Senegal

This fresh debut from UK-based 11-piece band Yamäya has a deep groove throughout. Extended songs meander between luscious horn melodies and the coarse, emotive voice of Khadim Sarr, all while being rooted in a relentless pulsing rhythm. A homage to Afrobeat, songs such as ‘African Politician’ lay political lyrics over tight and intricate polyrhythms that ripple through the guitar and percussion. ‘Simple Baye Fall’ takes on a funkier sound with powerful horn sections and crashing drum beats. As the band intended, there is a rawness to this album; it was recorded with all members live in a room together seeking to ‘cultivate an old school sound,’ and results in a vibrant and in-your-face quality to the recordings. ‘Nudem’ is a prime example of this. It has an uplifting sound and a saxophone solo that culminates in blazing call-and-response with the brass chorus – a proper live-in-your-front room experience. Perhaps the highest energy number, ‘Mama Sali’, is a seemingly never-ending crescendo. A seven-minute saga that twists and turns, teases, climaxes and even features a tight rapped verse by Khadim. Yamäya should be sought out on the festival circuit this summer, which they thoroughly deserve to feature heavily on.