Africa music reviews

When David Byrne decided he would turn a few (hundreds of) thousand people on to the music he'd been getting into in the form of "Beleza Tropical" in 1989, legend has it he had no idea how successful the vehicle for it, his record label Luakabop (www.luakabop.com) would become.

Since then, the label has grown into much more than a label for "world music" (a term Byrne loathes). The roster now reflects an almost impeccable taste in music that goes far beyond any genre.

One of the most beautiful albums the label has released is unquestionably 'Pretaluz'. The music here embodies the sadness and violence that Angola has seen through its torn history pre, during, and post imperialism. An incredible sense of joy and hope also emanates from the interplay of guitars and African percussion. Speaking of the guitars, I've always suspected, but not yet confirmed, that David Byrne lends a hand on several tracks. Some of the stylings and effects seem to have his unmistakable signature sound.

Bastos, who now lives in Portugal, variously sings in Portuguese, and at times in a dialect that may be unique to Angola. There really isn't a bad song on this album, but the centerpiece may be "Muxima". This is the story of Our Lady of Muxima. In the story, the pilgrim who returns from visiting Our Lady of Muxima, but hasn't repented or become pure of sin, will drown as he crosses the river.

This is a great record that still sounds fresh almost a decade after its release and countless spins through the CD players. If you're reading this, you may have at least some understanding of how the African diaspora has influenced American culture in ways most people don't recognize or acknowledge. Assuming you do, this is an essential piece to add to that mosaic.

What a lovely CD. Bastos is a wonderful vocalist. The arrangements are sparse, but the sound is full and the rhythms catchy. I tracked down two other CDs by him and they are very good as well. I had never heard of him, but then a friend of mine invited me to see him and Cesaria Evora at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Evora was, of course, sensational, but so was Bastos. I ordered Pretaluz as soon as I got home.

There are few African artists that are as talented as Bastos. His songs convey his genious along with his patriotism for Angola. Even though the songs are sung solely in Portuguese, it is completely unecessary to know the language to understand their meanings; they are fantastic. The rhythms are very catchy with a Latin American, almost salsa-esque feel to them. One of his gifts is that his messages and emotions are conveyed without any knowledge of his language, which is likely one of the reasons for his success. As a plus for those who are beginning to learn Portuguese, this is music that you will be able to understand after a few tries. Ever since I received the album, I listen to it often and recommend it at every opportunity. As a huge fan of international, and especially African, music, I would highly recommend Bastos' magic. In the meantime, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for another US release.

Right about the time every western pop star was playing with "world-beat," Johnny Clegg and Savuka made their strongest bid for an American audience with this CD. It took the indecisive sound of "Third World Child" and glossed it up so strikingly that they almost sounded more Southern Californian than South African. Try to imagine Huey Lewis recording "Graceland" instead of Paul Simon. That was how powerful the lead single, "Take My Heart Away," was. But once the mix of Zulu and English lyrics begin hypnotizing you along with the rhythms, it's impossible to not realize that this is an extremely individualistic sound.

The keyboards figured more prominently on "Shadow Man" than before, which added to the danceable nature of the songs. And if you were ever lucky enough to see Johnny and Savuka live, you know how physical the dances are. Johnny and his partner Dudu could step to the front of the stage and exhaust YOU with the energy they exerted in their traditional dances, which had them leaping into the air with an almost superhuman exuberance. Given that the formation of a mixed race band in the highly charged atmosphere of South Africa of the 80's was a dangerous political statement (Clegg was frequently arrested and harassed), seeing these two men on stage move with such power and grace was truly inspiring! (Tragically, Dudu was murdered in 1992.)

I was lucky enough to meet them after a show in Philadelphia when they opened for Tracy Chapman (they signed a poster for me), but never got to see them again live. It doesn't mean I have forgotten this music. "Shadow Man" is a CD that has aged strikingly well.

I grew up with Johnny Clegg's music being that I am from South Africa. Now that I have lived in Virginia for 3 years I find myself pining for Africa. Listening to Savuka and Juluka helps me imagine that I am back home. All the albums are awesome. Someone reviewd that some of his music was banned in South Africa because of it being too controversal, well this is not true, as the album 'Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World' is one I have had since it originally came out in the early '90's. Enjoy the music, and if you can take a trip to South Africa.

