Recent Reviews
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KG Omulo: Ayah Ye!: Moving Train
A synergy of funk, rock, reggae and traditional African sounds from this inventive, young singer/songwriter. -
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Mamadou Diabaté: Courage
Mamadou Diabate, the kora master, takes a fresh look at Mali instrumental music with his new CD Courage. -
Various Artists: The Kankobela of the Batonga, Vol. 2
Mysterious melodies from a disappearing thumb piano tradition of Southern Africa. -
Kiran Ahluwalia: Aam Zameen: Common Ground
Indo-Canadian Songwriter Combines Folk Poetry with African Rock, Jazz and more -
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Sona Jobarteh: FASIYA
West African female kora virtuoso releases an album full of grace, warmth, and passion. -
Sia Tolno: My Life
Kissi singer releases a strong second album full of pop-infused star power over songs of strife and triumph. -
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Guelewar: Halleli N Dakarou
Re-released and remastered live CD from this 80's experimental Senegambian outfit. -
Tinariwen: Tassili
Touareg desert legends return with an offering that is meandering, sorrowful and proud. -
Los Rakas: Chancletas y Camisetas Bordada
Oakland/Panamanian rappers -call it "Panabay"-- return with good results. -
Cheikh Lo: Jamm
The unique Senegalese singer and multi-instrumentalist crafts an eclectically excellent record. -
David Rudder: Random Notes
Calypsonian David Rudder returns with an album that covers various styles with excellent results.
Alèmu Aga
Éthiopiques 11: Alèmu Aga: The Harp of King David
Buda Musique,
Although commonly known as 'King David's Harp', the bèguèna is not actually a member of the harp family: it is in fact an oversized lyre with ten stirngs, either plucked or strummed with a plectrum. It is probably the oldest instrument played in Ethiopia.
Alèmu Aga, an undisputed master of the bèguèna, sings religious songs as well as traditional fables, folk tales and his own poems. Meditative, devotional or uplifting for some, simply "mind-blowing" for others, bèguèna music is without doubt an otherwordly experience for Western ears.
courtesy of Buda Musique
Alèmu Aga, an undisputed master of the bèguèna, sings religious songs as well as traditional fables, folk tales and his own poems. Meditative, devotional or uplifting for some, simply "mind-blowing" for others, bèguèna music is without doubt an otherwordly experience for Western ears.
courtesy of Buda Musique
