Africa music reviews

I love,love,love this CD. I especially like
Amr Diab's song "Ei Yaani". I'm an Amr Diab fan.
I highly recomend this CD for anyone who likes Arabic music.

A friend gave Yalla to me a few years ago. He heard it in a little combo exotic food/CD store, and bought it immediately. I in turn was on my feet within seconds of putting it on. Someone on epinions said it was just for belly dancers. So untrue! But perhaps that reaction came because you move differently to this hybrid though very Eastern recording than you do to straight Western rock (which I'm more familiar with - and these days, in 2002, so much of music is hybrid anyway). It's much more unpredictable,faster (sometimes frenetic - I usually tire out before the end,as I did a couple of minutes ago, prompting me to sit down and write a review!), sexier. This is one of my all-time favorite recordings, and it belongs on a multi-CD player at a great party. Or, with equal enjoyment, "in the privacy of your home."

I went to great lengths to track down this CD, on recommendations of one of my friends who actually is from Egypt, and let me tell you, it was well worth the time and effort I spent to find it. This CD is an excellent introduction to modern Egyptian pop music, namely Al-Jeel and Shaabi music. The CD is divided into two sections, one dedicated to Al-Jeel, which is a sort of techno-pop style, originating in the '80s, and melding Bedouin, Nubian, Lybian and Egyptian styles into something new, yet uniquely Egyptian. As an admited fan of Al-Jeel music, I was very pleased with the selections, which includes such greats as Amr Diab, Hanan, Ehab and Khedr, though I would have also included Hamid Shaeri, but oh well. C'est la vie. The second set is dedicated to Shaabi, which is the modernized music of the working class people of the cities, often with controversial lyrics. Again, the selections are excellent.
Both the Al-Jeel and Shaabi selection are broken down into six selections each, so you get pretty good exposure to both. A word of caution though. As one reviewer commented, most of the songs on here are a bit dated. They are still excellent choices, mind you, but there are so many new releases, and new names, that this CD couldn't possibly reveal everything about Egyptian pop. Still, considering how hard it is to get a hold of Egyptian pop music in the United States, this might still be your best introduction. And if your already a fan, why not. Its still an excellent compilation.

By this album, there is no longer any doubt that Marie Daulne is, in fact, Zap Mama. The acrobatic vocal stylings of Zap Mama are still very evident here. They're still strange too; these women do things with their voices you've never heard before apart from this band. Singing in multiple languages and styles - many styles all their own. African instrumentation, R&B flavor, great stand-up basses, this list of musical elements is extensive.

My favorite songs are "Baba Hooker" which is so cool the way it struts, and "Illioi" which has incredible percussion and bizarre atmosphere including a cute little boy speaking french. "Poetry Man" is an excellent cover of the Phoebe Snow song, pretty faithful but with more UUUMMMPH. Plus, it's got an actual "poetry man" who talks over the song in a very deep voice. Way cool.

For those who have never experienced the aural pleasures of Zap Mama, this CD is a fine introduction. Unlike their earlier CD's (which are also very good), this set has much more instrumentation and is more accessible to a general audience. Combining elements of many different styles of music, this CD is also beyond simple categorization. "Belgo Zairoise," the first track on the CD, is a good example. This rousing recording, takes you on a musical journey of three continents. The song ends with a self-affirming re-working of a classic Bob Marley & the Wailers lyric, with the women singing "No Man, No Cry." Open-minded fans of hip-hop will like the funky, "Baba Hooker," which features group leader Marie Daulne's sensual vocals with Spearhead's Michael Franti. Other cuts that immediately come to mind are "African Sunset," "Warmth" and "Damn Your Eyes." Zap Mama also offers a distinctive rendition of Phoebe Snow's classic, "Poetry Man." [For those fortunate to see Zap Mama's Marie Daulne sing a duet of the song with Ms. Snow on public television's "Sessions at West 54th Street," witnessed something very special. Hopefully, that episode will soon be available on video and/or CD soon]. In short, all of the tracks on the CD are first-rate. For me, this is the most purchased CD in recent memory -- either as gifts or because people I've loaned the CD, refuse to give it up! If you like music with rich multi-layered vocals and highly imaginative arrangements, this is definitely worth a listen. If, after purchasing the CD, you like the a cappella material the best, check out one of their earlier CD's next. If the funky side is what appeals to you, check out A MA ZONE next.

Seven has a bit more of an R & B feel than A Ma Zone. It is a consistently incredible mix of Afropean rock and American Hip Hop, R & B, and Funk. I was very impressed by the compilations with Spearhead, although Michael Franti is depoliticized in his Zap Mama work (and vice versa). The understanding, blend, and use of such a variety of musical styles makes Zap Mama the most innovative artists today. And sheer talent!

This is one of the best c/d that i had bought.excellent sound, perfect rithm,and much more.Good choice.

