Africa music reviews
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Music reviews for "Africa" sorted by average review score:
Kora Melodies: Music from Gambia, West Africa
Released in Audio CD by Rounder Select (14 February, 1992)
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Artist: Alhaji Bai Konte
Tracks:
- Alla I'aa Ke
- Cewe Ienkele Wecho
- Cedo
- Kelefa Ba
- Baa To Toto
- Jato
- Alhaji Bamba Bojang
- Fayunkunko
- Dalua
- Jula Jekere
- Tara
- Jato
- Turning Kora
- Simbomba
Average review score: 
The Kottke of the KoraThis is really a stunning set of songs from Konte. I hadn't realised he'd passed away until I read one of the reviews posted here. Of course he sounds nothing like Leo Kottke, but he can move with that same dazzling speed, say on 'Baa to toto', whilst imitating a frog, belting a bluesy barrelhouse piano sound and simultaneously unfolding a melody. Elsewhere, on 'Daua', he hums like an insect over a sitar sounding piece. The moods vary, from festive rollicking, through booming rhythms,to eerie melodies. Like Kottke, without witnessing a performance, it's hard to believe only one man is making such a surplus of music.
Alhaji Bai Konte - Greatest 20th Century Kora PlayerThis recording was given to us in Burkina Faso in the 1980's. The people there consider this Guinean griot to be the deepest, and best kora player ever. We have to agree. It was said that even the despotic ruler of Guinea shed tears at the death of Alhaji Bai Konte. Add this classic to your West African music collection.
Alhaji Bai Konte is one of the greatsAlthough I have not heard this CD yet, I was lucky enough to see one of Alhaji Bai Konte's performances when he was in the US about twenty years ago. The audience sat in wrapt silence as the griot played his Kora under a 200-year-old oak tree on the Campus of Friends World College in Lloyd Harbor. How I would love to see him perform again. Michael Kucher
KWANZAA for Young People (and Everyone else!)
Released in Audio CD by Orchard (02 November, 1999)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Umoja
- Kujichagulia
- Ujima
- Ujamaa
- Nia
- Kuumba
- Imani (featuring Kenya Hathaway)
- Kwanzaa Dance
Average review score:
Very Uplifting for allThis is a Great COllection of Songs that Celebrate KWANZAA.It's about Giving&Sharing and it's for All People.It Has Great Messages&alot of feeling.Very Well Done.
RefreshingAs a parent and educator, this album is very refreshing. It is positive, infomative and uplifting. As stated in the introduction it is for young and old alike. Kwanzaa for young people and everyone else , is just that. It crosses all ethnic barriers and focuses on what is important; the gift we not only give to others, but that we give to ourselves. I highly recommend this album to parents, to sit and listen with their children and to explain to them why these attributes are so important. Congratulations, on a job well done to the artists and folks at Charphelia.
RefreshingAs a parent and educator, this album is very refreshing. It is positive, infomative and uplifting. As stated in the introduction it is for young and old alike. Kwanzaa for young people and everyone else , is just that. It crosses all ethnic barriers and focuses on what is important; the gift we not only give to others, but that we give to ourselves. I highly recommend this album to parents, to sit and listen with their children and to explain to them why these attributes are so important. Congratulations, on a job well done to the artists and folks at Charphelia.
A L'Olympia
Released in Audio CD by Melodie (Cit570) (18 March, 2003)
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Artist: Césaria Évora
Tracks:
- Guanabarinu
- Papa Joachin Paris
- Cinturao Tem Mele
- Miss Perfumado
- Mar Azul
- Bia D'Lulucha
- Lua Nha Testemunha
- Reanima
- Angola
- Vida Tem Um So Vida
- Cize
- Cumpade Ciznone
- Bia
- Estanhadinha
- Angola
- Sodade
The Cape Verde diva is captured here in a lush live performance that stays true to the smooth cocktail atmosphere of her studio recordings while throwing in a spice of spontaneity with Evora's outbursts of laughter and slight improvisation. Lovers of Evora's romantic, sultry style will not be disappointed by this elegant album. Such reposed hits as "Miss Perfumado" and "Papa Joachin Paris" ring out in the same plaintive, tropical air of their recorded versions, not to mention Evora's voice, which sounds healthy, full, and gorgeous. In short, this is a fine collection recorded at Paris's renowned Olympia auditorium featuring Evora in a fresh, animated light. The only element the recording cannot capture is the now-famous visual of Evora taking a smoke break at a small table with a lamp and drink onstage while her band plays a lively instrumental number. Fans go wild for this odd but unique ritual, and it's one of several reasons to see this charismatic singer for yourself. In the meantime, L'Olympia is the next best thing. --Karen K. Hugg
Average review score:
The Voice of Cabo VerdeMy head still rings from seeing her in Vilnius last night. It was an incredible treat having her come and sing to an audience she held in the palm of her hand. Cesaria has had a long and storied career, with her success coming too late for her to really enjoy. She had to be helped onto the stage, but the Barefoot Diva stood through out the performance, taking a short smoke break, as her young band treated the audience to a lively Salsa piece. She seemed visibly moved by the strong reaction of the audience, which showered her with flowers after a wonderful encore.
