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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.
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Various Artists:
The Kankobela of the Batonga, Vol. 2
Mysterious melodies from a disappearing thumb piano tradition of Southern Africa.
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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.
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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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Zieti:
Zemelewa
Eclectic blend of Afro-infused pop out of Cote d'Ivoire.
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Guelewar:
Halleli N Dakarou
Re-released and remastered live CD from this 80's experimental Senegambian outfit.
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Tinariwen:
Tassili
Touareg desert legends return with an offering that is meandering, sorrowful and proud.
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Los Rakas:
Chancletas y Camisetas Bordada
Oakland/Panamanian rappers -call it "Panabay"-- return with good results.
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Cheikh Lo:
Jamm
The unique Senegalese singer and multi-instrumentalist crafts an eclectically excellent record.
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David Rudder:
Random Notes
Calypsonian David Rudder returns with an album that covers various styles with excellent results.
All Reviews >>
Various Artists
Éthiopiques 13: Ethiopian Groove: The Golden Seven
Buda Musique,
This set captures the final years of ’s remarkable pop-music flowering—1976 and 77—as the Derg is setting up the mechanisms of its brutally oppressive regime. By now, Amha Records has closed down and the action is left to Ali Tango and his label Kaifa Records. These are simple 2-track recordings made in dinner clubs where there were still early evening shows, despite the strict enforcement of an urban curfew. These 17 tracks include satisfying work by now familiar veterans like Muluqèn Mèllèssè and Alèmayèhu Eshèté, and there are new voices as well, notably Ayaléw Mèsfin & Black Lion Band, who crank out a fiery blend of 6/8 and funk. Two strong tracks by Assèlèfètch Ashiné & Géténèsh Kebrèt & Army Band feature deep, clopping drums and soulful flute playing.
Contributed by
Banning Eyre