The Rules of Life from a modern-day West African Griot
Calabash! chats to Batch Gueye the Bristol-based Senegalese singer, musician, dancer and storyteller about the challenges of 2020 and what we can learn from his music.
Album of the Month – November 2020
STAR FEMININE BAND
Star Feminine Band are an extraordinary group from Natitingou, a remote town in the north of Benin. The 7 members are aged between 10 and 17 years old, and the only all girl band in Benin.
Their sound is a garage rock style mix of afrobeat,congolese rumba and traditional Beninese rhythm dances. The girls’ harmonies may sound youthful but their songs are raising awareness about equality and empowerment for African women to a curious growing audience.
#SOULIDARITY – FOR AFRICAN MUSICIANS
Thousands of concerts have been cancelled worldwide due to COVID-19. Hundreds of musicians from the African continent have lost their main income from international concert tours. It is uncertain by when musicians will be able to travel and tour again. Please, join #SOULIDARITY and donate. With your contribution you directly support musicians from the African continent.
Album of the Month – September 2020
Sidi Touré (Mali) – Afrik Toun Mé.
Full of lively acoustic Malian melodies and blues guitar riffs that radiate perpetual positive energy as Touré’s emotive voice sings about courage against adversity and urges people to embrace knowledge as a tool to unite Africa.
Touré has created a dazzling album of real optimism.
Ethiopian Records crowdfunding for Survival and Unity
Ethiopia Records, innovators of ther Ethiopiyawi electronic music scene has launched a fundraiser due to the COVID pandemic putting in jeopardy the future of the label and its staff based in Addis Ababa.
The fundraiser is for a 10 track double EP called Wel (ወል) with 2 videos and an array of works of art to be released in November 2020.
Supporters of the Wel project can receive various goodies including a pre-order copy of the EP to a private virtual tour and interactive music lessons
Orchestra Baobab 50th Anniversary
This year marks the 50th anniversary of one of Africa’s greatest bands, Senegal’s Orchestra Baobab. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, the band has announced the issue of their landmark 2002 reunion album ‘Specialist In All Styles’ for the first time ever on vinyl, on September 25th.
Oumou Sangaré | Acoustic Album | Out June 19 |
An acoustic version of the 2017 album ‘Mogoya’ will be released by Nø Førmat digitally on June 19, 2020, with physical formats available from August 28, 2020.
The album simply named ‘Acoustic’ is a totally unplugged ‘live’ studio recording with the same members who played with Oumou at the London EartH show in April 2019 that celebrated the 15th anniversary of her label Nø Førmat.
You can view the album trailer here.
Africadelic – International Africa Day
Africadelic the annual event in Amsterdam that celebrates International Africa day has organised a 12-hour live streaming event on 25 May
With over 15 confirmed artists so far including ONIPA, Blick Bassy, and Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band, it promises to be an enthralling day of performances and lively debates. There is also 2 days of contemporary African cinema available on demand too.
NOT TO BE MISSED!
Full details of how to watch here
An African Music Safari
We are delighted to have been asked by Travel Africa Magazine to compile an ‘African music safari’ for their readers. It covers some of the continents amazing artists from Morocco to Zimbabwe. You can read the journey here.
Santrofi – Alewa
Santrofi, are a collective of young emerging musicians from Accra, Ghana. The debut album ‘Alewa’ is a sumptuous mix of dance-guitar, funk, and silky harmonies. A Highlife extravaganza, that deserves to be heard and danced to – energetic, exuberant and refreshing.
Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno – Tipona
There is much to admire in this unique album.
The Nyatiti – an eight-stringed lyre, originating from communities around the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya.
A story of an African village boy transitioning to a man with all its anxiousness.
The preserving of traditional Lüo sounds whilst interpreting them for the modern world.
Awale Jant Band – Yewoulen
With the unmistakable groove of West African soul music, Awalé intertwines Senegalese, Latin American, funk, jazz and influences from London, where they are now at home. Yewoulen is a call for leaders of the world and everyday people alike to Wake Up and work together for the sake of humanity.