At 63, she keeps putting out the albums but this live performance remains the most magical of her albums in my collection. It moves between melancholy mornas and lively samba rhythms, without missing a step. So many favorites on this remarkable CD, but I particularly enjoy Papa Joachin Paris and Sodade. She gives the latter a heartfelt quality that speaks of the long road she has taken to become one of the leading voices in World Music. It is a lovely ballad, apparently derived from her Cabo Verde roots, but made famous in the 70's by Angolan superstar Bonga. Anyway, you will enjoy this CD from beginning to end. Seventy-two minutes of wonderful music that makes you really feel as though you were there at the Olympia.
A staggering, incendiary talent...One can only voice regret at Ms. Evora's relatively late entry into the recording world, as all of her discs have a smoldering intensity and beauty that reveals a seemingly endless cache of ideas. Hence, this creates an insatiability in her fans for ever more recordings. Of all to date, A L'Olympia rewards the most--being the longest. An exemplary performance, and the songs! The shimmering "Reanima," a haunting "Papa Joachim Paris," two great versions of "Angola," and the finale "Sodade," are in need of no further explanation. Like most of her records, this is with traditional orchestration, unlike the odd "modern" production touches Ramiro Mendes added to much of her earlier "Destinho De Belita," presumably to introduce Evora to the French pop market.
We can only hope many more records flow forth from Cape Verde--the thought of a prolific sampling on the order of, say, Coltrane, is dizzying.
Life Around the World
Released in Audio CD by Alula (01 June, 1999)
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Artist: Hassan Hakmoun
Tracks:
- Live
- Danya Balmal
- Allah
- Nagcha
- Chabakouni 1
- Bada Hadi
- Hadiana
- Amoulay
- Bakitini
- Chabakouni 2
- Nadiyan
- Ailyawa
Hakmoun comes from a family of Moroccan musicians who practiced Gnawa, a religious and art form involving trance and purification via rhythm and movement. After coming to America in the mid-1980s, he established himself not only as a master of the tradition, but a ready innovator who broke the rules, found constants between his music and rock, jazz, and even pop. These recordings, made in 1990 and 1995 show how all of these things can be brought together in an honest and exciting way. Accompanied by long time friends Don Cherry, Hamid Drake, Adam Rudolph, and a cast of jazz and Gnawa musicians, he searches for a new sound for the ancient music, using his sintir (a three string lute) for both ancient effect and modern ambiance. Good vocals, an interesting variety of sounds and a willingness to both honor the roots and ignore the rules give this album high marks. --Louis Gibson
Average review score:
en-TRANCEDI was lucky enough to see Hassan Hakmoun and his little brother perform for a live broadcast as part of Chicago's second annual World Music Festival last week. Although his performance differed from this recording in that the music was pared down to sintir and hand-held percussion, the effect was similar: repetitive (but never tedious) rhythmic ground as a basis for soaring, yearning vocals. Oddly, one western group that came fleetingly to mind was the Grateful Dead in their more contemplative improvisational pieces such as Dark Star--a similar trance-inducing music. I have always loved feeling so transported!
an audio delight-blend, a taste of homeThanks Hassan for this real feast of musical delights. "Life Around the World" shows the maturity of Hassan Hakmoun as world-class music man. The invited musicians, with their own style of vocals and instruments, from different cultures and background blend-in in a perfect harmony, to our delight, with Hassan the gnawi. I particularly enjoyed the great talents of Richard Horowitz playing the ney in Chabakouni 1 ( #5)... This demonstrates a deep musical complicity between Hassan and Richard and also with Adam, Don, Abdul and all the numerous very talented artists from a veriety of different horizons.... Hassan demontrates in this CD that music is indeed a universal language... :) Thanks again
Majurugenta
Released in Audio CD by Real World (10 September, 1993)
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Artist: Ghorwane
Tracks:
- Muthimba
- Majurugenta
- Matarlatanta
- Xai-Xai
- Mavabwyi
- Sathuma
- Buluku
- Terehumba
- Akuhanha
Average review score:
Deep and SoulfulThis recording is a real sleeper. Not well known, it nevertheless is one of the most rewarding pieces of modern African music that I have heard. Each track unfolds with a calm but insistent grace. The grooves are deep, and the horns, voices, and rhythm section interlock in compositions of perfect logic. The band traveled from Mozambique to the UK to record for Peter Gabriel's Real World label. Somehow they brought their magic into the studio. This is true soul music.
