Jidka

Saba
(Riverboat, TUG1047)

Born in Mogadishu to an Italian father and Ethiopian mother, Saba has come to represent the meeting of African and European cultures: as an actress she starred in a long-running TV drama, playing the role of a policewoman fighting against the prejudice of her colleagues, while dealing with issues such as illegal immigration from Africa. On Jidka (The Line), her musical debut, she explores the divide between Somalia and Italy with a rare sensitivity and gentle humour; mixing acoustic guitars and koras with traditional African beats and contemporary percussion. The result reflects both one woman's search for her identity and what it means to be alive in the 21st century, when so many people live in more than one culture.
 

'Saba clearly has talent.' Songlines

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Mapou

Rene Lacaille
(Riverboat, TUG1033)

René Lacaille is the musical embodiment of the unique Creole culture of the Indian Ocean island of La Réunion, incorporating African, Indian, Madagascan and European rhythms and instruments. On the album Mapou, this remarkable singer, accordion player, guitarist and extraordinary songster tells the story of his troubadour life, which highlights the evolution of the music of La Réunion and features (among others) the fascinating styles of séga and maloya.
 

'Earthy and evocative folk music.' The Daily Telegraph

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Digdig

Rene Lacaille & Bob Brozman
(Riverboat, TUG1025)

From the beautiful volcanic island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean comes Rene Lacaille, master accordionist and guitarist. Lacaille is joined by the genre-defying talent of Bob Brozman to create a joyous album of diverse and uplifting tracks. Digdig is a melding of the music of the two island cultures of Hawaii and La Reunion, suffused with hybrid vigour and inspired by the powerful forces of nature.
 

‘A series of infectious yet understated tunes... leaving the listener bewildered but exhilarated.’ The Sunday Times

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The Rough Guide To The Music Of Tanzania

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1158)

Tanzania is the new music capital of East Africa and from the spice islands of Zanzibar to the shores of the great lakes, The Rough Guide To The Music Of Tanzania explores the diversity of the country’s culture as expressed in its popular music. This album features hip-hop with a Maasai tinge, Haya vocal rhythms from Lake Victoria, acoustic taarab sounds from the Indian Ocean, together with the guitars and horns of Dar Es Salaam’s most famous dance bands.


**** (four stars) 'Splendidly comprehensive overview of Tanzanian music.' Songlines

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The Rough Guide To The Music Of Kenya

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1137)

High-energy benga music, with its pulsating beat and funky interlocking guitar riffs, has been at the forefront of Kenyan pop since the late 1960s. More recently, contemporary artists, such as Gidi Gidi Maji Maji and Nyota Ndogo, have been exploring the possibilities of merging traditional melodies, instruments and rhythms with new sounds from R&B and other international genres. In addition, taarab music – a mixture of Indian Ocean and coastal traditions – and rumba-based Swahili and Lingala music are phenomenally popular. The Rough Guide To The Music Of Kenya spans these styles from classic benga gems, to sparkling new taarab compositions, with a sampling of the most innovative sounds of Kenya’s hip hop generation.


**** (four stars) 'From somewhere other than world music’s global homogenizer.' Independent On Sunday

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Introducing Kenge Kenge

Kenge Kenge
(Introducing, INTRO107)

Kenge Kenge symbolise all that is great about African traditional music; they are the guardians and masters of an ancient but living tradition. They breath new life into Kenya's Luo musical roots, continuing its evolution, from the hand-made instruments of the past, through the popular guitar-based benga, and now returning to both re-explore the acoustic origins of benga and embrace their Luo musical heritage.
 

'The songs praise the band’s neighbours and supporters, love, dance.' Financial Times

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