Tamikrest Tamotait Album
Tamikrest return with a vivid, irrepressible rock and roll statement. Their most powerful album since 2013’s wildly acclaimed Chatma, Tamotaït finds the band not only turning up the volume, but also sharpening their ruminations on the state of the Sahara and the world beyond. Features acclaimed Moroccan singer Hindi Zahra and Japanese traditional musicians.
Extra Soul Perception
Extra Soul Perception (ESP.) are a creative collaboration that brings together innovative artists from the UK, Kenya and Uganda for a week-long writing camp in Nairobi. The result will be an audio-visual album, documentary and series of live events.
See album video teaser and live dates here
Ubuntu Pride – The First Pan-African Festival to be launched in the UK
The UK’s first annual African cultural festival is set to be held in the West Midlands this summer. Described as a “party for all things Africa”, Ubuntu Pride will celebrate African culture through traditional music, arts, dance and food.
It is expected to take place outdoors in Coventry on August the 1st and 2nd, with final confirmations due to be held in the coming months.
Tamikrest New Album and Tour
Tamikrest, the Tuareg (kel tamasheq) desert blues band from the Sahel region embark on a huge European tour and play in the UK at Rich Mix, London on Saturday 23rd May 2020.
Their latest album Tamotait meaning ‘hope for a positive change’ which reflects the turbulent political times in northern Mali and the surrounding area, will be released on 27th March 2020.
African Festival Guide for UK & Europe 2020
Why not this year, go and see an African festival in the UK, or, if you are holidaying in Europe, why not plan it around a brilliant weekend of good vibes, great food and fantastic music. It’s a perfect way of immersing yourself into the local culture and giving back to the community.
Rafiki Jazz – Saraba Sufiyana
Saraba Sufiyana is a totally absorbing experience of distinct quality, it’s an enlightening historical discovery on a musical journey that will stay etched into my memory.
I can’t think of any other album that can do that.
The 10 Best African Albums of 2019
It’s been an exceptionally busy year, we went to over 30 gigs, and in our New Music page, there are over 70 album releases listed.
With some absolutely sublime sounds from all over Africa and beyond, it was quite a task in deciding the top 10.
So here’s our pick of 2019.
Not listed in any particular preference – except for top spot.
A collection of artists that inspired, releases that enthralled and live performances that wowed us.
Thank you, Africa!
Haymanot Tesfa – Loosening the Strings
Haymanot Tesfa is a singer and krar (traditional lyre) player from Ethiopia, now living in the UK.
Loosening the Strings is her solo debut album, and is a collection of Ethiopian traditional songs and her own arrangements all sung in the distinctive Amharic language.
Throughout the album, Haymanot’s fingers flow through the six-stringed krar with nimble dexterity. The unfaltering plucked soft tones provide a foundation for Haymanot’s powerful and captivating voice. Using only
the krar and a drum it’s a bold debut. Yet, it doesn’t need anything else, as it’s simply beautiful.
Fatoumata Diawara UK Tour 2020
Fatoumata Diawara announces UK tour dates for January and February 2020.
Hailed as one of the most vital standard-bearers of modern African music, Fatoumata Diawara takes her artistry to fresh and thrilling heights on her new album FENFO.
NOT TO BE MISSED!
FULL DETAILS AND TICKETS
Dance to the Full Moon – Invisible System Album
The second release from Invisible System aka Dan Harper’s Malian project.
Dance to the Full Moon is the sequel to the instrumental Bamako Sessions album from 2018.
Delving deep into Mali’s traditional musical roots, griot, ngoni, kora, and Songhoy guitar are accentuated with the interfusion of dub, post-punk, techno, and R&B.
A more fulfilling album than its predecessor and with Dan Harper’s guidance and production finesse, has created a triumph of equilibrium.
Crisscrossing genres but keeping Mali at its heart and soul
London Afrobeat Collective – Humans
London Afrobeat Collective’s latest album release Humans, unleashes the full force of their funky energetic afrobeat.
Full of musical gutsiness, with the fervor of their exhilarating live performances, the LAC sound is evolving beyond the sphere of Afrobeat.
