Rolling Global Outernational Non-West Non-English (Some Exceptions) 2022 Thread (Often African bands)

Rokia Kone, Malian singer who is part of Les Amazones d’Afrique has a new album out produced by pop producer Jacknife Lee, and she’s gotten nice reviews in Bandcamp and from Jon Pareles in NY Times. I haven’t heard it yet

https://daily.bandcamp.com/album-of-the-day/rokia-kone-bamanan-review

I don't know Jacknife Lee at all, but the embedded track in that review is fantastic

for my nyc peoples, last call to buy tix for ata kak

https://dice.fm/partner/le-poisson-rouge-group-nyc-llc/event/de566-ata-kak-2nd-apr-le-poisson-rouge-new-york-tickets

Ghanaian Ata Kak doing NYC and Philly gigs but not DC :(

Malian singer Rokia Kone, x-post , sounds good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxfFYV4Lfek

Fatoumata Diawara on NPR Tiny Desk with lyrics translated into English in subtitles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxfFYV4Lfek

Fatoumata Diawara on NPR Tiny Desk with lyrics translated into English in subtitles

I'm only on the second track, but this gwoka comp is sounding great; accompanied here by a write-up from Andy Beta: https://daily.bandcamp.com/scene-report/gwoka-new-directions-list

actually that article discusses a few albums & comps, lots to check out there

So gwoka is a pre-zouk genre from Guadeloupe? Just glanced at article. Maybe need to really did in and listen later.

It’s almost Carnival time , folks.

yes from what I gathered, zouk is something of an offshoot of gwoka, though it also seemed like calling gwoka a genre isn't exactly right?

The roots of Gwoka date back to the 1600’s, born from the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. “Inherited by the African ancestors brought through via the slave trade, gwoka is found in beguine, zouk, jazz, urban music, etc.,” writes Guadeloupean artist Maria-Line Dahomay. “More than music, this genre has what we call a special ‘santiman’ which is a unique sign of true cultural identity.”

in a way it reminds me of "reggae" which covers a lot of ground too

anyway, this comp was superb: https://seance-centre.bandcamp.com/album/l-spri-ka-new-directions-in-gwoka-music-from-guadeloupe-1981-2010

absolutely love this
https://fulumiziki.bandcamp.com/album/ngbaka-ep

"FULU MIZIKI roughly translates as “music from the garbage”, which in a literal sense is an accurate description of the thrillingly chaotic eco-friendly Afro-Futurist collective. The instruments they design, build and play are masterclasses in upcycling.

From guembris built out of computer casing, to jerry-can drum-kits, keyboard inventions from wood, springs and aluminium pipes, and old flip-flops used as pads by plastic tube-wielding percussion players, the Democratic Republic of Congo-formed group’s ethos lies in the respect of nature, the celebration of its gifts and the importance of its preservation through environmentalism."

I think Chxck eddy was touting Fulu Miziki on FB. I need to give them more than the 30 seconds listen I started to give them the other day, before i got interrupted

same producer too, on the always fun nyege nyege tapes

https://nyegenyegetapes.bandcamp.com/album/liye-liye

Burundian drumming is a global phenomenon, featured in blockbuster movies and best-selling albums. But at home, authorities have restricted it to official functions — and banned women from performing.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/06/world/africa/burundi-drumming.html

Here’s the Burundi drumming article

X-post - I kinda like Fulu Miziki best when they’re not locked into a club friendly high bpm formula. So much of this is not for me

Malian singer/ guitarist Fatoumata Diawara who did a recent Tiny Desk that I posted up thread is in DC tonight with her band & me & the missus are going . First indoor gig in a bit for us

https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/550345/malian-singer-fatoumata-diawara-charts-her-own-course/

Not sure if this is the right thread (please refer me to any more appropriate ones!), but Iranian percussionist Mohammad Reza Mortazavi released a new EP. It’s called Prisma and it’s at least as minimalist as the two Yek projects with Burnt Friedman that I know him from. I love it - I mean, just listen to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9JNxg7fIaM
Mohammad Reza Mortazavi • Eleven

(I’m reminded somewhat of the Emeka Ogboh project from last year that placed in the EOY Albums)

xp thats lush

v cool

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/09/nyregion/brazilian-samba-star-dom-salvador-river-cafe.html

NYC based Brazilian samba funk lounge musician

Oops that’s an old article. But I think he’s still at it

Les Filles de Illighadad doing a short April tour in North America I see. Publicist says they will be back in summer too. No Dc date this time. I did see them here a few years ago

https://afropop.org/articles/oumou-sangar%C3%A9-premieres-wassulu-don-on-international-womens-day

Nice new Oumou Sangare video

Movie doc Elder's Corner about Nigerian juju, highlife, and afrobeat is showing again in DC area on Sunday March 20 at the AFI Silver as part of an African Film Fest. Might be showing near you all too at some point. Worth seeing

Seeing a Bandcamp article--

Hamid Al Shaeri is recognized as a monumental figure in Al Jeel music. As both a solo star and writer/producer for many other Al Jeel artists throughout the late 1980s and ‘90s, he blessed Cairo with a homegrown alternative to foreign pop sounds. One cannot tell the story of the genre without invoking his name.