I first encountered Johnny Clegg in 1988 via Jimmy Buffet's album, "Hot Water" in which he covers a Clegg tune "Great Heart." I immediately bought the first Clegg album I could find, Shadow man, and it was the single best musical purchase I've ever made. The music is intoxicating, the rhythms are addictive, and the depth and breadth of emotion is startling. He speaks of things that most Americans take for granted such as freedom, human rights, and oppression. But his views on all things are both sublime and poetic. This album not only shocked me in its musical quality and originality, it moved my soul (and feet!) How some people can go through life without knowing Johnny Clegg is a mystery to me. Buy it now, enjoy it forever.

Hamza El Din is quickly becoming famous. I bought this album first and really liked it but it was not until I saw PASSION IN THE DESERT that I really began to appreciate his mastery in a new light. All his albums are great.

"A wish" is a master piece. I listened to some reviews about Hamza El Din prior to purchasing the CD and I thought that all excellent comments were still uderstatements to the beauty of this music. Highly recommended.

A WISH conveys a maturity in Hamza's stylings. I'm glad to see he's still creating such treasures as on this album.

Only a listen to this incredible and sublime collection with convince noise-weary ears and world-heavy souls of the healing power of the human voice.

I would love to hear a collection of this type which featured the voices of African women like Angelique Kidjo and Miriam Makeba.

Get it. You'll revisit it over and over.

Ive had this album for four years, I still listen to it on A weekly basis and never tire of it.It's very soul stirring,the first of the songs kothbiro is the most haunting of all of them.Dala and ondiek are my next favourites.
It's a wonderful album to have when life gets very chaotic and busy,it stops you right in your tracks.Highly reccommended as an introduction to the very wide scope of african music.

I heard this CD when visiting Bogota. I walked into a gallery of the local artists and the music captured my soul. I was so moved by the melodies, I had to find out the title of the CD. The music is transcendent. My favorites are Kothbiro, Ondiek and Sutu Kun, and the invigorating, rythmic Ekbobo. But the best has to be the Wasuze Otya track with the laughter of the singers at the end of the track; you can sense their joy in their songs. The music is so uplifting and premeates with a positive feeling -- you can tell that the singers feel joy in living, and in life through the range of wonderful music; you want to go to their land, and be in their space. Wonderful!!! A must have!!!

i love each and every one of the songs on the album. i kept playing it over and over again, almost ruin the CD. she stayed true to her African soul and that is what music is about, staying true to your roots.

Angelique Kidjo's CD "Aye," in my humble opinion, is her greatest work. In it, she creates a bright Afro-pop sound that dominates the entire CD. The lead song "Agolo" is an upbeat, energetic dance number that is catchy. The video for "Agolo" was nominated for a Grammy Award. The harder-edged "Adouma" and the expansive, soaring "Djan-Djan" help mix things up, making "Aye" an adventurous listening experience.

Here is some background on Angelique Kidjo: She was born, one of nine children, in the village of Ouidah in the little West African country of Benin. Her father is a musician, her mother a clothes merchant and director of a large dance troupe. Angelique began to sing and dance at the age of six. One of her older brothers introduced her at an early age to western rock, such as The Stones, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. She also was exposed to jazz, Arabic and Pakistani music in addition to church music. She began to sing in a band called Sphinx, which became popular and won several local competitions. In 1980 she moved to Paris and enrolled at music school, learning classical French songs and jazz. Thereafter she studied under the jazz singer Joy Kane for two years, something that had a strong influence on her later career and helped develop further her powerful and deep voice, as well as her rhythm and precision. In 1984 she participated in a tour with Radio France in West Africa. During this time she made several recordings in France and The Netherlands, before being discovered by Chris Blackwell of Island Records.

If you enjoy World music or are just curious about it, "Aye" is a perfect choice. It's Afro-pop sound is infectious and has just enough of an American pop flavor to win over the most fickle listener. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

She has a beautiful crisp voice and this CD is got some great percusion which realy compliments the African lyrics. There is a remix of Agolo(the 1st track). I'm not sure who remixed it but I have it on a DJ mix tape and it's a hot dance beat worth looking for...

On this album, Cape Verde's greatest export to the world delivers another exquisite collection of mournful and yearning songs in her moving, bluesy voice. She sings in creolised Portuguese and the style (morna) is a mix of the Portuguese fado and African rhythms. Although Cape Verde lies just off the West African coast, this style has little in common with the mainland sounds from countries like Senegal or Mali. The instrumental mix includes guitars, the special rhythm guitar called cavaquino and even a clarinet to create an engaging polyrhythmic backing for Cesaria's graceful vocal style. Strangely, the sad songs have an uplifting effect on the spirit. Of the slower songs, my favourites are Ess Pais and Zebra, whilst the funkiest uptempo numbers are Quem Bo and Mae Velha. The track Pe Di Boi includes a lovely whistling interlude. The foot tapping dance track Sangue de Beirona is equally inspiring. This is an excellent album by one of the greatest artists in World Music today.