An album striving for social justice has never sounded this good
Egyptian Cultural Festival debuts in London
++This event has been cancelled++
A unique festival experience is coming to London this November, it will showcase a feast of talent through art, music, fashion, and food from Egypt, in a vibrant and fun-filled way.
The first ever Egyptian festival in Europe, the programme promises to be an extravaganza of discovery into contemporary Egypt and for the Egyptian community to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage.
The Egyptian Cultural Festival is on the 9th and 10th of November
Rafiki Jazz #Up Close Tour
On tour, this coming Autumn are Rafiki Jazz.
A 9 piece global collective, spanning from Africa, India, the Middle East, South America and Europe.
Their ‘Closeup’ live shows are powerful and absorbing, capturing the imagination of distant lands, that reflect the band’s multiple faith, language and culture.
Rafiki Jazz will be playing songs from their latest album ‘Saraba Sufiyana’ (Mystic Utopia) available this October.
Expect beautiful voices, with the unity and diversity of modern world music, which journeys into migration, history and heritage.
KOKOKO! Fongola Album
If there was a TV series called ‘extreme homemade musical instruments’ KOKOKO! would be the hosts and Fongola would be the soundtrack.
Experimenting with engine parts to typewriters, the DR Congelese DIY’ers invent and build their own percussion and stringed instruments.
Flirting between, post-punk and electronic, the intoxicating and hypnotic grooves are blisteringly danceable.
KOKOKO! are currently on a world tour and are playing Fabric, London on November 28th
Faith Mussa – Kalilima Album
Known as the Malawian one-man band, Faith Mussa’s latest album is full of bright African guitars and soulful harmonies, whilst it slickly genre hops by blending modern beats and arrangements with traditional rhythms and instruments.
It’s an irresistibly catchy and classy production, with three years in the making and collaborating with various artists, it firms up Faith Mussa as a rising star on the international music scene.
Kanda Bongo Man – UK Tour
Kanda Bongo Man, the king of Soukous will perform with his seven-piece band around the UK during August, September and October.
Expect infectious fast-paced Congolese style dance music, with glorious sunshine guitar solos and moves to match.
Stolen Moments – Namibian Music History Untold (1950-80s)
To celebrate Namibia’s 30th year of Independence, SOAS Music is hosting a unique exhibition in the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, London.
Chronicling the intimate stories, songs and experiences of those who shaped Namibian popular culture during some of the most repressive years of Apartheid rule.
A fascinating insight shown through video projection that revisits the dance styles of the 1950s-80s. Listening stations featuring Namibia’s music legends.
Interviews with musicians and contemporary witnesses.
An extensive collection of photographs, record covers and music memorabilia.
Kadialy Kouyate -Taling Dimalu Beautiful Tales Album
It’s a massive privilege to have such a talent as Kadialy Kouyate based here in the UK.
The Senegalese kora virtuoso/singer hails from the line of Kouyate griots
and If you have ever seen him perform you will have been
bedazzled by the splendour of his kora mastery.
His latest repertoire is full of beautiful positive melodies, and you will feel your soul being gently nourished as the enchanting compositions unfold.
London African Gospel Choir performs Paul Simon’s Graceland
FULL TOUR DATES
Performing Paul Simon’s Classic album ‘Graceland’ in its entirety.
“A truly uplifting and inspiring experience – maximum joy!”
Isaac Birituro and The Rail Abandon – Kalba
Ghanaian Isaac Birituro’s masterful xylophone style is explored by UK’s singer-songwriter Sonny Johns.
Lively West African beats, folky guitar and jazzy brass hues, harmonized with the uplifting Kalba Birifore Choir.
Recorded in Isaac’s hometown Kalba – the album title, a church became a makeshift mobile studio.
An intriguing story of different worlds embracing, it captures a genuinely warm-hearted community spirit.
Maravillas de Mali – Africa Mia
In the 1960s, a group of Malian musicians travelled to Havana to study music.
The Maravillas de Mali band was formed and the groundbreaking
Afro-Cuban fusion style was born.
50 years on, Boncana Maïga the only remaining member has recaptured that revolutionary spirit by rejuvenating Africa Mia, the bands only album.
Featuring superstar Mory Kanté from Guinea.
