My Roots

Kenyan singer-songwriter Suzanna Owiyo has her third album released on a Scandinavian label and sponsored by a Norwegian arts foundation. This, combined with a large list of musician credits, suggests that this might be a big-production world fusion recording. It is therefore a pleasant surprise to report that the album remains largely true to its title, My Roots. Owiyo's musical roots refer primarily to the eight-string harp-lute known by the Luo people in Kenya as the nyatiti, a ceremonial instrument that her grandfather had played to much acclaim. Traditionally this was played only by men but on the first three tracks here she clearly demonstrates that, having broken with the tradition, she has become adept at the instrument. Furthermore, Owiyo sings with a confident and earthy musicality. On the other tracks she is backed by acoustic guitars, bass and hand percussion. There is a charming organic feel throughout the album and when she is accompanied by, for example, a violin on ‘Abiro’, she demonstrates a quality of performance that places her amongst Africa's greatest female artists. This status is perhaps justified by the track ‘Uyie’ in which she is joined in a moving duet by Zimbabwean Oliver Mtukudzi.

The tracks on My Roots have a mixture of musical moods – some lively and jaunty, others relaxed and intimate. As an album it is very easy to listen to whilst avoiding falling into the trap of being easy listening.