Mali music reviews

MALI is Brenda's last and certainly most modern album. Released just before her tragic early death in Jo'burg in May of 2004, MALI will always have a sadness about it knowing it is the last chorus of genius we will ever hear from her. The is the best technical recording Brenda ever made. Clear and crisp sounds permeate every track; echoing voice lines, and a tight vibrant base make ones ears and heart instantly move into a swing. MALI is guaranteed to make any stereo sound sweet and soulful. In MALI Benda is haunting, powerful, and finally shows the professional maturity of 23 years brilliant music making. As Brenda was herself an explosion of life, so too is MALI, all the happiness sadness, triumphs and tragedies all coming at you at full speed. Whether you understand the language or not, whether you are a fan of Kwaito or not, you will be sure to be moved from the depth and passion of her irreplaceable voice. You will tap your feet and swing your hips and know this is truely great music from the soul to the soul. A sad but brilliant swansong for Cape Town's, indeed South Africa's, most sensational modern artist.

This CD presents traditional malian rhythms and songs as they are performed in Mali and is a great value for anybody who is interested in approaching african music in a serious way. Moussa's solos are simply beautiful and the Malian female voices present in many songs adds a magic touch to the album.