No one plays Salsa like the Senegalese! This is a great introduction to one of the most joyous and infectious musical traditions in the world today. Put on your dancing shoes and be prepared to hear some Salsa Caliente done with subtlety, wit and panache. For those who haven't yet encountered the gravelly voice of the late wonderful sonero, Pape Seck, Number 1 of Number 1, fasten your seat belts. Pape Fall is almost as good with a killer band behind him and Super Cayor has super sabor. As compilations go, this one is as close to perfection as one is likely to get.

African Salsa is so great you will hardly belive what you're hearing. The works by Pape Fall are amazing, Africando's "Yaye boy" stands around the best and the whole CD stands forward. A must for any lover of rythms.

-recently went to Nelson Mandela Theater in Joburg SA to see JC live , fantastic! Albums don't do his music and performance justice. Was "shaking the Tree"long before P. Gabriel!!--ozpal

Before Paul Simon amazed the world with Graceland, Johnny Clegg and Juluka were breaking the law in South Africa simply by playing together. While the world lay in shock when Nelson Mandela was imprisioned, Johnny Clegg's politically active lyrics questioned all authority in South Africa.

This album takes the lyrical political astuteness of Rage Against the Machine, the beats of Afro Celt Soundsystem, and the lush melodies and harmonies of R.E.M. and creates something wonderful. Early Juluka classics like Universal Men, High Country, Woza Friday, Scatterlings of Africa and Kilimanjaro are deeply moving, and Savuka hits like Great Heart (later covered by Jimmy Buffet), Take My Heart Away, and an astounding live version of Asimbonanga, Clegg's tribute to Mandela, this album will touch anyone with a heart, move anyone with a soul, and inspire anyone with feet to dance with.

Clegg's voice, either speaking rhythmic English or more rhythmic Zulu, is beautiful, and his word moreso. Perhaps the only songs missing from here are Too Early For The Sky, Human Rainbow and African Shadow Man, all off his Shadow Man album, which is sorely absent on this collection. But Clegg is an amazing musician and songwriter, and if you do not know him yet, I urge you to seek him out.

My introduction to Johnny Clegg was a cover of the song "Great Heart" played by Jimmy Buffett at a concert in 1987. He told the audience that songs like this reminded him of his own early work. That put the hook into me. I tried to find all of the Johnny Clegg music I could. On the way, I found out that Clegg had been arrested in South Africa for playing on the same stage as Black South Africans, and that disguises were used to fool the authorities. He had also been a professor of anthropology in South Africa, as I was lucky enough to learn from one of his students. Also, for those who would like more of a feeling for the man and his music, I suggest hunting down a copy of "VH1's One 2 One" regarding Clegg.

Although apartheid is dead in South Africa, the message of Clegg's music is still quite valid. The history of a proud people and their struggle to be accepted by a world that draws racial lines. Songs like "Scatterlings of Africa" (heard both on Saturday Night Live and in the movie "Rain Man"), "Asimbonanga" and "Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World" (a song written after the birth of Clegg's son) reflect the yearning for a better life. Clegg's music seems to me to be a reflection of Bob Dylan's music from the early 1960's. In a time when South Africans could not say what was on their minds, Johnny Clegg and Sipho brought the struggle to the young, to those with a conscience and did it with both love and grace.

Usually, I stay away from "collection" or "best of" albums, but this is truly an amazing album. One which every collector of "World Beat" should own.

A stunning record that even if you don't speak the language will leave you breathless. A vocal range and superb command of it add up to an album that can be called a, "masterpiece", in ANY language.

I don't understand a lick of the lyrics, but the emotion in this music could raise the dead. Cheik Lo beautifully melds the sounds of West Africa and the Americas (from Tierra del to the Keys, at least!) into something unique and shimmering.

I love both Bambay Gueej and Ne La Thiass, but have to admit I prefer Bambay's dynamic range. This album makes you smile, dance, and thank God that another day has arrived. I listened to this CD more than any other in the past year, and it still accompanies me on any trip I take!

Senegal has a new star for sure. Certainly not taking any thing away from his mentor Youssou N'Dour. And there is nothing wrong or un-African when stressing that there's a Cuban influence going on here. Cuban music is deeply rooted in Africa, America, and Spain which is connected to West Africa via the Moorish culture. Cheik Lo's Baye Fall heritage certainly embodies this cultural fusion. The talking drums and Sabar drumming are authentic african all the way through...

A stunning record that even if you don't speak the language will leave you breathless. A vocal range and superb command of it add up to an album that can be called a, "masterpiece", in ANY language.

I don't understand a lick of the lyrics, but the emotion in this music could raise the dead. Cheik Lo beautifully melds the sounds of West Africa and the Americas (from Tierra del to the Keys, at least!) into something unique and shimmering.

I love both Bambay Gueej and Ne La Thiass, but have to admit I prefer Bambay's dynamic range. This album makes you smile, dance, and thank God that another day has arrived. I listened to this CD more than any other in the past year, and it still accompanies me on any trip I take!

