Reviews

Mashasha

Mashasha

Peter ‘Mashasha’ Mujuru is a Zimbab–wean bass guitarist, session musician and member of jazz group Too Open. He currently lives...

Reviewed in issue Jan/Feb/2012

Congo – Pygmy Polyphonies from North Congo

VARIOUS ARTISTS

This is a stunning collection of one of the world’s most extraordinary vocal expressions: yeli, the polyphonic yodeling from the...

Reviewed in issue Jan/Feb/2012

Amachal

Toumast

On their second album, Toumast create a new form of Touareg guitar music, substantially evolved from the trademark sound we’ve...

Reviewed in issue Jan/Feb/2012

My Life

Sia Tolno

It’s all a matter of interpretation. To some, Guinean singer Sia Tolno’s easy shifting back and forth between traditional styles...

Reviewed in issue Jan/Feb/2012

S’AII Vibration

Niwel Tsumbu

This is the third album from Niwel Tsumbu, a Congolese guitarist, composer and vocalist who has been based in Ireland...

Reviewed in issue Jan/Feb/2012

Kinshasa One Two

DRC Music

Damon Albarn is famous for breaking down musical barriers and exploring new ways in which music¬ians can work together –...

Reviewed in issue Jan/Feb/2012

Ndebele Songs

Insingizi

Many music lovers will be familiar with the isicathamiya style of singing, thanks to southern African groups such as Ladysmith...

Reviewed in issue Jan/Feb/2012

Fasiya

Sona Jobarteh

Breaking the mould of West Africa's male– dominated kora tradition, Sona Jobarteh comes from a Mande griot family representing a...

Reviewed in issue Nov/Dec/2011

Rough Guide to African Lullabies

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Judging by our own experiences, this is a winner. Our son was asleep before the third track had finished and...

Reviewed in issue Nov/Dec/2011

Vision

Alpha Blondy

This is another fine example of Alpha Blondy's easy-going roots reggae style and conscious lyrics. Since the tragic demise of...

Reviewed in issue Nov/Dec/2011