Africa music reviews

I don't know what industry people got together to make this possible but this is a breath fresh air.It seems to be getting wide distribution in the USA and actually selling copies to boot. This goes against conventional wisdom that seems to believe that the only thing the public wants is speedy soukous, much of which is beginning to sound all the same. Nothing old fashioned about great imaginative music and this is proof. Nearly 65 minutes and you will shake your hips and buttocks.

I just saw them live in Berkeley last night, and they were simply amazing to see playing together. The vocal harmonies, Congolese guitar rhythms, accompanying soulful sax, combined with the amazing stage presence of these all star legends made for a most memorable night. I have their Congo Life CD that is hard to stop playing, and last night at the concert I bought the Rumba Congo one, which is packed with intricate congo rhythms and vocal styles. If you're a lover of world music, you will love this CD!

Regardless of one's musical preferences, this is simply beautiful music. These old timers bring back pre-soukous rumba for the new millenium ... heavenly voices over that seductive guitar-driven Congo style. Never ceases to send shivers up the spine. The added advantages of modern recording technology is the pure clarity of sound one misses in the few 50's offerings available. Can't wait fot the follow-up. Hope these guys perform in Southern California sometime.

this album is not your usual world beat one. Rumba Soukous has all the African music influence from the Classic Congolese Rumba to the latest Soukous beat including some flavors of Nigeria highlife music. The music in this album dares you to get up and dance. Legendary vocalist Shimita El Diego's vocal soars and shines over the lightening guitar riffs of extraordinary soloist of Nene Tchakou whose style is recognizable at the first note. It is perfect for any African dance party.

There's so much sweet chimurenga-style guitar here tears of bliss could flow. Jonah Sithole shows here why he's the best guitarist of that style. So much melodic expression. The mellow vocals and singular yet crystal clear mbira provide nice backing. It's hard to pick out any standouts here, they'd all qualify, but tracks 2 through 6 I could play forever and not notice. The jit style is also showcased in the latter tracks. Chakafukudza Dzimba stands out for the guitar-work. Checkout the switch to Congo style guitar midway through. And Ereniya is classic Zim pop - tearjerk lyrics over lovely string melody and a driving rhythm. A must for any collection of Zimbabwean music, a classic of the roots styles. RIP Jonah.

There's so much sweet chimurenga-style guitar here tears of bliss could flow. Jonah Sithole shows here why he's the best guitarist of that style. So much melodic expression. The mellow vocals and singular yet crystal clear mbira provide nice backing. It's hard to pick out any standouts here, they'd all qualify, but tracks 2 through 6 I could play forever and not notice. The jit style is also showcased in the latter tracks. Chakafukudza Dzimba stands out for the guitar-work. Checkout the switch to Congo style guitar midway through. And Ereniya is classic Zim pop - tearjerk lyrics over lovely string melody and a driving rhythm. A must for any collection of Zimbabwean music, a classic of the roots styles. RIP Jonah.

In case you have already read my review of Cheb Mami's later album "Meli, Meli", you would know that I was completely impressed with the music on that CD. However, his cd "Saida" is even better! For anyone new to the musical genre of Rai, either one of these albums makes a wonderful introduction, but the beauty of the melodies on "Saida" is priceless. Cheb Mami's musical range, both vocally and in his diverse styles, is amazing to observe and he deserves to be better recognized in the musical world. I believe that we will eventually see/hear more from him.

I recommend this album with the highest praise. For years I have been a hardcore fan of Spanish, Greek and Turkish music, so adding a new style to my collection was a treat. Cheb Mami is a musical wonder to my ears.

Defintly recommend this one ...Ich Jralak inta is a song that you'de never forget ...and Salama is an a classic and one of My favourite of this group...
One thing I noticed i hardley hear the voice of Batma in this album ...Paco took charge here I guess !?!

