Orchestra Baobab are perhaps my favorite band from Africa ever. That’s saying something, as they rank higher to me than the ever-brilliant Fela Kuti or Tony Allen. This particular album blends traditional West African pop and local traditions with an Afro-Cuban vibe, jazz, and even a hint of psychedelic music.
African Blues
Majid Bekkas – African Gnaoua Blues
Majid Bekkas produces a stunning take on blues from a Moroccan perspective. From his Bandcamp site: “This secular music is still considered the “healer of souls” from Essaouira to Marrakech, easily understandable when you listen to the spellbinding sound of Bekkas’ voice, guembri and guitar. Like a watermark, the mystery Continue Reading
Noori & His Dorpa Band – Beja Power! Electric Soul & Brass from Sudan’s Red Sea Coast
I can’t say I know much about who Noori, the tambur-guitarist and leader of his eponymous band is, but to learn more, consider reading this article by OK Africa. From the Bandcamp site: A soundtrack of Sudan’s revolution and the first ever international release of the Beja sound, performed by Continue Reading