Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
By Kwabena Asamoah
M'BILIA BEL: Boya Ye (STERNS 1012) 'Boya Ye' Maeta Vi' / 'Shawuri Yako' 'Tonton Skoll'
Described as 'goddess of African music' in certain quarters, young M'Bilia Bel (now married to Tabu Ley Rochereau) has managed to convince many listeners with her superb vocal style and beauty. Within a short time her name has filled many music magazines throughout Africa, Europe, America and many parts of the world. Her debut solo album after being discovered by Tabu Ley - Eswi Yo Wapi - went gold and is still one of the most sought-after African records. Faux Pas, Ba Gerant Ya Mabala and Keyna also put M'Bilia Bel on a firmer footing.Although already released in Paris under Tabu Ley Rochereau's Genidia label, Boya Ye is M'Bilia Bel's debut British release, picked up by Sterns probably to reach more British listeners.
The opening 'Boya Ye' is a smooth tempo for which the main ingredients are Bel's sweet voice and the superb orchestration by Afrisa International Orchestra. This rumba package assembles various components of Zairean musical styles to achieve a harmonious balance although the sharp Zairean guitars are a bit subdued here in favour of synthesizers. Though not a particularly different musical structure 'Maeta Vi' lays bare the pillar of African music - strong bass lines, tight brass and almost immaculate production.
The B-side introduces 'Shawuri Yako, an East African hit tune by Super Mazembe already released in the UK by Earthworks/Rough Trade. Comparisons are sometimes dangerous but I had to go into my archives to listen to the original version by Mazembe. My verdict is that M'Bilia Bel has made a good attempt especially by singing it in English backed by a dose of electronics. Although the Super Mazembe one remains unbeatable it is likely that M'Bilia Bel will reach a new audience with her version. 'Shawuri Yako' will also stand as the best track here as Tonton Skoll' sounds a bit jumpy. Boya Ye cannot compare with Eswi Yo Wapi, Keyna and the others but might serve as a good introduction to British ears.
OUSMANE KOUYATE: Kefimba (8010) 'Kefimba' 'Kameleya' / 'Tougna' Je M'en Fous'
An agriculturist by training and a native of Guinea, Ousmana Kouyate later found what he wanted in Les Ambassadeurs International of Mali who have made a significant impact on Mandingue music throughout West Africa. Playing alongside Kante Manfla as co-guitarists and albino singer Salif Keita, Ousmane Kouyate has also managed to acquire a musical identity which is his even though he cannot escape Les Ambassadeurs influences. He hit the headlines from Abidjan last year with Beni Haminanklo which unfortunately reached London a bit too late last year.Kefimba is Ousmane Kouyate's second attempt even though he continues to play with Salif Keita and others in Paris. Like most young African musicians of today, Kouyate employs a measure of electronics to introduce 'Kefimba' which also relies heavily on brassy touches, percussion and busy brass lines alongside chanting. Closing off the A-side with 'Kameleya' Kouyate went back to his roots to fetch what sounds like agbadza or bikutshi to satisfy purists. The sharp horns and As diverse as a rainbow's. Kouyate's own guitar solos contribute immensely to give a dimension to this beautiful tune which tails off with a nice chorus.
The B-side opens with Ousmane Kouyate doing one of his jazzy guitar works in Tougna' which also carries some Mandingue music feel especially the stretch of sound that imitates the balafon. The beautiful arrangements of the horns and the chorus allow Ousmane Kouyate to come out neatly in his vocal style and instrumental potential. By Je M'en Fous preference however, sounds more relaxed and more like Les Ambassadeurs in every aspect. The vocal call and answer, beautiful orchestration and chord changes make one feel like relaxing into an African breeze and meditation. My head nods and my mind concentrates on the music.
AFRO HOT CHART
1. 1x2=MABE Youlou Mabiala (APIA) Congo2. OYO MOBALI SANS MANIERE Fidel Zizi (FIDEYLIS) Congo
3. ASANTEMAN Pat Thomas (JAP) Ghana
4. LONDON CONNECTION Jewel Ackah (DASSI) Ghana
5. ZULU JIVE VOL. 2 Various Artists (EARTHWORKS) Azania
6. SERVICE LIBRE Eyango Ndedi (DICK'S) Cameroon
7. BOYA YE M'Bilia Bel (STERNS) Zaire
8. MARIO Franco (CHOC) Zaire
9. XALAT Ismael Lo (CELLULOID) Senegambia
10. PLAYS BROADWAY & UHURU Recap James (AFROBOOM) Ghana
11. AYAYI Adomako Nyamekye (YEB) Ghana
12. SO SO KYEN KYEN Dutch Benglos (YEB) Ghana
13. KEFIMBA Ousmane Kouyate (DK) Guinea
14. MY VISION Ebenezer Obey (OBEY) Nigeria
15. NA MALA Penda Dalle (DICK'S) Cameroon
Chart courtesy of AFROBOOM RECORDS,
135 Clarence Road, London E5 8EE. (Mail order and distribution only.)
