Francis Bebey--one where poetry and mood prevail over groove and danceability. This guitarist has integrated not only the Afro-Parisian sound, but allows Latin, Caribbean, and other regions of Africa to flow naturally into his compositions and playing style. It all seems effortless, almost breezy, but there is an underlying poetic complexity that makes the music almost impossible to ignore. Even the "dance tracks" have a suave sophistication and worldliness, a loveliness that is almost unknown to most fans of "African" music. The songs here modulate between simple solo guitar and voice ballads to fuller bands with violin, kit drums, and bass, occasionally allowing even some brass to insinuate itself into the mix. There are one or two saccharine moments, but the intrusion is minimal. Dikongué's sweet, quavering voice and direct acoustic guitar are always front and center, delivering the goods direct to the heart first, and the feet after. --Louis Gibson

Average review score: Africa music review

Just great luck

....led me to clamp on a pair of headphones at Hear Music. Whoa! Track after beautiful track. Lyrical, gorgeous. Makes you want to lie back and let the music wash over you. You'll love it.

Lively and Fun

This CD always brings my mood up by many points. It is something different!

all the world's a sunny day

I acquired this CD more or less by accident, discovering it at a record store sound station in the world music section. I immediately loved the easy-going, colorful songs and joyful sound of Henri Dikongue's voice. They represent for me what is enjoyable about so many West African performers and the rhythms and instrumentation of their music.

After listening to this CD several times, I realized that both singer and songs remind me somewhat of Paul Simon in what I think of as his "Kodachrome" period. The songs are upbeat, bright, and cheerful, and they have an engaging way of insisting that "all the world's a sunny day." I've listened to this CD many, many times and have never grown tired of a single cut on it. It's a rich musical offering for both ear and heart. A companion African pop artist whose work I've found equally accessible is Kanda Bongo Man from Congo.

Shaka Zulu

Released in Audio CD by Warner Bros / Wea (25 October, 1990)

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Artist: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Tracks:

Unomathemba
Hello My Baby
Golgotha
King Of Kings
Lomhlaba Kawunoni (The Earth Never Gets Fat)
How Long?
Ikhaya Lamaqhawe (Home Of The Heroes)
Yibo Labo (These Are The Guys)
Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain
Wawusho Kubani? (Who Were You Talking To?)

The phrase "Time to meditate," as crooned by Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the song "Hello My Baby," might well be the most exquisitely sung line in all recorded music. Tastefully produced by Paul Simon following the success of Graceland, 1987's Shaka Zulu finds Ladysmith harmonizing as sweetly in English as they do in their native Zulu tongue (conveniently translated here). In addition to Christian and courting songs, Shaka's most interesting tunes provide glimpses into tribal culture. As Ladysmith observe in "Yibo Labo (These Are the Guys)": "There usually are problems with secret lovers / The elders never approve." --Richard Gehr

Average review score: Africa music review

Hello to my baby

Oh, such sweet, sweet memories!! My husband played this CD in our delivery room when our son was born seven years ago. "Time to meditate. I send a messenger to tell you that I want to meet you! Come along, come along to kiss me!"

EVERYONE loves this music! Children, women, men... Am I leaving anyone out? It's sweet, thoughtful, masculine, sometimes playful, sometimes deadly serious, but always hauntingly soulful and lovely music.

African Treat

Thought I would give Ladysmith a try based on the good reviews it received here and was not dissapointed. The tracks are very rythmic and uplifting. The recording is very good.

excellent music

you can't go wrong with this cd. it's excellent uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable music.

Related Subjects: International Algeria Benin Burundi Cameroon Cape_Verde Egypt Ethiopia Gabon Ghana Guinea Ivory_Coast Kenya Madagascar Mali Mauritania Morocco Nigeria Senegal_and_Gambia Sierra_Leone South_Africa Sudan Tanzania Uganda Zaire_and_Congo Zambia Zimbabwe
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