Oh how I love Cesaria! As always when I visit Barnes & Nobles I go to the International music section. As my eyes scanned the wide selection of world music, Cesaria's face stood out. This woman reminds of Celia Cruz -love her too, may her soul rest in peace -I said to myself and I bet she's a wonderful singer. All I needed to hear was the song "Sodade" and that was it. I fell in love with Cesaria's music. Like Celia Cruz she has the voice that captures your attention and sends chills down your spine - so electrifying it's beautiful! I currently one three of Cesaria's albums - THe Very Best of, Cabo Verde, and Voz D'Amor! THe next albums I want to get are Sao Vincente di Longe and Cesaria!
For the past few months I've been listening to Cesaria's music more than anyone elses! I can relate so much to the lyrics of her music and the style being that I'm from the Caribbean. I feel as if I've also lived the Capeverdian experience! I would like to visit someday! Viva Cesaria a reina da morna!

I was sailing with some friends on an incredible trip to Africa, and we stopped briefly at the small island of Cabo Verde. I had never heard of Cesaria Evora before. I had really never heard much about Cabo Verde before this trip. In a small music/souvenier shop near the port, I heard this CD playing. I was hooked immediately. I bought a CD for myself and several for friends back home, and have never been more delighted with a chance find. My friends are still thanking me.

Cabo Verde was colonized by the Portuguese, and the combination of the African and Portuguese cultures makes for some fabulous music - a little similar to sounds from Brazil. The music on this CD is a combination of the 'fado' from Portugal, mixed with the Brazilian ballad-like 'choro,' and soulful 'forros,' along with Cape Verde's own particular island sound. There is no better way to understand this wonderful, nuanced music than to listen to it. And Ms. Evora, herself, plays her voice and makes a music that is very much her own.

The nostalgic "Partida," "Mar e Morada de Soledad," and "Ess Pais," are sung with a sadness and longing that evoke much emotion. Other cuts, like "Tchintchirote," and "Sangue de Beirona" make me want to just get up and dance to the Oh So Sensual Beat! It is Ms. Evora's soft, silky-smooth, engaging voice that is so special. She is backed by strings - the guitar and an instrument called the 'cavaquinho'- but the rhythms are pure island. A terrific CD! You will enjoy it!

On this album, Cape Verde's greatest export to the world delivers another exquisite collection of mournful and yearning songs in her moving, bluesy voice. She sings in creolised Portuguese and the style (morna) is a mix of the Portuguese fado and African rhythms. Although Cape Verde lies just off the West African coast, this style has little in common with the mainland sounds from countries like Senegal or Mali. The instrumental mix includes guitars, the special rhythm guitar called cavaquino and even a clarinet to create an engaging polyrhythmic backing for Cesaria's graceful vocal style. Strangely, the sad songs have an uplifting effect on the spirit. Of the slower songs, my favourites are Ess Pais and Zebra, whilst the funkiest uptempo numbers are Quem Bo and Mae Velha. The track Pe Di Boi includes a lovely whistling interlude. The foot tapping dance track Sangue de Beirona is equally inspiring. This is an excellent album by one of the greatest artists in World Music today.

Oh how I love Cesaria! As always when I visit Barnes & Nobles I go to the International music section. As my eyes scanned the wide selection of world music, Cesaria's face stood out. This woman reminds of Celia Cruz -love her too, may her soul rest in peace -I said to myself and I bet she's a wonderful singer. All I needed to hear was the song "Sodade" and that was it. I fell in love with Cesaria's music. Like Celia Cruz she has the voice that captures your attention and sends chills down your spine - so electrifying it's beautiful! I currently one three of Cesaria's albums - THe Very Best of, Cabo Verde, and Voz D'Amor! THe next albums I want to get are Sao Vincente di Longe and Cesaria!
For the past few months I've been listening to Cesaria's music more than anyone elses! I can relate so much to the lyrics of her music and the style being that I'm from the Caribbean. I feel as if I've also lived the Capeverdian experience! I would like to visit someday! Viva Cesaria a reina da morna!

