Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
TAMWO ISIDORE: 'Emancipee Marima' (TAM 10) 'Emancipee Marima' 'Assya isi' 'Po Que Lo'/'Je M'en Fous Cherie' 'Moussi' 'Soul Mueudjouon'
Cameroon boasts of makassi and makossa music and has found Manu Dibango, Sam Fan Thomas, Moni Bile and a few others to hoist the national musical flag. Behind the great artists are producers, one of whom is Tamwo Isidore, who produced Sam Fan Thomas. He is also probably connected with the Tamwo label and like Quincy Jones occasionally comes out as a solo artist.The line-up includes Sam Fan Thomas and Jules Kamga (guitar), Denis Hekimian (percussion) and Simmonds (drums), Jean Claude Naimro of Kassav fame (keyboards) and Jimmy Mvondo (horns). If we go by the list of session musicians we would normally conclude that 'Emancipee Marima' is a superb record. But this LP can only pass the average test with its 'Soul Mueudjouon' which sounds like an experimental piece.
The plus for the entire album is the production and recording at the famous Johanna studio in Paris, and the album design is fortunately bright enough showing Tamwo Isidore in tropical surroundings enjoying himself.
Having said the above, one cannot overlook the beautiful jazzy intro to 'Assya Isi' and the guitars that tickle the ears in 'Po Que Lo'. Those who like rootsy stuff might go for 'Moussi' for its authenticity but by all standards 'Emancipee Marima' projects itself as the best track on the album with its guitar solos by Sam Fan Thomas, here described as the king of makassi. Michel Alibo gives the same feel of the bass as he did in Sam Fan Thomas's all-time hit Makassi. 'Je M'en Fous Cherie' too could have been a good track but for its poor vocals a prob-em for which Cameroonian musicians have yet to find a solution.
BOPOL MANSIAMINA: 'Makwandungu' (CEL 6749) 'Ca C'est Quoi?' 'Mu Karame'/ 'Makwandungu' 'Patience' 'Maizo'
Having gained a strong foothold in the mainstream Zairean music, Bopol Mansiamina (rhythm and bass guitar) needs no further introduction. Playing with 4 Etoiles (4 stars), Bopol has established himself as one of the best Zairean instrumentalists in Paris at the moment. Yesterday it was Manuela and Samedi Soir, today it's Makwandungu.The album kicks off with a 4 Stars style in 'Ca C'est Quoi?' - a tune that will make enough fun on the dance floor. The new thing about Zairean music is there - keyboards - and here manned by Manu Lima. The guitar complement is completely capable Bopol, Lakassa Ya M'Bopngo and Dally Kimoko whose Adieu Cecile is another good thing to watch out for.
From the point of view of vocals, 'Mu Karame' and 'Maizo' would stand out especially if you are new to Zairean music.
All the tracks except 'Maizo' draw you to the dance floor especially 'Makwandungu' which relies heavily on good harmonies, swift guitar works, harmonic structures on the keyboards and tight percussion. Let your feet loosen a bit for some gymnastics.
Though 'Patience' is a slower rhythm than 'Makwandungu' it possesses a beautiful hypnotic feel which helps you sway your head at least if you are too busy to get up and dance. The arrangements of this track sound highly professional and tidy. Of course, 'Ma Karame' is another nice track which contributes to make this album a must for Zairean music lovers and new converts.
AFRO HOT CHART
1. DANCE 4 Stars (TANGENT) Zaire2. LES OFFICIERS ATTAQUENT Les Officers (MCL) Zaire
3. NGOBILA Koffi Olomide (AFRO RYTHMES) Congo
4. IL Y A UN SOLEIL Nya Soleil (MROL) Cameroon
5. MR. SIMON Souzy Kasseya (EARTHWORKS) Zaire
6. OYO MOBALI SANS MANIERE Fidel Zizi (FIDEYLIS) Congo (SALPS)
7. OTITO (THE TRUTH) Sunny Ade Nigeria
8. PLAYS BROADWAY & UHURU Redcap James (AFROBOOM) Ghana
9. OYE ODO Segun Adewale (STERNS) Nigeria
10. OJO JE Pat Thomas/Ebo Taylor (DAN) Ghana
11. LE SENTIMENTAL Daouda (STERNS) Ivory Coast
12. SANKOMOTA Sankomota (EARTHWORKS) South Africa
13. MR. MUSIC Thomas Mapfumo (EARTHWORKS) Zimbabwe
14. MARIAMME EMANCIPEE Tamwo Isidore (TAMWO) Cameroon
15. LITTLE ANGEL Tony Sarfo (PMA) Ghana
Chart courtesy of AFROBOOM RECORDS, 135 Clarence Road, London E5 8EE (Mail Order & Distribution only).