Anna Mudeka – Kure Kure/Faraway – UK Tour
Zimbabwean born multi instrumentalist, dancer and actress, Anna Mudeka, brings her tour de force show, Kure Kure/ Faraway across the UK over summer and autumn 2019.
The one-woman theatre show includes traditional and contemporary music, projected visuals, soothing song, energetic dance and spoken word.
BCUC – The Healing
A magnitude of free jazz, spiritual rants, raps and chants delivered with rock ’n’ roll fervency.
The 7 piece band from Soweto, South Africa inspired by indigenous music conjure extended trance-like songs, radiating positive energy as it challenges musical formats and simultaneously the harsh realities of African life.
Kongo Dia Ntotila – 360°
Intrinsically deep-rooted with African dance sounds and styles, Kongo Dia Ntotila’s second release 360°is a profusion of adept musicianship.
Congolese guitar and energetic rhythms blend fluently with jazzy horns and bass lines inspired by the buoyant UK Jazz scene.
The listener is joyfully seesawed between Kinshasa and London.
It’s inventive, original and massively catchy. A feel-good fun ride from start to finish.
Hama Sankaré – Niafunké
Desert blues at its finest, including dazzling reworks of songs legendary Ali Farka Toure also recorded.
A monumental Malian studio supergroup that encompasses traditional sounds, enriched by the verve of a new generation of musicians.
Progressive and compelling – essential listening.
Madalitso Band – Wasalala
What do you get when you mix a homemade one-string slide bass (Babatone), a cowskin foot drum, thumped with your heel whilst strumming a 4 string guitar and two harmonious voices? The joyful upbeat traditional folk music of The Madalitso Band from Malawi.
Ibibio Sound Machine – Doko Mien
The party goes on all night long, as Flamboyant Nigerian born singer Ewo Wiliams and her energetic Afro grooving London band continue to mishmash funk, disco with retro electronic pop with versatile panache
Ifriqiyya Electrique – Laylet El Booree
Fusing the rhythms and invocations of the ancient Saharan Banga ritual with an electrical storm of contemporary sonics, Ifriqiyya Electrique’s second album both grips and awakens. In Tunisian, Banga means “huge volume” and one cannot think of a more apt description of Laylet el Booree than that. Maximalist & relentless. Blood, sweat & trance.
Mdou Moctar – Ilana: The Creator
Masterful axe-shredding work from the Saharan bluesman from Niger.
Mdou Moctar’s inventiveness protrudes Tuareg music the size of a comet.
K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade – Wahala Wahala
Euphoric Afro-fusion rhythms mixing a potent cocktail of afrobeat, soul, rap, jazz and reggae
Houssam Gania – Mosawi Swiri
The debut album from the youngest son of the late Maalem Mahmoud Gania, a Gnawa ritual and ceremonial master of Morocco.
Dobet Gnahoré UK tour in April 2019
Afro-pop sensation Dobet Gnahore returns in April with her beautiful voice and acrobatic dance stage show. The Grammy award winner will be performing her latest album Miziki. Friday, April 12th – St George’s, Bristol.https://www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/dobet-gnahore/ Saturday, April 13th – Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham.https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/african-night-fever-presents-dobet-gnahore/ Sunday, April 14th – The Gulbenkian, Canterbury.https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/event/dobet-gnahore/
UKanDanZ – Yeketelale
Legendary Ethiopian singer Asnake Guebreyes’s voice embellishes an absorbing Ethio-Jazz dance groove.
Kel Assouf – Black Tenere
Brimming with rock guitars, synths and heavy drums sees a thumping modernistic onrush from the traditional Tuareg sound.
Tartit – Amankor/The Exile
Formed in a refugee camp in the ’90s, the female-fronted band toured the Tuareg sound around the world. Their first album for more than a decade is nostalgic, with aspirations of peace and unity. Release Date: 25 January 2019Record label: Riverboat Records. Genre: Desert Blues, Folk Tuareg. Country: Mali.
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba – Miri
The Ngoni, a simple ancient instrument, but when played by a master Griot a mesmerising myriad of rhythms supervene… Mali at its best!
10 Best African Albums of 2018
Here’s our pick of 2018.
