Manara

Sudanese-American singer Alsarah and her Nubatones first showed up on the radar with their fantastic debut Silt in 2014. As self-proclaimed disciples of retro-pop from East Africa, the group actively advocate a return to musical styles of the 1960s and 70s while possessing the sheen of millennial production techniques. Their debut record confronted displacement, notably that following the construction of the Aswan High Dam in Egypt in 1970 and the consequent flooding in lower Nubia (the region along the Nile in Sudan bordering Egypt). Manara addresses similar themes, asking questions of what home means to an artist both grounded in Brooklyn yet with a sense of longing for the motherland. It's an infectious and alluring listen, too. ‘Alforac’ showcases Alsarah's stunning voice, her deft vocal lines matching the delicately nuanced accompaniment, while album centrepiece ‘Ya Watan’ is equally understated and magical. It's the title-track though that really stands out. It's a truly beautiful exposition that marries the delicate percussive work of Rami El Aasser with some brooding oud (lute) flourishes from Brandon Terzic: a meditative masterpiece that comprehensively captures the sound of this highly talented ensemble.