“It’s very much associated with Hamid,” says Cairo-based Egyptian music expert Malak Makar, speaking about Al Jeel. “He is the leader of that music.”

New compilation The SLAM! Years (1983 – 1988) is the origin story. Released as part of the always excellent Arabic music series Habibi Funk, it draws from El Shaeri’s first five solo albums, all released on the Cairo-based label SLAM!, the set captures his burgeoning interest in exuberant and glitzy pop music. There is an abundance of synths, glowing melodies, a generally upbeat atmosphere. Not as commercially successful as his later work, Makar considers this era as more of a precursor to El Shaeri’s influential Al Jeel style than representative of the genre. Nonetheless, it’s a crucial encapsulation of his early career...

https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/hamid-al-shaeri-the-slam-years-1983-1988-feature

loving this

Have only listened to one song so far and I liked it. Fun Egyptian rhythmic pop

I'm becoming obsessed with this new album of Verdean koladera by the Ano Nobo Quartet: https://ostinatorecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-strings-of-s-o-domingos

The Ano Nobo Quartet’s Koladera is a global story with Cabo Verde at its center, a creole melting pot in the middle of the Atlantic attracting the best from four continents: hypnotic, haunting Koladera guitars inflected with twangs of Salsa Cubano, Spanish Flamenco, Brazilian Samba Canção, Jamaican Reggae, Argentine Tango, Mozambican Marrabenta, and finished with a dash of Black American Blues. It’s all here. Pascoal even picked up a few notes from a group of Chinese guitarists—a traditional instrument in China resembles the cavaquinho—who arrived on a socialist cultural exchange in Cabo Verde. Absent percussion, the quartet’s sound still drips with rhythm.

^this rules

v much enjoyed this
https://hakunakulala.bandcamp.com/album/mmaso

"Since the appearance of his cult breakthrough debut Tuli Banyo released on Hakuna Kulala in 2018, Ugandan conscious rapper and MC, Ecko Bazz has challenged perceptions of East Africa's burgeoning rap scene. His style is hard to categorize blending elements of grime, dancehall and US hip-hop and twisting politicized lyrics in Luganda that explore violence, religion, drug abuse or the poverty in the Ugandan slums. This personality anchors his debut album Mmaso, an explosive call to action that balances his manic presence with production from MC Yallah collaborator Debmaster, Kenyan club futurist Slikback, Berlin-based Japanese beatmaker DJ Die Soon and the inimitable DJ Scotch Rolex."

Yes! That Ecko Bazz record is awesome and distinctive.

https://www.brooklynvegan.com/congotronics-international-konono-no1-deerhoof-juana-molina-more-prep-debut-lp-stream-2-tracks/

2 songs on the link

Congotronics International is a supergroup featuring Konono Nº1, Kasai Allstars, Deerhoof, Juana Molina, Wildbirds & Peacedrums, and Skeletons’ Matt Mehlan, and they'll release their debut album, Where’s The One?, on April 29 via Crammed Discs. This is a project that's been brewing for 11 years, and features s 21 tracks, including live concert recordings and studio tracks produced in the years before, during, and after the 2011 "Congotronics vs. Rockers" tour that featured all of groups and artists mentioned above.

I haven't seen anyone talk about Silvana Estrada's new album. It's a powerful, quiet, stripped down singer-songwriter "love aches" album with gorgeous, contrasted, nuanced songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMG7ePKkLnI
Te guardo (Live on KEXP)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egnp-WbtPs4
Tristeza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDOeju9atXE
Marchita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmj-Vm7SJ9M
Ser de ti

I like her too (briefly mentioned her on the Rolling Afro-Latino thread )

Her melodies and the production help make it more than just singer/songwriter formula

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/04/02/1090278433/opinion-grammys-global-music-category-ignores-musicians-from-much-of-the-globe?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR2uEUlgMBxq-sSmOwc3Atw2ZOhskMEHST0M7pLNn_dZ9mUxKcCVapxo50w

new Oumou Sangare song from upcoming album Timbuktu. She's got such a great voice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2vrl2S3tOE

