Circle Songs

When we think of Pygmy music it is primarily the vocal gymnastics that spring to mind; usually with an organic raw earthiness that reflects the tropical rainforest environment of its source. Congolese vocalist Wabotai is influenced by Pygmy and northern Congo Mongo tribe traditions. However his music has a smooth sophistication that is closer to the universally appealing Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Other than some female harmonies, the multiple vocals are all performed by Wabotai himself: lead, chorus, Pygmy voice, percussion vocals, drum vocals, bass vocals. He’s an African human beatbox, though one who doesn’t reference any kind of contemporary urban beats. The songs are performed in the ‘circle song’ format – a repetitive meandering style with intertwined harmonies and overlapping vocal effects that gradually develop through each song.

In much the same way as his fellow countryman Lokua Kanza, Wabotai makes Congolese music that is beautifully performed and recorded but ultimately very safe, delicate and saccharine. Wabotai is not only a highly accomplished vocalist but also a fine artist. The CD booklet shows ten examples of his excellent acrylic paintings – one for each song title. His paintings are arguably even more impressive than his music which, whilst being highly enjoyable, is mostly just a little too soft and slick. There is likely to be a large audience for this album and you can envisage hearing extracts used as a soundtrack in wildlife documentaries – it has that feel to it.