Nder
Setsima Group
Nder et le Setsima Group
Disques Nuits D'Afrique, 2000
This impressive compilation of songs from Nder's early cassette releases makes the case for the upstart vocalist and bandleader as, in the words of his most loyal fans, "the king of mbalax." Recorded between 1995 and '99, these twelve tracks cover a lot of ground. Beautifully realized between Dakar's Studio 2000 and two small Paris studios, the selections feature the 8-piece Setsima Group, but include cameos by such luminaries as Manu Dibangu rasping soulful tenor sax lines on the stealthy, driving opener "Fass Diom," and also contributions from blind keyboard maestro Jen-Philippe Rykiel, who has produced and accompanied some of the finest musicians in West Africa.
Smoother pop-mbalax numbers like "Luko Waral," and "Leneen" reveal Nder's composition and arranging versatility, and also demonstrate that he's learned a thing or two from forerunners in this area like Omar Pene and Youssou N'Dour. He shares N'Dour's ability to coo like a bird and growl like a tiger, transitioning effortlessly between contrasting vocal colors. Not to say the music is imitative. These songs establish Nder as a distinct and original voice within one of Africa's most appealing modern pop genres. Nder's fluid arrangements leave room for folksy acoustic guitar and piano, even violin, as on the poignant ballad, "Drogue." But his bread and butter is rocking mbalax, tight and slick. This is the sound that has captivated Dakar in the late '90s.
Contributed by: Banning Eyre for www.afropop.org
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