Awesome Tapes From Africa just released Kadi Yombo by Papé Nziengui. Impressive percussion and call & response chants from Gabon

https://papenziengui.bandcamp.com/album/kadi-yombo?from=fanpub_fb_pr

loving this

I saw Ata Kak perform last night, it was a delight. Instant dance party, just a very wholesome experience all around.

ah man, saw him a few years back
so joyous

Chontidelia for free from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy Center Millennium Stage Friday April 15 (Afro-Colombian band from eastern part of Colombia)

I think this east coast gig is being streamed live east coast time on the Kennedy Center youtube and Facebook page (and archived too). The band was just in NYC recently. Have heard good things about them. Plus heard them backing Kumera Zekarias on his his ep from last year

I recommend "Stories From Another Time 1982-1988" compilation of Angolan samba by Mário Rui Silva that came out last year. It's light, gentle, elegant grooves, often just guitars, vocals, percussion, occasional flute, with a nice dated fade. Super nice.
https://timecapsulespace.bandcamp.com/album/stories-from-another-time-1982-1988

Also enjoyed Ata Kak live, I had trouble believing that he was in front of me in the flesh, and did not only exist in a corner of the museum of music nerdom

Seeing on Facebook and twitter that Nigerian hornman and bandleader Orlando Julius (OJ Ekemode) has died at 79. He and his band always put on a fun live show when I saw him circa 2015 to 2017.

Shame, discovered him with his last album with the Heliocentrics, already 8 years ago. I still have the groove of the opener Buje Buje in my head.
There are so many of these afro-funk / highlife legends that are overshadowed by you-anikulaknow-who. I was listening to Tunji Oleyana today (born 1939, who knows if still alive) and a little while ago to Babatunde Olatunji (died a long time ago), and it gives the same impression of infinity of riches as the more famous musical countries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gDOyC0ktcw

Ata Kak played a 5 minute walk from me and I'm very bummed I couldn't catch that show. One of my favorite albums of all time probably, and the show looked very fun in the IG stories that I saw.

not sure Etran de L'Aïr have been mentioned here? found on ted gioia's honourable mentions, very nice on first listen

https://etrandelair.bandcamp.com/album/agadez

I feel like they were once mentioned but maybe in a prior year. I recall liking Etran de L'air

Etran de L’air and Oumou Sangare are both on Ted Gioia list of 50 other albums he liked ( that didn’t make his top list that will be on his paywalled part of his substack)

Brad Luen just wrote about Montparnasse Musique album “Archaeology “
MM are the French-Algerian Nadjib Ben Bella and South Africa’s Aero Manyelo, and are a DJ/production duo who met in Paris. They like Konono #1 style Congolese music and South African club stuff too.

Montparnasse Musique didn't wow me on first listen, but its clubby approach to melding various African genres may grow on me.

https://www.theafricareport.com/265333/why-kenyans-are-not-listening-to-their-own-music-and-the-eric-omondi-factor/

Some random article I saw on twitter

Aboogi by Imarhan is very nice, not a lot of fire but full of nuance and gripping in its own contemplative way. Well produced without being polished.

Yes to Imharhan too

AFRICAN PYSCHEDELIC ROCK ENSEMBLE ORCHESTRA GOLD TO RELEASE THEIR THIRD STUDIO ALBUM "MEDICINE" JANUARY 20, 2023

RIYL: ANTIBALAS, SONGHOY BLUES, BUDOS BAND, GOAT

Oakland, CA-based ensemble Orchestra Gold offers a kaleidoscope of sound deeply rooted in the Malian tradition while introducing a genre-bending nod to the future through their rare and artful fusion of African Psychedelic Rock. This original sound with a retro feel results from a decade-long collaboration between Mariam Diakite of Mali and Erich Huffaker of Oakland. The music of Orchestra Gold represents this powerful intersection, transcending borders and boundaries to be a force of healing within the community.

OG’s vibrant sound is spearheaded by the dynamic Mariam Diakite, whose raw, hypnotic vocals deliver heartfelt and thought-provoking lyrics in the highly symbolic Bambara language. While paying homage to Malian musical traditions, this fierce new sound thrives with heavy swinging rhythms, a funky fresh brass section, and cosmic guitar licks. With the January 2023 release of their third album, Medicine, this profoundly spiritual and dance-inducing ensemble continues their pursuit of spreading healing and community through the universal gift of music.

Just last month OG opened for Afrobeat living legend Ebo Taylor at The UC Theatre, and they've performed live at Treefort, Oakland Museum of California, Bandcamp, Commissioned for Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, and Joshua Tree Music Festival.