Wondrous Music from Africa! Not to be Missed.This is truly awesome inspiring music. I don't know what the words mean, but the music just takes hold of my soul. If you don't find yourself moving in response to the wonderful soulful sounds, you are DEAD.
These guys are the Bob Marley & The Wailers of Mozambique an impoverished African country.
The talent these guys have is unbelievable. This album was recorded in London, by a band that was too poor to bring their own instruments. They used house instruments and borrowed some from other session musicians. They recorded in one take. WOW.
Try this album. Not only will you be supporting a great band, but you will be helping make a difference. Brittney already has more money than she'll ever need. Support real musicians. Buy this album. YOU WILL THANK ME.
Majurugenta
Released in Audio CD by EMI/Real World (15 July, 1999)
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Artist: Ghorwane
Tracks:
- Muthimba
- Majurugenta
- Matarlatanta
- Xai-Xai
- Mavabwyi
- Sathuma
- Buluku
- Terehuma
- Akuhanha
Average review score:
Deep and SoulfulThis recording is a real sleeper. Not well known, it nevertheless is one of the most rewarding pieces of modern African music that I have heard. Each track unfolds with a calm but insistent grace. The grooves are deep, and the horns, voices, and rhythm section interlock in compositions of perfect logic. The band traveled from Mozambique to the UK to record for Peter Gabriel's Real World label. Somehow they brought their magic into the studio. This is true soul music.
Wondrous Music from Africa! Not to be Missed.This is truly awesome inspiring music. I don't know what the words mean, but the music just takes hold of my soul. If you don't find yourself moving in response to the wonderful soulful sounds, you are DEAD.
These guys are the Bob Marley & The Wailers of Mozambique an impoverished African country.
The talent these guys have is unbelievable. This album was recorded in London, by a band that was too poor to bring their own instruments. They used house instruments and borrowed some from other session musicians. They recorded in one take. WOW.
Try this album. Not only will you be supporting a great band, but you will be helping make a difference. Brittney already has more money than she'll ever need. Support real musicians. Buy this album. YOU WILL THANK ME.
Mama Africa
Released in Audio CD by Capitol (30 July, 2002)
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Artist: Peter Tosh
Tracks:
- Mama Africa
- Glass House
- Not Gonna Give It Up
- Stop That Train
- Johnny B. Goode
- Where You Gonna Run
- Peace Treaty
- Feel No Way
- Maga Dog
- Johnny B. Goode (Long Vesion)
- Where You Gonna Run (Long Version)
- Mama Africa (Long Version)
Average review score:
Yes I I've been listening to this album at least once a week since I was 13. I'm 36 now. 'Mama Africa' is an emotionally overwhelming song for any conscious Black person. 'Where You Gonna Run' insists on love, wisdom and over-standing as the only solution. 'Peace Treaty' is pure politics and last but not least is 'Not Gonna Give It Up' which I think is the most outstanding Nationalist song ever created. it is instructive and it guides the African mind on what his/her mission is. If you listen to how the chorus is orchestrated, you can hear that he is literally hypnotizing us. Psychology 101.
Feel No WayNot only has this album, originally released in 1983, got an incredible beat that you will give you the reggae sensation through your body, Tosh also gives us the most incredible quotable lyrics such as on 'Stop That Train':
"All my life, I've been a lonely man
Trying to teach people who don't understand.
And even though I try my best
I still can't find no happiness, no happiness"
The words of the truth seeker and philosopher.
The album begins with deep spiritual ode to a return to Africa with Mama Africa
There is the catchy message in Glass Houses: " If you living in a glass house, don't throw stones. And if you can't take stones, well then don' throw stones"
The famous reggae rocker Johnny B Goode, the cynical 'Peace Treaty' referring to Tosh's take on Jamaican politics at the time, and the funky Maga Dog. And the rhythmic musing on "Feel No Way' about coming close to 'pay day'.
If reggae is your type of music, then you simply have to have this album
"All my life, I've been a lonely man
Trying to teach people who don't understand.
And even though I try my best
I still can't find no happiness, no happiness"
The words of the truth seeker and philosopher.
