Reviews

Tantabara

Tal National

Recorded with minimal equipment in a makeshift studio in their hometown of Niamey, the third international release from Niger's Tal...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Ballébé: Calling All Africans

Hama Sankare

If a solo album by a veteran Malian percussionist whose only instrument is the hollow gourd calabash doesn't sound over-enticing,...

Reviewed in issue March/2018

#1

Guy One

Growing up herding goats and cows in a remote area of northern Ghana, Guy One had no schooling, taught himself...

Reviewed in issue March/2018

Pressure to Pleasure

Femi & the InRhythms

Recorded live in studios in Lagos and London by a sprawling Afrobeat band led by bassist and vocalist Femi Sofela,...

Reviewed in issue March/2018

1974-1975

Hamad Kalkaba & The Golden Sounds

These tracks represent the entire output of Hamad Kalkaba, showcasing a funked-up version of a song style from northern Cameroon...

Reviewed in issue March/2018

Vinyl Box Set #4

Fela Kuti

While I wish I was reporting to you on the quality packaging and superb sound this vinyl box-set contains, being...

Reviewed in issue March/2018

Love in Africa

Kodjovi Kush & Afrospot All Stars

Inspired by his jazz musician father, Kodjovi Kush started his first band aged just 15 and has since played with...

Reviewed in issue March/2018

Praise Drumming

Bengt Berger & Bitter Funeral Beer Band

Bengt Berger has studied and performed music in Ghana, specifically Ewe drumming, and funeral music from the north. He returned...

Reviewed in issue March/2018

Gili Yalo

Gili Yalo

Gili Yalo's love of singing came about through hardship. As a five-year-old, he escaped the Ethiopian famine on foot. Music...

Reviewed in issue March/2018

2017

Leila Gobi

Born near Gao in northern Mali, Gobi certainly has an arresting voice. Her high-pitched, nasal timbre slices mercilessly through the...

Reviewed in issue Jan/Feb/2018