Senegal has a new star for sure. Certainly not taking any thing away from his mentor Youssou N'Dour. And there is nothing wrong or un-African when stressing that there's a Cuban influence going on here. Cuban music is deeply rooted in Africa, America, and Spain which is connected to West Africa via the Moorish culture. Cheik Lo's Baye Fall heritage certainly embodies this cultural fusion. The talking drums and Sabar drumming are authentic african all the way through...

i lost this cd and i regret it too much...
this IS!! reggae
roots and culture

I have more than 100 CDs of different Reggae Music...., and after Bob Marley (who has no competition)... this is certainly one the best roots reggae bands i ever heard. It's a pety that there's only one CD available .... All songs are tripping. If you like Reggae Music, you will never forgive yourself not buying this one....... My suggestion: Go for it!!.............. JAH RASTAFARI!!

Misty in Roots put down one of the best live recordings ever. Reggae at its purest grassroots form without the overcommercialization found in other reggae recordings. Pure and simple rythms, melodies combined with thoughtprovoking lyrics. If you ever buy one reggae-album this should be the one, a must have you will play over and over again.

Tree63 have found a way to evolve from their last album while still keeping enough of what made it easy to love their music from the previous album... My wife and I struggled almost for 2 months to get our hands on a copy of this album.... it was sold out everywhere we looked in Johannesburg South Africa, but was well worth the wait. I'd definitely recommend this album to anyone who enjoys Delirious, Sonic Flood or U2.

The second CD for Tree63 is a tad different from their first. I find it to be less overtly praise and worshipful than their first CD, which has some of the best praise rock songs ever recorded. Additionally, the production values on this one are better than the first (which I find is a double-edged sword...this CD "sounds" better than the first, but the production seems to diminish some of the raw emotion I found their first CD had).

Enough of the comparisons. Reviewing this CD as a stand-alone is easy. This is incredible music by talented musicians. Driving rhythms, slashing guitars, great vocals, wonderful melodies, loving lyrics...it's all here. As I said with the first CD...this is music that U2 would have done had they gone Christian instead of secular.

If you are a rock fan...Christian or not...pick this up the first chance you get. You will not regret it.

A refreshing change from the usual obvious and bland Christian music, this CD has an overwhelming sense of sincerity and depth seldom found in Christian music. Intelligent and inspirational lyrics combined with obvious musical gifting makes a very satisfying listen over and over.

Afrika Wassa
Vieux Diop
Triloka Records TR8069-2

His name is pronounced "Via Jo." Internationally, this Senegalese singer is a respectable competitor to James Brown for the title of "Soul Brother #1." If most Americans are going to have problems understanding the words when the tri-lingual Diop decides to use French or Senegalese, it's not going to be much more trouble than translating James Brown's English. If you're dotty about the words, they're in English in the liner notes.

This is the kind of modern African music that one might today dub "Paul Simon Lite." In addition to the basic rock instruments, there's a lot of percussion, strong, high backing vocals, a little thumb piano and a strong separation between lead and rhythm sections within the band. Vocal work is impassioned, and it is clear that Mr. Diop cares a great deal about each of the eleven topics he addresses in song on Afrika Wassa, which range from Mouille (Sweat) to Lepto Feyto (The Harvest) to Ti Gui(Surely).

It's interesting that "Afrika Wassa" translates into "new Africa." Music has a way of reminding us of all of the foundations of the American culture we live in. "Wassa" has to be "whassup" as clearly as the stringed instrument made by attaching a neck to a large, covered tortoise shell known as a "banjer" in the Wolof language is our "banjo," as clearly as the Wolof "hepi kat," meaning "one who has had his eyes opened," became the "hip cat" of prohibition era jazz. It's not all that foreign. Buying records like Afrika Wassa is just going through a different door to get to the same place. Try it.

It is different.Very intresting to listen to.

The best African CD I have ever heard. The Songs, the singing, the musicians, and the recording are all as good as it gets. You don't have to love African music to love this cd.

This song is a very good music, the best is who mix sound of Arab with reggae, i feel that if you like the reggae should to listen this song.

This is one wild CD! After establishing their Gnawa credentials with the traditional-sounding first track, the remaining songs grab the listener with a mad, exhilerating rush, firing shot after shot from the cannon as traditional North African sounds are mashed seemlessly into reggae, ska, Jamaican toasting with hints of dub, and even speed metal (?!). In one song, a muzzein call from the sunset minerets of Istanbul turns into a hybrid belly dance cut with greek bouzouki. Wonderful! The musicianship, arrangements, and singing are impeccable, as is the whole concept of this group and this album. To my ear, it sounds like the vocals are in Arabic, French, and English. There is tremendous variety on this CD, and each cut is done exceedingly well (ie. it doesn't at all sound like they are hitting a bunch of styles just to show they can, with the danger of their reach exceeding their grasp). I can't wait to hear the other releases from these guys.

I bought this album in Morocco and it was one of the first Rai albums that I ever listened to... The album is excellent; they combine a lot of different styles, traditional North African, Carribean, western pop. If you want to hear something catchy yet different, have a listen. I recommend this album over Bab El Oued Kingston, although if you like this one definitely get that one as well. Happy listening.