Africa music reviews

This CD exemplifies the artistic ingenuity of the Ethiopian people. Though the music is quite obviously very Westernized, employing electric guitars, drum kits, saxophones, and even muted trumpet solos, the music retains native Ethiopian elements, such as a propensity toward triple meter rhythms, strict adherence to a variety of pentatonic scales, and the use of the Amharic language. This music truly was the golden age of modern Ethiopian music. Many of these recordings were the last of their kind to be released before the oppressive and all too long-lasting Marxist regime of Mengistu Hailemariam came to power.

This CD showcases some of the superstars of Ethiopian pop music - Muluq�n M�ll�ss�, Al�may�hu Esh�t�, Tlahoun G�ss�ss�, and Mahmoud Ahmed, just to name a few. The music ranges from the fun - 'Y�qondjowotch Mend�r', sung by Hirut B�q�l�, with the groovy and bouncy Police Orchestra jamming on saxophones, trumpets, drums, and electric guitar. Hirut sings a happy melody about the 'village of the beauties,' where none are as handsome as her lover - to dramatic - 'T�n�sh k�lb� lay', where Muluq�n M�l�sse begs for his heart to be left alone by the torments of love - to energetic - 'K�lkeyelegn', sung by T�f�ri F�ll�q�, backed by the Army Band. The song starts with a funky 60's organ and brass over an undulating bassline, with bright electric guitars imparting an almost Kenyan sound - to sexy - 'S�lam Almazey�', Mahmoud Ahmed's famous song about his passionate love for the beautiful Almaz.

I've only been listening to Ethiopian (and Eritrean) music for about a year so fare, but this is yet another jewel from the wonderful Ethiopiques series. I highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested in the music of this overlooked and misunderstood land.

Each track on this CD is a gem. Just when you think it can't possibly get any better, the next track is. It is hard music to describe... If you enjoy Om Kulsum you will be in a good position to start with this, although this is probably more broadly accessible than Om Kulsum. Some of it sounds almost like some older Indian and Japanese pop music. These people certainly listened to James Brown and you can hear Motown and central African influences, but an artist like Muluqen Mellesse takes these influences and makes something new and beautiful. Read the lyrics translated in the informative insert that comes with this CD. Everything about this collection is wonderful.

The first song has a trance-inducing beat, snake charmer saxophone stylings, and passionate vocals. The rest of the disk rocks out like some sort of "middle eastern" James Brown. Nice hammond organ work on a few tracks. Brilliant vocalists. Beautiful clarinet on the last song.

This is for those searching authentic and untainted African music. It introduces you to several subgenres, to the regional differences, to the topical differences. This can be basic introduction or it can be useful in expanding your knowledge and enjoyment of African music.

As a sampler, you get many different varieties of indigenous African music. You're introduced to that music which has given birth to jazz, to rock, to several subgenres. This includes music from each individual region and covers the spectrum from witchcraft chants to animal sounds.

Chances are you'll find one or more styles that especially enchant you and will guide you in developing a collection tailored to your tastes and purpose.

There's nothing watered down here. This is the true expression of a culture and I highly recommend it.

A single-disc sampling of the CD-era reissue of Nonesuch's groundbreaking "Explorer" series, which brought world music to an American audience during the hippie years. Although the original albums were a bit "folkloric" and dry, compared to the wealth of world styles we can hear today, this CD wisely plucks out some of the best sonic oddities from the original, august albums, songs that have such distinctive, alluring aural properties, that they will instantly grab the attention of even the most jaded modern listener. Includes several eerily ambient songs that are similar in feel to Francis Bebey's best work. A nice chance to check out the best this multi-album series has to offer. Be sure to also check out the many volumes of Asian music when they become available!

Kevin's music is haunting with beautiful resonance and sounds of nature tastefully infused in the background. He also is a great hoop dancer!

Kevin Locke always produces gentle, healing music often recorded outdoors with natural sounds. This CD focuses on traditonal Native American flute music played with joy and finesse in peaceful surroundings. You'll enjoy the mellowness of the moods while you share in the experience of the recording...P.S. He's incredible to see live.

As the other reviewer said, I was also introduced to this CD on Microsoft Encarta under Worldbeat music. The clip on Encarta is of track 1, Ma Andaklah Tgoulili Kalma (in English: You Don't Have To Tell Me Anything). I liked the 30 second clip so much, I decided to purchase the CD. The music is wonderful. I think the beats and the flow of the Arabic language on this CD make it so good. The only downside to buying it is the long wait for it since it's on special order. I can't imagine why this music, so popular in Algeria and Morocco, hasn't caught on in the US. It is fairly popular in Europe, used primarily at dance clubs. I suppose the language difference may have something to do with it, but the CD insert is in English and briefly explains each song and what it's about. I don't care if it is in Arabic or not, it's still a great CD.

