Music And Arts Scene
Sweet Poison African Records Review
by Kwabena Asamoah
Petit Poisson: 'Bayini Ngai' (TSE 005) 'Bayini Ngai' 'Na Sengui Comprehension'/'Na Si Na Poni Yo' 'Tose- pelisa Nzoto'.
Young-looking Petit Poisson employs the experienced voices of Mangungu Cley, Andre Pamomiel and Passy Joe in this beautiful album. But the trio risks being soon outstripped by Petit as the opening 'Bayini Ngai' will prove. When he shouts 'Petit Poisson!' (small fish) nothing less than flashy instruments and impeccably melody awaits you. In the background you will fall in love with simple but significant conga mixing extremely well with the horns section. If the guitar had mouth it would ask for pardon because the solos are merciless.'Na Sengui Comprehension' is a track in which the horns section shapes itself pretty well. The melody is memorable and the intermittent calls of 'Petit Poisson!' obviously to call your attention to himself - spoil nothing; it rather fills you with more encouragement.
The temptation continues on the B-side which the horns section opens beautifully with 'Na Si Na Poni Yo'. Priso Fefe's alto sax solo jams with the fluency equal to the display of Petit's guitar to give the track the irresistible flavour.
'Tosepelisa Nzoto' transfers into an up-tempo beat half-way. The high point in this track is obviously the vocal delivery; of course, how about the guitar? The demon of Congolese guitar cannot be absent in such a track.
If Petit was in an apprenticeship he has passed with distinction with this album. If you have no feet to dance, don't bother to check this album out. Bravo Petit.
Kati Eliclean Namonono: 'Amabali' (EARTHWORKS ELP 2003) Amalabi' 'Iqabana' 'Inyanga' 'Amazwe' 'Induna'/'Amagwala' 'Umuzi Omichulu' 'Ujesu' 'Isoka' 'Itshitshi'.
Kwazulu, where Kati Eliclean The mid-tempo of 'Umuzi Omich Namanono comes from, is a South African land occupied by only old men, women and children. The young boys in the absence of their fathers (who go to sweat it out in the gold mines of far away Johannesburg) shoulder extraordinary responsibilities including cattle rearing. To escape from the two grooves some young boys look for other opportunities (one of which is music) which may lead to stardom in the city. Kati, one example among others, is the young force in traditional Zulu dance music.'Amalabi', a good follow-up to last year's 'Zulu Jive' reflects the lonely mode of life of the migrant young worker - life characterised by atrocities, alcoholism, prostitution and all other social vices. Acoustic guitar coming out like mandolin fills the background to give complete satisfaction to your ears. The guitars and keyboards blend with Kati's voice with near perfection.
Set in Zulu jive 'Iqabana' (brotherhood) is about proposing love to a woman inspired by one of the natural obsessions which return to the memory of the migrant slave in far away Johannesburg. Kati continues this theme in 'Inyanga' (witchdoctor); he needs a lucky charm in order to win a woman's love. The organ and acoustic guitar, as you will find throughout this album, is particularly soothing in this track.
In 'Amazwe' (countries) the sax solo is set in the midst of perfect background music whilst Kati's sorrow inspiring voice lilts a beautiful tune in 'Induna' (headman). When the answering vocal line takes its turn the delight is almost automatic. The bass line offering synchronising support to the acoustic guitar provides a good 'cushion' for Kati's voice.
The mid-tempo of Umuzi Omichulu' and 'Ujesu' confirms the versatili ty of Kati even within Zulu jive.
Like in all the tracks in the album, the opening soft guitar in 'Isoka' (the handsome one) makes you immediately sad but the ensuing music is enough to lift your soul up again.
Kati's concluding track 'Itshitshi' (the young woman) is a great summary of his contribution to South African music. The strength of feeling portrayed by Kati's voice throughout the album is overpowering. The instrumental introductions may sound the same in this album but the music does not let you down.
SUGUMUGU AT CAMDEN
The Sugumugu 80's "Ten Years anniversary Concert" at the Camden Centre, Bidborough Street comes on this week and with the number and variety of artists appearing on the show, it should be an event worth seeing. The last time Talking Drums made preliminary enquiries, the show was seriously under preparation.Lord Eric Agor Mmba, a Ghanaian group will provide the hi-life music and Zila na Uthingo, formerly part of the cast of defunct Ipi Tombe will spice the show with exciting music. The pro- gramme indicates that there will also be jazz, Kevela music, Zulu dancing and other traditional African drumming and dancing.
Thursday 22nd March is the date to watch.