Not listed in any particular preference – except for top spot!
A collection of artists that inspired, releases that enthralled and live performances that wowed us.
Thank you Africa and beyond!
Wiyaala – Sissala Goddess
Wiyaala’s voice is capable of soaring above the whole of Africa.
Listed as one of the BBC’s “Celebrated African Women” of 2018
Moulay Ahmed El Hassani – Atlas Electric
Moulay Ahmed Hassani – Atlas Electric. Hive Mind Records. “Ahmed’s trademark – an awesome sounding psychedelic deep reverberating microtonal guitar!” From the foot of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, singer, songwriter and musician Moulay Ahmed Hassani has self produced more than an incredible 50 albums over 30 years in his home studio in …
African Artists are not welcomed as UK concerts cancelled because of visa issues
Desert Blues Bands Tamikrest and Terakraft refused entry to UK Three weeks ago I attended Africa on the Square festival. This free annual event is organised by the Mayor of London and this year featured musicians from Togo, The Gambia, Zambia, and the UK. There was also a fashion show, a parade and dancers celebrating …
African Artists are not welcomed as UK concerts cancelled because of visa issues Read More »
Amira Kheir – Mystic Dance
Sudanese-Italian singer Amira Kheir‘s new album Mystic Dance. Nubian melodies, folk, jazz forays and desert blues burst.
Afro Celt Sound System – New Album ‘FLIGHT’ Out 23rd November
Driving afro house, drum and bass beats, bold West African brass and exuberant electronics herald the welcome return of the Afro Celt Sound System
Dur Dur of Somalia – Volume 1, Volume 2 & Previously Unreleased Tracks
Dur-Dur of Somalia’s first 2 albums reissued by Analog Africa. Listen to the funky disco 70’s/80’s sound on irresistible triple vinyl and cassette (limited 200 copies only) and available to download.
25 years on and The Rough Guide to World Music Book is still an epic
A nostalgic look at The Rough Guide to World Music book 25 years on and why it is still an invaluable item for any world music fan.
Tal National – Tantabara
The third international release from Niger’s biggest band blasts West African rhythmic guitar, desert blues, afrobeat grooves, and a constant often off beat crashing snare drum. The vocals occasionally border on screaming to be heard over the intense hypnotic sound and when you think it can’t get any faster ‘Belles Reines’ does just that, dense …
Angelique Kidjo – Remain in Light
World Music? What’s that? Well, how did I get here? Early ’80s Talking Heads were a unique group, new wave and funk intertwined with rhythms and sounds that were ‘foreign’ – unknowingly for most an introduction to Afrobeat. Angelique Kidjo’s version is naturally more African, it’s also more Afrobeat with plenty of horns.Whilst always keeping …
The Story of Sahel Sounds
Watch this wonderful and fascinating insight to artists in one of the most remote parts of the world.
African artists refused visas to perform in the UK
African artists refused visas to perform in the UK Following the disappointing news that some artists couldn’t get visa to perform in the UK, here’s an article discussing this, https://www.theguardian.com/global/2018/aug/02/womad-visa-fiasco-brexit-britain-live-music-festival?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmails
Samba Touré – Wande
After the first listen, the album felt like I’ve owned it for years. Honest blues and reliably Malian. Samba Touré is in a mellow mood.(mostly) Full of spacious cool blues riffs and crisp rock ‘n’ roll rhythm guitar, whilst at the same time the talking drum and Soku fiddle keeping the sound back on African …
Sidi Toure – Toubalbero
Toubalbero is a huge upgrade from Sidi Tourés Songhoy folk blues album 5 years ago. Sidi Touré is now electro-acoustic, alongside up and coming adept musicians, Djadjé Traoré on electric guitar, and Mamadou “Mandou” Kone who also tours with Vieux Farka Toure is on drums. On the Ngoni, Ousmane “Papou” Dagnon is really impressive , the traditional …
Tamikrest – Kidal
The 4th album from the one of the best desert blues bands around. Kidal, the title of the release is their ancestral town. The album is their voice to the world about the Nomadic Tuaregs and their struggle for freedom, love and peace.