CD Review: Naomi Wachira's Kenyan Roots On Her New Self-Titled Release

Naomi Wachira
Naomi Wachira
Hearth Music

Kenyan-raised and Seattle-based, Naomi Wachira brings us a soulful, bluesy, Afro-pop release with folksy guitar accompaniment and limited percussion. The release is a strong vocal production with gospel roots and vocal harmonies. The lilting guitars are great accompaniment with the vocals. The percussion is limited, which is not a big negative overall. The mature, soulful vocals awaken the spirit and entrance the listener with a talented sound emanating from all of the tracks. A few songs are mostly vocal without any additional accompaniment. There is a classy feel to some of the songs, which seem to evoke singer-standard compositions of the 1930's to the 1950's. At any rate, Naomi knows how to inspire listeners with her voice. Fans of female vocal music from Kenya, by way of the USA, will love it. All of the songs are in English. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga's 'Maisha Ni Matamu'

Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga
Maisha Ni Matamu
Virunga Records

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Samba Mapangala has since worked in Uganda, Kenya, and the USA. Samba's Orchestra know how to entertain smooth, hip-swaying guitar lines that echo the golden era of soukous music. The Latin-influenced and Caribbean-tinged compositions reflect Central Africa's historical link to the Caribbean and Latin American regions. The jazzy, "Zanzibar," features guest vocals from Tanzanian vocalist, Bi Kidude. Not only is the album sweet, the title even connotes that "life is sweet." The swaying rhythms of the vocal track, "Jirani," provides a luscious array of rumba/reggae melodies. The upbeat and jazzy "Nipigie Simu" is a writhing hit that inspires one to dance the night away and never look back. Despite the forty-minute length, the music is varied, danceable, and rhythmic. Not to mention, the music carries on the rumba, soukous, and Afro-Latin musical connections that have put central Africa on the map. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Anyango's 'Tei Molo' Out Late September 2011

Anyango
Tei Molo
Jowi Music

(Cover Art Not Yet Available)

Japan's only nyatiti performer brings us her latest work with Kenyan melodies, Latin influences, and Varttina-like singing on Tei Molo. The nyatiti is an eight-stringed lyre indigenous to Eastern Africa. Anyango plays it with a sweet and sincere intensity that infuses a touch of magic on each track. As a vocalist, Anyango sings in the native Dholuo language of Kenya. The fifteen tracks represent a range of New Age, folk, and traditional elements that are not particularly 'Japanese'. If you are seeking a Japanese music recording, you will have to search elsewhere. Though, Anyango's musical talents extend far beyond borders and cultural origins. In short, her music is universal with a general appeal to African music fans. Additionally, the music possesses a slight funkiness that will happify even the most discriminating listener. Tei Molo is filled with luscious harmonies, stunning instrumental work, and a gentle charisma that should satisfy with earshot of the music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Anyango's 'Nyatiti Diva'

Anyango

Nyatiti Diva

Jowi Music

Anyango's first release features numerous songs in the Kenyan language of Dholuo. Interestingly, Anyango is Japanese and one of a small handful of female musicians in the world playing the Kenyan eight-stringed lyre called a nyatiti. Traditionally, the instrument has been reserved entirely for males. Thankfully, Anyango picked up the instrument, because her voice shines with the tinny, harp-like sounds of the nyatiti and the heavenly melodies it creates. The African musical experience of vocal choirs, acoustic accompaniment, and instrumental charm is certainly evident throughout the album, though it is not a drum-beating album. Anyango proves she is the best at the nyatiti by her extensive study of the instrument and devotion to great music. Anyone with an interest in African music will find Nyatiti Diva most compelling. However, the music is largely traditional. If you are seeking a slick, electric production of rock or dance music then you will be sorely disappointed. It's too bad this release was not at least nominated for a Grammy Award. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Anyango's 'Horizon'

Anyango

Horizon

Jowi Music

The seemingly unlikely connection between the music of Kenya and Japan is explored by one of only two female nyatiti performers in world music: Suzanna Owiyo (Kenya) and Anyango (Japan). Though, Suzanna is not featured on this album. The nyatiti is a five or eight-stringed, plucked lyre used in traditional music. The ancient instrument of Biblical proportions is a stand-out on Anyango's second release, Horizon. The album contains mostly traditional Luo songs in the Dholuo language indigenous to Kenya. The opener, "Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika," is a vocal song without any instrumentation. Instead, the song is more like a gospel or partiotic anthem with a joyous choral team. The nyatiti rears its head on the remaining songs with Kenyan melodies and folksy instrumentation. The nyatiti strings keep a good beat that is very danceable and always refreshing. Anyango's intensive study of the nyatiti makes Horizon shine beyond borders. For the best (and probably only) Kenyan-Japanese musical experience, try Anyango today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kenya's Suzanna Owiyo

Suzanna Owiyo

My Roots

Kirkelig Kulturverksted

Kenya's Suzanna Owiyo is a percussionist, guitarist, singer, and most importantly, a nyatiti player. A nyatiti is an eight-stringed, plucked lyre from Kenya. The nyatiti was a mainstay in the Benga music movement in Kenya beginning in the 1960's. It is related to the krar, which is a five-stringed, plucked lyre from Ethiopia. My Roots' opening track showcases the nyatiti's mesmerizing sound similar to a combination of an electrified harp with the buzzing sounds of the mbira. Her Luo and English lyrics tackle alcoholism, violence, abandonment, and faith. Her voice is as strong as Angelique Kidjo (Benin) and as sensitive as Rokia Traore (Senegal). Drawing upon comparisons throughout Africa, My Roots is more than a contemporary Afro-pop album with a crystal clear sound; it is a groundbreaking release that features an instrument never-before-played by women. A few guest musicians appear, such as Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi, Ogoya Nengo, and Makadem. Fans of East African popular music will find My Roots a very satisfying experience. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ekow Alabi - 'Going For Gold'

Ekow Alabi

Going For Gold

Piranha

Ghana's Ekow Alabi is joined by a plethora of backing musicians on vocals, horns, guitars, flute, kalimba, keyboards, organ, and others. Going For Gold is essentially an Afro-pop release with contributing musicians from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Kenya. All of the songs feature vocals. A few tracks, notably 'Oye Kor', 'Accra Jumping', and 'Asante Sana', include great rap lyrics. However, Going For Gold is not particularly a rap or hip hop album. In addition to Afro-pop and Afro-beat, Going For Gold touches on a few reggae-infused tracks, including 'Wonsa Beka' and 'Rasta Efutu'. Most of the songs are sung in Akan, Ga, Swahili, and English. The complex instrumentation and expert lyrical delivery presents listeners with a very good musical package. Ekow Alabi's latest release is good as 'gold' to all who listen. ~ Matthew Forss