This disc from Nubian pop songstress Alsarah & the Nubatones is a revelation in terms of East African music, the part of the continent which produces less aggressive, more sultry and sensuous music. The Soukura EP is filled with more time changes than a noodly prog rock album, and this Continue Reading
African Music
Paulo Flores – Semba Original
Delicious Tunes is one of Europe’s finest labels dedicated to the best of modern African music. This track is from legendary Angolan guitarist and singer Paulo Flores, and if you wish more of his music, visit the label’s website here or visit Paulo’s Spotify account.
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
Air Volta – Volta Jazz
The 1200 Line is an expert reissue label bringing some amazing African music to the masses with meticulously recreated cover art and remastering. This release is from Upper Volta, and it features cumbia rhythms, rhumba, Cuban son and yé-yé blended into a joyful mix. From the Bandcamp site: From the Continue Reading
Orchestre Massako – Orchestre Massako (Limited Dance Edition)
I think this may be the first Gabonese album I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. Orchestre Massako are a band who mixes Afro-Funk with cumbia beats, blending the best of Africa and Latin America together in a joyous mix.
Vis-A-Vis – The Best Of Vis-A-Vis In Congo Style
Even in the midst of war and apocalypse, you should find ways to feel a sense of joy. Hope trumps all, and Ghanian music, like that of Vis-A-Vis, makes for a good remedy. Cheerful vocals, lo-fi production and a pulsing beat cures many ills.
Etran de L’Aïr – Agadez
Thanks to a bit of luck and our friends at Sahel Sounds, I was fortunate enough to obtain an album by Nigerien (no, not Nigerian) troupe and stars of the local wedding music scene, Etran de L’Aïr (or Stars of the Aïr region). From their Bandcamp site: “Recorded at home Continue Reading
Various Artists: Zanzibara: First Modern Taarab Vibes From Mombasa & Tanga, 1970-1990
It’s so good to see the inestimable Buda Musique take the modern route and make some of the treasures of their back catalog accessible, not only digitally, but on fine vinyl and CD editions. This compilation brings together a collection of artists from the towns of Mombasa and Tanga, in Continue Reading
Kgwanyape Band – Mephato Ya Maloba
I’ve read over the years about Botswana having a very interesting metal scene, but I knew nothing about the local music. This might not be the purest form of regional music, but this disc by Duncan Senyatso (may his memory be eternal) and the Kgwanyape Band is pretty catchy and Continue Reading
Various Artists – Cameroon Garage Funk
Analog Africa produces yet another astounding compilation. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait a while for this one, because the release date is scheduled for September 3, 2021. Still, considering the high quality of pretty much everything this label has produced, I’m expecting some fine music. Over on the Bandcamp release Continue Reading