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Reviews

Review of Djaale

Djaale

Valérie Ekoumé

Socadisc

Rating: ★

Born in France, with a Cameroonian background, singer Ekoumé was a member of saxophonist Manu Dibango's band for eight years....

Reviewed in issue April/2016

Review of My Life in a Hole in the Ground

My Life in a Hole in the Ground

African Head Charge

On-U Sound Digital & Vinyl Only

Rating: ★★★★

This is a very welcome reissue of the first four albums by African Head Charge – reissued as individual vinyl...

Reviewed in issue April/2016

Review of Djely Blues

Djely Blues

Djelimady Tounkara

Label Bleu

Rating: ★★★★

One of the world's consummate guitarists with a touch, phrasing, rhythmic swing and fluidity to rival any rock’n’roll axe hero...

Reviewed in issue April/2016

Review of The Gnawa Caravan: Salt

The Gnawa Caravan: Salt

Simo Lagnawi

Waulk Records

Rating: ★★★★

London-based gimbri master and Gnawa evangelist Simo Lagnawi is becoming a prolific and reliable recording artist, releasing Gnawa-themed albums with...

Reviewed in issue April/2016

Review of Faransiskiyo Somaliland

Faransiskiyo Somaliland

Sahra Halgan Trio

Top of the World

Buda Musique & DVD

Rating: ★★★★★

Fans of all things desert-bluesy should check out Sahra Halgan. She has just returned to her homeland – the fledgling...

Reviewed in issue April/2016

Review of Né So

Né So

Rokia Traoré

Nonesuch Records

Rating: ★★★★

It's easy to read too much into the circumstances surrounding the making of a record, but it's clear that some...

Reviewed in issue April/2016

Review of Soul Sok Séga: Séga Sounds from Mauritius 1973-1979

Soul Sok Séga: Séga Sounds from Mauritius 1973-1979

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Strut Records

Rating: ★★★★

The international exposure of music from the Indian Ocean has, understandably, been dominated by the sounds of the huge island...

Reviewed in issue April/2016

Review of Baila Sahara Baila

Baila Sahara Baila

Mariem Hassan & Vadiya Mint El Hanevi

Nubenegra Records

Rating: ★★★★

This is the final album from one of the great voices of the Sahara: Mariem Hassan died in August 2015...

Reviewed in issue March/2016

Review of Zarabi

Zarabi

Oum

MDC

Rating: ★★★

The Moroccan/Saharawi singer Oum El Ghaït has followed up her 2013 album Soul of Morocco – her first international release...

Reviewed in issue March/2016

Review of Le Dernier Empereur Bantou

Le Dernier Empereur Bantou

Pierre Kwenders

Bonsound

Rating: ★★★★

Pierre Kwenders’ first full-length project is an electro-fused delight. Kwenders currently resides in Montreal but has Congolese heritage and his...

Reviewed in issue March/2016

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