This album was recorded in the mid-90's, before Abderrahmane Paco left the band, and Laarbi Batma died of lung cancer in 1997. It goes without saying that this is the last output from the classic line-up of the Ghiwanes or "the Bohemians". the four songs in this recording all contain the mysticism and energy that the band was known for since the late 60's. Paco starts with the usual spoken poetry in colloquial Moroccan arabic (or zajal) in "Ouach Jra Lek" (what happened to you?), accompanied with an unusual ney (flute) melody, then there is a silence before the storm begins: Laarbi pounds his tbila like there is no tomorrow, Paco's Guembri sends the audience into trance, Omar keeps the rhythm spiced up with his bendir and Allal makes the lute melodies flow from his "pseudo-banjo": clearly, this is sheer Nass el Ghiwane! then comes "Salama" (peace), a song about how the miserable situation in Morocco in all aspects, their favorite (only?) lyrical subject. After comes what I consider the best song of the album: "El Kalma" (the word), very powerful song driven by Paco and his guembri, you have to hear it to understand. the last song is "Nadam" (remorse) which also adheres to their style. I highly recommend this album, whether this is the first time you are listening to Nass el Ghiwane or not. I also suggest you get their other albums as well as albums from similar bands Jil Jilala and Lemchaheb.

'Samba Gaye' is a brilliant effort from Sekou (Diamond Fingers) Diabate, the former lead guitarist for Bembeya Jazz International, one of the foremost dance bands from Guinee which came out of the independence movements of the 60's. On this recording he is joined by his wife Djanka, one of Salif Kieta's and Mory Kante's backup singers. There are several excellent instrumental tracks including my favorite 'Labankognouma'which contains an explosive guitar rif that I play over and over. There is an unexpected slide guitar track and one that you would believe was Hawaiin rather than West African. This album also contains more traditional fare from Djanka including 'Concord Gaye' a praise song to a Malian benefactor. What I enjoyed most about this album was that it was under-produced unlike many CD's that come out of West Africa today. There is a laugh track that comes in between songs and what sounds like a recording coming over an old Tanzanian radio. These features only add to the authenticity and spirit of this recording.

Great CD! If you like popular African music, you will love this. Combines the best of African music and modern sounds. Three of the best singers from Congo.

Except for Sango and Yokela which are new songs, this album is made up of enhanced and remastered songs from the 1992 Sai/Liza album which I gather was never released in North America. The music itself is the typical uptempo Kanda we have come to know although my favorite, Cantique, is kind of laidback and has hints of Cuban Rhumba. Great album with exellent music overall.

This CD is GREAT! I like this CD despite the fact that I don't even know what Kanda Bongo Man is saying! The guitar work is excellent and can get you moving your body to the tune. The drums and other instruments also. When I listened to J.T., Iyole, Sango, Lowazo, and Sai, I was actually moving to the beat of the music! I think Kanda Bongo Man's music will get you up and moving once you hear it.

Except for Sango and Yokela which are new songs, this album is made up of enhanced and remastered songs from the 1992 Sai/Liza album which I gather was never released in North America. The music itself is the typical uptempo Kanda we have come to know although my favorite, Cantique, is kind of laidback and has hints of Cuban Rhumba. Great album with exellent music overall.

This CD is GREAT! I like this CD despite the fact that I don't even know what Kanda Bongo Man is saying! The guitar work is excellent and can get you moving your body to the tune. The drums and other instruments also. When I listened to J.T., Iyole, Sango, Lowazo, and Sai, I was actually moving to the beat of the music! I think Kanda Bongo Man's music will get you up and moving once you hear it.

Brava is one of the ten islands that pertains to the Cape Verde Islands. It was the first island in which Morna reached majority as a musical style, by means of the great songs written by Eugenio Tavares. Saozinha is committed to sing Eugenio Tavares and other Brava composeurs the way they wanted their Mornas to be sung. This is a fact acknowledged by all the people from Brava who are extremely proud of her. Moreover, she is a talented singer as you can appretiate listening to this CD.