Orchestra Gold’s new studio album Medicine will be available on vinyl, CD and all digital/streaming platforms on January 20, 2023.

“The new single ‘Keleya’ by African psychedelic rock group Orchestra Gold hits you with a certain level of profundity, cosmic swirl, and Fela-like groove. Mariam Diakite delivers raw, mesmerizing vocals. Attacking saxophone charts, measured bass lines, and galvanic meter serve as the ideal foundation for expanding guitar lines that squall through. In a nutshell, it’s dope.” - John-Paul Shiver, 48 HILLS

"'Keleya (Jealousy)' combines brass horns along with cosmic guitar licks to a hypnotic effect. This is the kind of music you can truly get lost in." - Ken Sears, IF IT'S TOO LOUD

"Orchestra Gold’s latest single 'Koniya (No Benefit to Envy)' features shuffling rhythms, scorching feedback and distortion-driven riffs serving as a lysergic and sinuous bed for Diakite’s gorgeous vocal. The end result is a song that arches upward towards the cosmos while rooted in earthly matters." - William Ruben Helms, THE JOY OF VIOLENT MOVEMENT

“They are grounded in tradition and moving the conversation of African diasporic music forward. The album implores the listener to join in and get lost in the magic.” - CHICO MANN, ANTIBALAS / HERE LIES MAN

“Mali’s musical heritage is vast…and Mariam’s voice channels that history.” - BANNING EYRE, SENIOR EDITOR AFROPOP WORLDWIDE

“I am impressed at the delicate balance Mariam has struck between paying homage to the roots music of the ancestors and looking to the future - STEPHEN KENT, PRODUCER: MUSIC OF THE WORLD KPFA RADIO

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Website | Instagram | Facebook

FOR BOOKING REQUESTS:
Hannah Rouwhorst
Hannah.Rouwhorst at gmail.com

FOR RADIO AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Tony Bonyata
Pavement PR
p: 262.903.7775
e: tony at pavementpr.com
http://www.pavementpr.com

Saw table give it a shout-out way upthread, but I'm just now getting to that Sirom record and can confirm that it is indeed fantastic. Lengthy free and avant-folk jams from a trio of Slovenes.

I just listened to new single from Fally Ipupa , Congolese rumba artist. He had a new album out too. Single was just ok but am still cute hear the album

good luck with that lol, it’s 31 tracks, 3h30 playing time - has he gone amapiano, is what I’d like to know

good question! Latest single/video was pretty long in fact

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a1721707611_10.jpg

From 2018; a friend just now sent it. African Victime's shrewd studio presentation got more attention and was enjoyable, but I found it a hair too slick for full engagement. Here he just lets fly, w/o getting too self-indulgent, and band is usually groovy, esp. on finale.

Recorded in the spring of 2017 over 3 evenings. These raw, unedited, live recordings were fueled by laughter, and Azawad gunpowder tea.

https://elitebeat.bandcamp.com/album/mdou-moctar-meets-elite-beat-in-a-budget-dancehall

Azawad gunpowder tea

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/23/arts/music/tshala-muana-dead.html

RIP Congolese singer Tshala Muana at too young an age. I liked her album Mutuashi

Looks like this new release of his early work has some of that xxpost Budget Downhall appeal, and maybe more:

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/mdou-moctar-niger-ep-vol-1-and-vol-2/

I just listened to new single from Fally Ipupa , Congolese rumba artist. He had a new album out too. Single was just ok but am still cute hear the album

― curmudgeon, dinsdag 20 december 2022 17:21 bookmarkflaglink

good luck with that lol, it’s 31 tracks, 3h30 playing time - has he gone amapiano, is what I’d like to know

― the shaker intro bit the shaker outro in the tail, hard (breastcrawl), dinsdag 20 december 2022 17:58

listened to the entire album over the course of this last day of 2022. I’ve never listened to Ipupa (or Congolese music in general) much, so can’t compare it to (his) other/earlier stuff, but I enjoyed this (I mean, I stayed the course until the end!) - the quality level stays comfortably high throughout. don’t expect modern beats, amapiano or otherwise, the whole thing is relentlessly old-school.

Rolling Global Outernational Non-West Non-English (Some Exceptions) 2023 Thread (Often African bands)

2023 thread here

https://afropop.org/articles/new-africa-2022-video-playlist

https://afropop.org/articles/2022-afropop-best-of-amapiano-and-afrobeats-top-10

These afropop. org lists are kinda randomly chosen it appears , but y'all might still find them of interest