The album begins with deep spiritual ode to a return to Africa with Mama Africa
There is the catchy message in Glass Houses: " If you living in a glass house, don't throw stones. And if you can't take stones, well then don' throw stones"
The famous reggae rocker Johnny B Goode, the cynical 'Peace Treaty' referring to Tosh's take on Jamaican politics at the time, and the funky Maga Dog. And the rhythmic musing on "Feel No Way' about coming close to 'pay day'.
If reggae is your type of music, then you simply have to have this album
Buy all the remasters.I am in a position similar to the reviewer "Dr. Groove," I have all the remastered albums. This one and Equal Rights are so alike in message that Tosh could have released it along with Equal Rights as a double album. Like Equal Rights, this one is a keeper. It has awesome solos in "Glasshouse," and "Not Gonna Give it Up." All the remasters are worth getting for the rare pictures of Peter, and interviews that were conducted specifically for the releases.
Music Is the Weapon of the Future
Released in Audio CD by Qualiton Imports Ltd (26 January, 1999)
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Artist: Fela Anikulapo Kuti & Africa 7
Tracks:
- Go Slow
- Roforofo Fight
- Suffering And Smiling (Vocal Version)
Average review score:
Where Africa meets America in the Jazz& HipHop dept.You really do not need Taebo if you dance to this man's style of music. It will definitely get the calories burned with maximum fun.
fantasticwell amazon.com did it again.you guys made this great musician alive.these musics are among that are yet to be compared with other fela releases.undisputed king of afro music show what jazz jenre should sound like.Whaoh great music.
Muzina
Released in Audio CD by Rounder Select (27 September, 1994)
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Artist: Tabu Ley Rochereau
Tracks:
- Muzina
- Bania Irene
- Etale
- Alonzo
- Imaculee
- Le feu de l'amour (Sanza Sambo)
- Requisitoire
Average review score:
African Music and Singing, of ExcellenceWhat stands out with absolute clarity is the strength, beauty, smoothness and dedication of both Tabu Ley and other lead vocalists, as well as the background ones. Tabu Ley indeed loves what he is doing and gives the audience much, much more than they bargained for. The music is gentle and soothing, as it is executed excellently with great timing and African language (although Tabu Ley will time and again throw in some English and African phrases and words). Muzina's beat is gentle compared to
the hits in Tabu Ley's excellent "Africa Worldwide" album; such
that Muzina is great to listen to, either in an atmosphere of relaxation or jubilation. If you are a fan of African song and music, you need not hesitate to add this to your collection.
Review of " Muzina"For those who ever doubted the versatility of Tabu Ley this production is sure to silence the critics. Once again he has shown ability to organize tunes and come up with such heart warming soothers such as "Alonzo" and "Muzina" personally one of my favorites having been brought up in East Africa where Tabu Ley was a frequent visitor. I'd recommend highly for any one to buy the CD
The Lion of Soweto
Released in Audio CD by Earthworks [Virgin] (01 December, 1995)
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Artist: Mahlathini
Tracks:
- Baba-Ye
- Bayasazi
- Kudala Besifuna
- Kwa Mfazi Onge Mama
- Bhula Mngoma
- Kumnyama Endlini
- Kumnandi Emgababa
- Amagoduka
- Mahlalela
- Abake Ba Bonana
- Bayasimenmeza
- Ngibuzindlela
- Ilele Insizwa
- Ngiphelekezele
Average review score: 
'Goat Voice' MasterJust to add to the two excellent reviews here, Simon Nkabinde Mahlathini was the pioneer of the growling Howling Wolf/Captain Beefheart style vocals he called his 'goat voice.' His South African groups, Alexandra Black Mambazo, the Mahotella Queens and Makgona Tsohle Band ruled the SA airwaves for three decades, and made a major international impact via the "Indestructible Beat of Soweto" samplers from 1985 on.
This compilation contains some of his most characteristic music from the 1970s, and loses a star only because this selection gets a little repetitive over a whole album.
This compilation contains some of his most characteristic music from the 1970s, and loses a star only because this selection gets a little repetitive over a whole album.
An excellent find.I love this album. The music itself is very catchy, and Mahlathini's singing is amazing. And let's not forget the Mahotella Queens, who do a great job on backing vocals. This album is a good primer to the infectious beat of modern African music.
grrrrrrrowwwwwllllNo review for this record. What a shame. I heard this on kcrw many years ago, tom schnabels morning eclectic show. I loved it right away. What a voice the lion of soweto had. This is a great record to cruise around with. I'm replacing my old vinyl with a new cd.