Reviews

The Best of the Black President 2

Fela Kuti

This is consistently great music: a sublime mix of jazz, funk and a dreamy groove. Fela Kuti created a whole...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

Heads

Osibisa

As a rock-obssessed teenager, I bought Osibisa’s self-titled debut album on its release in 1971 and its follow-up, Woyaya. I...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

Beautiful Africa

Rokia Traoré

We have come to expect a lot from young Malian pop-rock singer Rokia Traoré, who surprised the world with her...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

Beginner’s Guide to Africa

VARIOUS ARTISTS

These kind of compilations, which seek to present what the box describes as ‘the best of African music, past, present...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

One Night on Earth: Music From the Strings of Mali

Derek Gripper

Years in development, this fine recording is the result of white South African musician Derek Gripper having transposed seven kora...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

Afrosoul

VARIOUS ARTISTS

The Ways we discover new music can research artists online. If you are unsure what you want to research, there...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

Kopolo

Orchestre Baka Gbine

The charming tropical rainforest recordings of this Cameroonian pygmy group have won them quite a fanbase. Unfortunately, this latest instalment...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

Amaratch Musica

uKanDanZ

EthioSonic is the sister series to Ethiopiques, documenting modern Ethiopian influenced sounds from around the globe, no matter whether it’s...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

Serenata

Zé Luis

In her most talismanic song, ‘Sodade, the late Cesaria Evora forever defined the pain of separation experienced by a generation...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013

Wulu Wulu

Bongos Ikwue & Double X

A decade away from music seems to have given veteran Nigerian bandleader Bongos Ikwue a new lease of life. The...

Reviewed in issue Apr/May/2013