 |
Orientissime Thione Seck $28 |
Throughout Europe Thione Seck is considered the voice of
Senegal, his reputation exceeding even that of his compatriot and the
world's most well-known African singer Youssou N'Dour. Lead singer for Orchestra Baobab for 3 years during their '70s heyday, Thione has also appeared with Africando and released a number of acclaimed albums over the last 3 decades. The connection between Senegalese and Cuban music is well-known with the singer himself having played a central role in the action. However this 2005 release Orientissime is a bold step that takes the listener in the opposite direction, fusing the majesty of an Egyptian orchestra, oud and singers and musicians from India. There is an obvious link between the traditional Senegalese and Arabic music and Thione himself represents the Mourid movement, an African branch of Islam. |
 |
Algerian Rai by Cheb Nacim New $26 |
In the tradition of the great Raï singers Cheb Hasni, Khaled and others, Cheb Nacim presents an album of passionate Raï songs by Hasni, Dahman El Harrachi, Abderahmane Djoudi, as well as original compositions. Style and instrumentation range from a traditional "desert feel" to hot rumba and pulsating dance grooves and club remixes. Produced by Hossam Ramzy. |
 |
Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World by Johnny Clegg & Savuka South Africa New $26 in jewel case, 11 tracks One used copy @ $7 |
Johnny Clegg is a man caught between two
worlds. On one hand, his music is so infectious that you can't help but
get caught up in the sheer joy of Savuka's masterly blend of Zulu sounds
and western pop. On the other hand, there is the dark heart of politics
that informed Clegg's life as a white man leading a multi-racial band in
South Africa during the clashes of that nation's violent struggles in
change. This not a lightly made statement, Clegg lost a band member to
street violence and close friends to political assassinations. It is
that friction that informs "Cruel Crazy Beautiful World." As
soon as the insistent chorus of "One (Hu)man, One Vote" pounds
out of the speaker, you can feel the urgency that beats behind it. Yet the
heart that wants to find a better world for his children in the title song
right after "One Vote" moves the urgency from the head to the
heart and feet. In fact it's hard to not swing or dance while this album
plays. It's like a challenge Savuka issues to your spirit and your social
conscience. You need to think while you listen to "Cruel Crazy
Beautiful World." And more than that, you need to dance. |
 |
Vana-Va-Ndota by Ghorwane Mozambique New $26 |
In the hot and dusty Gaza province of
Mozambique there is a small lake called Ghorwane that never runs dry, even
in the hottest season. In 1983, a group of young musicians in Maputo,
Mozambique, took this name as they launched their musical career. Today,
Ghorwane is one of Moambique's most respected bands. Ghorwane base their
sound on traditional Mozambican rhythms combined with Afro-pop and fusion
to create a sound where the best Afro beats meet African jazz. It is a
mixture of traditional African flavors spiced with Portuguese and
Brazilian influences. |
 |
New Beginnings by Judith Sephuma South Africa New copies $27 This CD is exclusive to our shop in Canberra |
Pan-African
vibes, traditional influences, upbeat numbers and more, all find a place
in this must-have local jazz release from an artist many fans have long
been waiting to hear recorded. A gold disc was awarded to Judith
at a recent show with Richard Bona and Kirk Whalum at the Johannesburg
International Music Festival in August for her previous album. |
 |
Kweli: A voyage to the Islands of the Moon by Nawal Comoros Islands New copies, sealed $27 Exclusive to our shop in Canberra |
Nawal
originally comes from the Comoros Islands, also known as the “Perfume
Islands” or “Islands of the Moon,” located in the Indian Ocean off
the eastern coast of Africa. Born into a family with many musicians,
Nawal bathed in both popular and spiritual music from a young age, in
her native islands and also in her new home in France. Between traditional and contemporary, Nawal’s music weaves a rich dialog of cultures, a reflection of the diverse character of life in her native islands. Indo-Arabian-Persian music meets Bantu polyphonies, the syncopated rhythms and Sufi trance of the Indian Ocean. Nawal sings in Comoran, Arabic, French and English. An acoustic roots-based fusion, her music is rhythmically compelling and beautifully lyrical. Known as the “Voice of Comoros,” Nawal is also the first Comoran woman singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to give performances in public. As a Muslim-born African woman who does not always adhere to traditional socio-religious codes, Nawal has faced many challenges in her career, yet she remains strong in her message and philosophy. In her music, she sings in favor of all humans, for education and for union. |
 |
Yellela by Eyuphuro MOZAMBIQUE New copies $26 |
A quote from the liner notes sums up Yellela
quite nicely. "The album reflects the island of Mozambique's role
as a meeting point of African, Arabic and Latin cultures dating back to
the eighth century, which has created a fusion of musical
influences." |
 |
Electro Bamako by Mamani Keita & Marc Minelli MALI/France New copies $23 |
The cross-cultural fascination with Mali goes one step further on Electro-Bamako, by Mamani Keita and Marc Minelli. The CD uses techniques from techno, but with an entirely different feel and instrumentation. The project emerged when Marc Antoine Moreau, the Paris-based manager of Amadou and Mariam, suggested that Minelli integrate his computer adventures with the incredible voice of a former backing singer for Salif Keita. |