Reviews
Cape Jazz Series Vol 4: Musical Democracy
It would be crass to call the Cape Jazz Band ‘South Africa’s Buena Vista Social Club.’ But somebody’s got to...
Reviewed in issue June/2014
Soô
Perhaps it was recording 2012’s Brothers in Bamako with the American bluesman Eric Bibb that persuaded Habib Koité it was...
Reviewed in issue June/2014
A Long Way to the Beginning
From the moment that the pounding album opener ‘IMF’ kicks in, it is clear that Seun Kuti has not only...
Reviewed in issue June/2014
Toumani & Sidiki
Toumani Diabaté & Sidiki Diabaté
The kora is an age-old instrument, rich in history, yet its promotion as a solo instrument is relatively recent. This...
Reviewed in issue June/2014
Dirt is Good
Perhaps we can forego debating the tastiness of the mouse-on-a-stick, a Malawi delicacy hawked by this eight-piece combo when they...
Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2014
Makasi
Les Tambours de Brazza are an experienced and versatile music and dance ensemble from Congo Brazzaville. Their lead vocalist is...
Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2014
Kanou
A former backing singer with Salif Keita, Mamani Keita is best known for her 2001 recording debut Electro Bamako, which...
Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2014
Zimbabwe Awake Vol 1
Whatever view one takes of Robert Mugabe's political leadership, there is no question that the world's media provides a very...
Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2014
The Rough Guide to the Best African Music You've Never Heard
In The Rough Guide to the Best Music You've Never Heard, a book published in 2009, this author explored some...
Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2014
Origines
For his second full-length album, Marseille-based urban poet Ahamada Smis has pointed his musical compass towards the country of his...
Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2014
