Africa brings new take to music scene
Ten songs to expand your musical perspectives
Published Sept. 10, 2009
There is nothing like a sweet escape from mainstream American music. It's like traveling to a different country in 40 minutes, only this time the bizarre drummer of Cream, Ginger Baker, is following you along the way. Africa is homeland to the greatest American music genres: blues, jazz and every form of rock 'n' roll imaginable. Here is just a taste of jazz, rap and rock-infused tracks from today's African music scene.
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"Let's Start" -- Fela Kuti and The Africa '70 with Ginger Baker
After the breakup of Cream and several fusion rock stints, Baker drove a beat-up truck from Europe to South Africa to begin 30 years and counting of self-imposed exile. Yes, he is quite insane. But add a little Fela Kuti, a bit of classic electric jazz, and you've got one really great live album.
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"El Mizane" -- Jil Jilala
Even though the vocals of Jil Jilala and his band sound like they should be part of an Arabic pop sensation, the track as a whole is quite engaging.
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"Sigui" -- Djelimady Tounkara
This track characterizes the mostly unfamiliar genre of African Blues, a style very similar to the American Blues we hold so near and dear.
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"Gomni" -- Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate
Toure and Diabate use simple and pleasant strings to pay homage to the West African traditions of Mali and Guinea. The final product is a surefire way to help you fall asleep at night.
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"Marahaba" -- Adam Rudolph and Hassan Hakmoun
This Morocco-based duo's fusion of traditional percussion and horns creates a jazz-infused style comparable to a worldly version of Miles Davis.
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"Koronoko" -- Rokia Traore
This Malian singer-songwriter's vocal harmonies are a soothing departure from generally male-dominated vocalists. I just wish I knew what she was saying.
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"Lakeside" -- BLK JKS
Granted, BLK JKS has risen primarily from the grounds of the American indie-rock scene. But Lakeside's Afro-pop sound keeps the band well connected to its South African roots.
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"Ya Laymi" -- Gnawa Diffusion
In the live version of "Ya Laymi," Gnawa Diffusion mixes reggae beats and the Algerian Gnawa music style to produce one fantastic jam session.
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"Paradiso" -- Konono N1
Konono's percussion instruments and amplification equipment are crafted from junkyard finds. What is created sounds far more original, innovative and brilliant than could possibly be birthed from junk.
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"Rhymin' Wit The African Symphony" -- Zimbabwe Legit
Zimbabwe Legit was the first African hip-hop group to record in the United States. And though the tracks are spoken in English, rich background vocals and traditional beats keep the composition rooted in African style.