South Africa music reviews

While Farafina's drive is primarily percussive, the Burkina Faso ensemble has long been one of West Africa's most melodic groups. For years this was due to the lyricism of founder Mahama Konaté's virtuosity on the balafon marimba. Konaté may have retired from the group, but their melodic magnetism has a stronger pull than ever on Kanou, with expanded arrangements that bring in guitar, keyboards, and Farafina's first ever female vocalist, Fatoumata Dembele. The percussive bounce and emphasis on traditional instruments remain central to the band's joyous sound. "Sababou" revs up a highlife-flavored celebration of youth's possibilities with electric-guitar rumba riffs, cascades of kora harp, and ebullient call and response vocals. "Tamako" salutes Farafina's heritage and influence as Dembele's airy vocals join layered balafon crosscurrents while the pulsing bass and kora establish an understated groove. Look to "Percus" for an all-out rhythm attack and to the title cut for the surprising entrance of violins and a nearly East Asian lilt. Although the musical themes on the disc derive from ancient griot traditions, the swing feels decidedly modern. The mix of soft percussive textures with repeated melodic motifs even gives this timeless material hints of modern club appeal. --Bob Tarte