Music and Arts Scene
African Records Review
By Kwabena Asamoah
YOUSSOU NDOUR & LE SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR: Immigres/ Bitim Rew' (CELLULOID CEL 6709) 'Immigres/Bitim Rew' 'Pitche Mi'/ "Taaw' 'Badou'
So much has been said and written about the talents that make up the group but what needs to be even more emphasized is their versatility, originality and style. 'Immigres/Bitim Rew' is yet another strong evidence of these qualities in this group of young African musicians.What is remarkable is that in a group where there are about ten African drums, they manage to play in such a manner as to avoid jamming the ears. In 'Taaw', the longest track on the album (12.10mins), all the instruments, especially the drums make a solid contribution towards the totality of a sound that is both measured and attractive. The strong bass line permeates the background of the sound together with a thin line of keyboards to create an interest that is so sustainable.
Although 'Badou' follows the same pattern as 'Taaw' the power of their music, colour and emphasis are reinforced. Youssou Ndour's voice, naturally flowing, puts an extraordin ary stamp on the music that has already established itself in 'Immigres/ Bitim Rew'.
The intrigue of the music on the album is the touch which the smallest but most meaningful African talking drum adds to the repertoire. It talks, it interpretes and moves the listener.
The guitar works in 'Immigres/ Bitim Rew' and infact all the other tracks remain overwhelming and tidy. Listening closely to 'Pitche Mi', both the style of the music and musicians is reinforced in a rather potent manner. Certainly a mellow ballad, the arrangement enables all the musicians to come in turns as individuals without necessarily losing the essential teamwork.
'Pitche Mi' as a near-smootcher would leave you puzzled at the finesse of the arrangement by Youssou Ndour who, it is said, has never had formal Western education. The guitar works and the horns run beautifully parallel to each other to provide an original set of entertainment for the ear. Youssou Ndour's voice, the instruments, the arrangements and the musical approach make the album a precious thing to behold.
TOURE KUNDA: 'Live Paris Ziguinchor (Sambala)' (CELLULOID CEL 6710/11) 'Sol Mal' Baounane' 'Martyrs'/'Sidi Yella' 'Africa Lelly' 'Kambe'/'Sambala' 'Courrier' 'Casa Di Mansa'/'Salya' 'Utamada' 'Emma'
Attempting to slot Toure Kunda into a musical tight corner is an infinitely difficult task since they move from reggae as in 'Kambe' and 'Africa Lelly' through Afro-rock to traditional Sometimes sounding like Third World, Santana, Osibisa and at other times remaining resolutely original, Toure Kunda have methodically built up a name for themselves as one of the best African groups in Paris (and who knows Europe). This versatility puts them in a musical no-man's-land - a strong point highlighted in this live double album.The music is professionally made on this live thing which appears not to have much liveness about it. If it is indeed live, which I believe it is, then it is one of the few which would have succeeded.
With salutation from 'Sol Mal' what obviously begins like reggae in 'Baounane' 'Africa Lelly' and 'Kambe' give way to basic African musical structure in 'Martyrs' which provides the full dimension of Toure Kunda. They change keys sometimes and the vocal harmony of the three brothers from the basic structure of a track so well done.
'Sambala', the best track on the double album, has a smooth danceable groove whose point of departure is purely African. The role of the keyboard is methodically mapped out to create an extraordinary impact without fail. You get the feel of the success of their African tour in
'Sunsum' - Ghana's top Highlife band comes to town
Highlife aficionados, those who appreciate the earthy and authentic West African soul-lifting music which is slowly being woven into the British entertainment fabric will savour the vibes of one of Ghana's best known groups "Sunsum (Mystic) Band this summer.Beginning from 5-28 June, an 8 gig session laid on by the Gold Coast Promotions will set feet tapping and certainly tongues wagging in the London city.
The Sunsum Band's summer British tour should be exceptionally exciting considering the fact that it is their first visit to Britain where the African community is familiar with their recordings.
Although as a group, the Sunsum Band are only three years old, the leaders Smart Nkansah and Agyaaku are well known celebrities in the music scene in Ghana. The two leaders first met in an outfit called Yamoah's Band in the late sixties.
The two left Yamoah's band in the early '70s to join the Sweet Talks where Smart as the leader led them to win the Entertainment Critics Association of Ghana award for two consecutive years. In 1980 Smart Nkansah & Agyaaku as co-leaders of the Black Hustlers toured West Germany for three and a half months. It was after this successful tour that the Sunsum Band was formed, to follow on that success. The Sunsum Band won the Entertainment Critics Association of Ghana award for 1983/84.
The London dates and venues are as follows: 5 July, The venue Victoria; 6 July, Mecca Empire Rooms, Tottenham Court Road; 7 July, Dougies Nite Club, Hackney; 20 July, Charity performance in aid of "Help a London Child" and Siell
