Music And Arts Scene - African Records Review
By Kwabena Asamoah
Mohammed Malcolm Ben And His African Feeling Organization: 'African Feeling' (STERNS 1001). Preservation of Humanity' 'Zimbabwe' "Turn Me Loose' 'Reconciliation'.
Smooth and soft guitar sets the ball rolling in 'Preservation Of Humanity'. The message is amplified by the short foundation laid by the horns. Ben concerns himself with pleas for peace, more food, shelter and employment rather than build-up of nuclear arms, war planes and military sophistication without necessarily sacrificing the simplicity of his hi-life.To avoid dancing to 'Zimbabwe' when you are invited intermittently by the beauty of guitar and horns is an absolute difficulty. Ben again appeals to Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular (not forgetting Mozam- bique) to be alert against exploitation and mental slavery - indirectly asking them not to commit the mistakes of most African countries. The rhythm approaches soukous; and can you resist moving your feet?
The beautiful horns turn you loose in 'Turn Me Loose' in a rhythmic fashion. My favourite, the guitar at the background gives it an extra quality associated with the whole album (the first record ever on Stern's label). Ben plays the part of a 'slave' who is struggling to free himself. Even though he sings throughout the album (obviously to reach a wider audience) Ben breaks into his local 'Ga' and 'Twi' languages when he is possessed by the power of oppression and perhaps the rhythm.
The power of guitar permeates 'Reconciliation' while reconciliation in Africa with particular reference to Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe is preached. Ben's prediction and hope for Nigeria would have come true. The voice grows wild half-way only to add beauty of flavour to the music. The anxiety for reconciliation in Africa is present. Talking drums are introduced to close off the beat for 'African feelings'.
Les Amazones De Guinee: 'Au Coeur De Paris' (EDITIONS ENIMAS SLP 76). 'Samba' 'Tayesala' 'Soung ouroun Baya' 'Salimou' 'P.D.G.' I Tele' 'Sona'.
The superb voice of Sona Diabaté fills the beginning of 'Samba', funk in its beat but Guinean in all other aspects. The guitar and tenor sax support only confirm the title of the 'tigers' of African music on les Amazones. The guitar solo is for you to judge but don't rush your decision yet until you have listened to the other tracks.The guitar work in 'Tayesala' reminds me of Bembeya Jazz National (also of Guinea) in their heydays. Salematou Diallo shows her class on the bass guitar. The vocal harmony can only express love, which is the theme of this track. I can imagine the 14-piece all women group dancing to this tune; what would you do then?
When the rhythm guitar starts the beautiful voice of Mah Sylla (their latest singer) makes 'Soungouroun Baya' a track of dignity and class. When the tenor sax takes its turn it is delight itself. The mention of 'Amazones' perhaps serves to revitalise the group and the audience into more frenzy.
The B side begins with 'Salimou' which is more likely to please other West Africans and Carribeans alike for the successful cross between reggae and hi life. You will enjoy dancing to it especially if you pay attention to the drums, guitars and the reeds.
It is hardly surprising that les Amazones should praise the Parti Democratique de la Guinea (P.D.G.) on this album. The 'P.D.G.' has positively revolutionized the role of women. No longer a slave of her husband, she can now play music. The magnificent guitar of the 'queen' of les Amazones - Nyépou Habas explains why 'the first husband of a woman is her work' - the theme of this track.
Just as les Amazones preach in 'I Tele Ke' a man makes history by taking advantage of his time. The guitar and the singing blend with so much melody especially when they are joined by Zenab Bah's lyrical tenor sax.
The sentimental 'Sona' is my favourite. Love can lead to death, so they say. Nyépous Habas is at her best on the guitar and Kanko Camara sings with all her heart - a sentimental song indeed. This (live) album - the first ever by les Amazones who have been playing for almost 23 years is a remarkable masterpiece, absolutely essential for your African collection.
As their name suggests les Amazones constitute a female team of musical warriors indeed especially if you have to consider that they lost their drummer- Kade Diallo two months before they flew to entertain Paris. Perhaps as women constables they are imbued with discipline, a keen sense of philosophical approach to life, perseverance and above all commitment to music.