I first heard this artist on the Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia and I love it.

Unlike in the past the style used by the fourth generation both the middle aged and younger generation of musicians. The up-tempo beat which incorporates more of the techno-beats appears to have taken over the minds of most Lingala music fans.Super Mazembe is the best in East Africa and still playing its role.

Listening to this CD catapults one back to those nostalgic high school years when one's only prized possession was a static filled pocket radio. If your (Super Mazembe)listening experience does not leave you with several nostalgic lumps in your throat, then the Kenyan 80's high school craze left you out. Anybody from East Africa will recognize these songs, for they remind you why we made several trips to the local kiosk to buy the everready triple "A" batteries. The lyrics and the guitar licks are superb and they will transport your memory to those rowdy saturday night "bull dances".

This is the music that takes me back in time to the early 80s when I was only a kid. Listening to it reminds me of the great music that African Artists used to make. This is definately one of the greatest bands ever. If you like Fela, Salif Keita, Masekele, Franco and Papa Wemba, you will definately like this.
I love it !!!

I'm from Zimbabwe and I don't understand a word they are saying :-)

...sheer life's energy, so well comunicated, from "THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CONTINENT"! Don't dought Gabriel!

This will make you make you want to dance on the ceiling, the floor just don't do it justice. Fantastic musicianship and crazy grooves....techno will never be this good.

An excellent album. The guitar-playing is hot, and the rhythm is tough not to dance to. A great introduction to Zairean dance music--you'll soon see why it's so popular in eastern Africa.

This album demonstrates the lively beat, rythym, and melodies that Soukous is famous for. I have owned this albumn for four years and I never tire of it. "YOU GOTTA DANCE TO IT MAHN...FEEL THE BEAT!"

The technical aspects of the guitar playing is amazing. This is the kind of music that brought Paul Simon to Africa and someday will bring me there too! I dream to see these people live!

Other fantastic albumn you must hear is Planet Zouk (The World of Antilles Music)

SOUKOUS IS TRUE HAPPINESS!

This is a wonderful CD. I listen to it frequently at work. The artists are all African women from various parts of the continent and the range in their style and music reflects the vast differences between the regions. This album is very well put together. If you want an introduction to African musicians or just want to listen to beautiful and inspiring music, this CD is a great place to start.

I don't doubt the authenticity of these selections, but having just returned from a month in all of Ethiopia (as a tourist), I am afraid I wasn't exposed to much in the way of "real" Ethopian tribal music; therefore, I found the results (I purchased the album to accompany my DVD showing of photos)to be more vocal than instrumental selections - which for my purposes - would have been preferred.

This CD presents the ancient musical traditions of the Ethiopian tribes that have never entered the main stream of the Ethiopian music scene. The songs of the Afar, the Anuak, the Oromo and other. There is only one (amazing !) song by an Amhara and none by a Tigry. The diversity of sounds within one country is unusual. For me this is a library of rhythms and sounds that is thrilling and enlightening. This music is primal - earthly and unsophisticated. This must be how we all sounded 2,000 years ago. I must single out Mary Armeede's long and beautiful song, Fano. Her voice and Krar playing is full of emotion and musicianship in a way rarely heard these days. These recordings from 1971 are a must for every fan of original tribal music and/or Ethiopian music.

This CD combines the work of wonderful artists. For anyone who is searching for a CD that is totally local, tribal, and that contains very exotic music, here it is. I personally own a copy of this CD, and I must say how enjoyable it is to hear real Ethiopian Music. For some people who are not used to tribal music, this CD may feel a little to repetitive or somewhat difficult to hear through it entirely, perhaps due to its monophonic melody. I have for years heard this type of material and I must say I enjoy it tremendously, and therefore this is the reason why I chose to give a 5 stars. I have enjoyed this CD since the day I bought it, and to this day, have not tired myself with this music that is so genuine and pure in its content, and that expresses the beauty that lies within a country like Ethiopia.

i was very disappointed with this cd, maybe it's my own fault, but i thought i was gonna get some african singing I wanted to hear african vocal groups like ladysmith black or whatever that group is.. i wasted my damn money...and im higly upset.

I first heard "Wamuhle Intombi Emphiophe" and "Ntlela A Tingangeni" as demonstration of rhythm and beat in a music course. Then I chased after this CD! <> is a blending of various aspects in South African music scenes. The compilation features mostly Zulu and Shangaan artists with heavy-beat and lively tracks like "Ngimbonile Ubaba" and "Nayintombi Ibaleka". You'll have to experience all the unique and vivacious music elements yourself. This is a must-have for the international music fanatics!

An essential addition to any South African music collection, featuring a wide range of primarily Zulu and Shangaan artists.