I was sailing with some friends on an incredible trip to Africa, and we stopped briefly at the small island of Cabo Verde. I had never heard of Cesaria Evora before. I had really never heard much about Cabo Verde before this trip. In a small music/souvenier shop near the port, I heard this CD playing. I was hooked immediately. I bought a CD for myself and several for friends back home, and have never been more delighted with a chance find. My friends are still thanking me.

Cabo Verde was colonized by the Portuguese, and the combination of the African and Portuguese cultures makes for some fabulous music - a little similar to sounds from Brazil. The music on this CD is a combination of the 'fado' from Portugal, mixed with the Brazilian ballad-like 'choro,' and soulful 'forros,' along with Cape Verde's own particular island sound. There is no better way to understand this wonderful, nuanced music than to listen to it. And Ms. Evora, herself, plays her voice and makes a music that is very much her own.

The nostalgic "Partida," "Mar e Morada de Soledad," and "Ess Pais," are sung with a sadness and longing that evoke much emotion. Other cuts, like "Tchintchirote," and "Sangue de Beirona" make me want to just get up and dance to the Oh So Sensual Beat! It is Ms. Evora's soft, silky-smooth, engaging voice that is so special. She is backed by strings - the guitar and an instrument called the 'cavaquinho'- but the rhythms are pure island. A terrific CD! You will enjoy it!

This was my first Afrobeat purchase and I bought it based on the reviews of others. I was not disappointed - it's soulful and moving, upbeat and serious dance music all at the same time. It makes you appreciate the music even further to have to visualize the heartache that must have been poured into the songs during the writing and production. This was my first, but hopefully not my last Fela album.

Keep in mind, I am a hard-core Fela fan. I love this CD, especially Unknown Soldier. I am not sure though if this is a good CD for the uninitiated. Perhaps, the "Best Of" or something like that. I think songs like Gentleman or Lady are better if you've never heard Fela before. Remember to start slow and work your way up.

Unknown Soldier is a song that goes beyond anything you can imagine. It is 31 minutes long, and super-dope. I don't know what to say, it's like describing the Grand Canyon to someone who's never seen a picture of it. They walk away with a vague understanding, but no idea of its true powers.

Just curious if anyone else does this....I never turn a Fela song off once it has started. It has to play itself out. I can leave the house but the stereo has to stay on. Anybody else do that?

Fela Kuti was more than just a musician, he was a spokesman for the people of his native Nigeria. He brought their concerns to light and gave them a voice on the world stage. "Coffin For The Head Of State" and "Unknown Soldier" are stirring pieces of Afrobeat jazz with intricate arrangements and experimental sounds. But they also provide a scathing commentary on the Nigerian leaders of state. These two songs are compelling on a musical and thought provoking level.

although i bought this cd long time ago, i still feel it's just new every time i listen to it, there is DiDi needs no introduction, and all the other songs i feel that they are like masterpieces...........

I was introduced to Khaled during my trip to India in 1992. This is one of the best albums I have listened to. Track 2 is very addictive as well as the album.

I've been listening to Khaled since his "Cheb" days. While I'm kinda partial to his early stuff, I really dig this particular CD. "Mauvais Sang" and "El Arbi" are just two of its gems. The whole CD is exotic - with western touches and lots of electricity! What a jolt! And Khaled's voice is so soulful and sexy - like no other in rai music. I listen to this CD while I exercise. It makes for an enjoyable workout that goes by quickly! Get this CD while you can!:)

WATER WHEEL describes the experiences of the boy who keeps the water wheel going: the fugue grows and the oud draws on Nubian classical tradition to back its rhythmic melody.
�A specialty item for avid oud enthusiasts.

Hamza el Din is one of the world's greatest musicians. Those familar with music from Africa and the Middle East may have heard similar sounds, but nothing quite approaches the traditional music of Nubia. The Nubians, who played a vital role in Egyptian history from pre-dynastic times into the Christian era, have long inhabited the lands in southern Egypt/northern Sudan for as long as anyone can remember, and cling fiercely to their proud history. Hamza el-Din embodies all that is great and ejoyable about Nubian music. Its lively and exotic, and yet at the same time easily approached. One thing to note here, the oud (on which Hamza is self-taught btw) is not a traditional Nubian instrument. It is an Arab instrument, but Hamza plays it in a uniquely Nubian way.
If you appreciate the music of Africa and/or the Middle East, then check this CD out. Its well worth the buy, and is likely unlike anything you've ever heard.

I could listen to it all day. The artist is a natural and rare genius. I love you Hamza!