African musicians with: Kadialy Kouyate – Senegal | Lobby Traoré – Mali | Afel Bocoum – Niger | Lost Somali Tapes | Syran Mbenza – Congo | Sounds of South Africa. Producer Cobie Ivens
I. Kadialy Kouyate. 40:28 min
The title Toña, meaning “Truth,” explores the concept that understanding and reflecting on the past allows us to fully embrace future opportunities. When we take the time to reflect, we can let go of what no longer serves us and move forward with what makes us stronger. In Toña, Kadialy Kouyate explores various topics and events from his life to date, infusing the songs with life experiences and bold musical expressions of the subject matter at hand. CD. Toña – Kadialy Kouyate (verschijnt op 27 juni 2025). LABEL: Arc Music (2025), code: EUCD2977. VIDEO
II. Lobi Traoré. 01:17:31 min.
The Malian singer-guitarist Bourama Traoré, nicknamed Lobi, is a protégé and worthy successor of the great Ali Farka Touré. Although he was the son of a farmer, music beckoned and Lobi developed into a guitarist with the album Mali Blue. His melodies do show affinities with the Bambara tradition but are interpreted in a modern way in an atmosphere of ‘bluesy’ melancholy and lively energy. Lobi likes positive lyrics and a varied instrumentation, in which modern electric guitars blend with traditional instruments such as the kora, djembe, calabash and n’goni. CD. Mali blue – Lobi Traoré. LABEL: Dixiefrog Records (2005), code: DFGCD 8574. VIDEO
III. Afel Bocoum. 54:17 min.
In the press, Afel Bocoum is often mentioned as the successor of the legendary singer-guitarist Ali Farka Touré. Both Malians come from the same village, Niafunké, situated on the great Niger River. From the age of thirteen, Afel Bocoum became the protégé and accompanist of his great uncle Farka Touré. For three decades, Afel Bocoum played in Farka Touré’s group ASCO. In addition, he founded his own group Alkibar in the early eighties. Alkibar means ‘Messenger of the Great River’. With the Niger as a source of inspiration, Afel Bocoum developed his own repertoire, he takes the njarka (one-string violin) and njurkel (double-string guitar) as the basis for his enchanting, trance-like music. CD. Niger – Afel Bocoum & Alkibar. LABEL: Contre Jour (2006), code: CD 017. VIDEO
IV. Lost Somali tapes from the Horn of Africa. 01:20:36 min.
This is a beautiful edition of music recorded in Somalia between 1977 and 1996. The songs come from the music archive of Hargeisa, the country’s second city. That this fairly extensive collection has survived recent history is a small miracle. Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world, but has a rich and unique musical culture. Due to its location at the easternmost point of Africa, Somali music is also strongly influenced by Arabic, Persian and even Indian music. The music also has an audible affinity with the music of neighboring Ethiopia. CD. Sweet as broken dates : Lost Somali tapes from the Horn of Africa. LABEL: Ostinato Records (2017), code: OSTCD003. VIDEO
V. Syran Mbenza. 01:06:09 min.
The great Congolese singer, guitarist and bandleader Franco – was the first African music star of international allure. His untimely death in 1987 was a great loss to many admirers in Africa, Europe, North America and the Caribbean. The extensive oeuvre of the influential band Franco & Le TPOK Jazz, which existed for decades, reflects the development of Congolese pop music. In 2009, more than twenty years after Franco’s death, Syran Mbenza released the tribute album Immortal Franco. Syran Mbenza, one of Africa’s best guitar virtuosos, is also a master of Franco’s guitar style. CD. Syran Mbenza & Ensemble Rumba Kongo. LABEL: World Music Network (2009), code: TUGCD1050. VIDEO
VI. Sounds of South Africa. 40:09 min.
As early as 1964, Joseph Shambalala founded the choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The group focused on interpreting the vocal tradition of South African Zulu music. They quickly became the best choir of their kind and from the mid-seventies they also performed abroad.
On this album, you will hear, besides Ladysmith Black Mamboza, also ten other artists including the Kingstar Brothers, Newcastle Five Roses and the Boyoyo Boys.
CD. Sounds of South Africa. LABEL: ARC Music (2001), code: EUCD 1676. VIDEO
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