CD Review: Sia Tolno's 'African Woman'

Sia Tolno
African Woman
Lusafrica

Hailing from Conakry, Guinea and raised in Sierra Leone, Sia Tolno releases a hot new album full of Afro-jazz, highlife, pop, and funky, Yoruba-infused beats that will shake one's body with happy vibes and grooves. Some of the lyrics touch on serious social issues and incidents pervasive in African society, but Sia should be thanked for highlighting the plight. With vocals akin to Benin's Angelique Kidjo, African Woman contains beautiful vocals that are classic, jazzy, and heartfelt. The contemporary release is a pan-African journey into the soul of an artist with incredible vocal talent and musicianship. The twelve track release contains many great tracks that are all highly recommended. Anyone interested in female Afro-beat music with a soul and a good heart should check out Sia Tolno's latest release, African Woman. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sia Tolno's 'Mouka Mouka'

Sia Tolno
Mouka Mouka
Lusafrica

Based in Conakry, Guinea, Sia Tolno brings a powerful voice with African-backed jazz, rock, and pop infusions on Mouka Mouka. The rather short EP contains five tracks that are featured on her latest release, African Woman. Whether this is an extended single release or EP, the result is the same: great music that is worth repeated listens. The jazzy, Afro-pop concoction, "African Police," showcases Sia's Angelique Kidjo-esque vocalizations and arrangements. The uncanny similarity to Benin's Angelique Kidjo is one of amazement and pride. The music is upbeat and littered with local issues surrounding male power, mutilation, women's rights, education, peace, and dance. The entire album is produced by Tony Allen, so you know it's gonna be good. The music is giddy, funky, and melodiously memorable. Fans of African contemporary music will love it's lush melodies, rhythms, and groovy vocalizations. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: El Rego's Self-Titled Release

El Rego
El Rego
Daptone Records

El Rego, known as Theophile Do Rego, was an African music legend in his native land of Benin. DJ Frank Gossner put together this incredible collection of music from 45's released in the 1960's and 70's. Twelve tracks, a twenty-page booklet, and a bonus, limited edition 45 of "Se Na Min" and "E Ma Non Tin Me." The music is largely funk, soul, afro-beat, and jazz-driven in the vein of Fela Kuti, James Brown, and John Lee Hooker. "Djobime" is a rousing tune and a sure-fire dance track. "Dis-Moi Oui" is an almost-Ethiopian influenced track with good percussion and fiery vocals. El Rego's instrumental repertoire is limited to drums, guitars, horns, keyboards, and bass, but that does not mean the music is lacking anything. In fact, each track moves with a high degree of aural fluidity unsurpassed by other musicians. If you love the afro-beat and funk styles of West Africa's coast from the 1960's and 70's, then El Rego is a must-have. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Soundway Records Sampler

Various Artists

Afro Tropical Soundz Vol. 1

Soundway

The funk-ladened sounds of the African continent and Afro-Caribbean regions are highlighted on this sampler. In fact, only tracks culled from a few of Soundways recording catalog are included. In short, this sampler is an excellent introduction into the pulsating sounds of the African diaspora from classic recordings. All the vocal songs were originally recorded in the 1960's through early 1980's. You will hear music from Colombia, Ghana, Panama, Nigeria, Benin and beyond. Eleven songs comprise the entire album, though it will leave you yearning for more. Despite it's length and repetition of two different tracks from the same full-length release, Afro Tropical Soundz Vol. 1 is a perfect addition to any collection of Afro-Caribbean and African funkadelica. ~ Matthew Forss