CD Review: Bibi Tanga and The Selenites' '40 Degrees Of Sunshine'

Bibi Tanga and The Selenites
40 Degrees Of Sunshine
Nat Geo

The groovy, funkadelic, and Afro-rumba music of the Central African Republic-born Bibi Tanga, traverses a wide array of funk-rock, jazz, and African music with a classy, 70's feel. Bibi Tanga is the lead vocalist and bassist, while others contribute on keyboards, strings, guitars, drums, and turntables. The twelve songs are energetic, bass-heavy, and transcendental with regards to Afro-soul, jazz, and jam rock. The African connections are quite prevalent, as well as European jazz. The vocals are pleasant, earthy, and celebratory. Sometimes the guitar is rock-centered, while at other times, the guitar takes on a more acoustic or funk vein. Some songs are in English and "Kangoya" is sung in Bibi Tanga's native language of Sango. Fans of Afro-funk will love the funkadelic incarnations throughout. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists 'Oka! Soundtrack'

Various Artists
Oka! Soundtrack
Oka Productions

The music of the Bayaka Pygmies in the Central African Republic is showcased on this wonderful compilation from the Oka! film to be released later in 2012. The film is about a true story of an American ethnomusicologist, Louis Sarno, that ignores a life-threatening disease for three decades and decides to live among the Bayaka Pygmies. This album contains twenty-six compositions (some from previously-released albums) with a variety of natural instruments, choral singers, lively percussion, and environmental noises and sounds from the forest region. The result is a magnificent look into the music of Bayaka Pygmies and their music. Some of the music is quite lively and contains soukous-type rhythms. Anyone with an interest in Central African music, as well as Bayaka researchers, will love the new recording. The Bayaka Pygmies have been over-looked for far too long. Buy it today! ~ Matthew Forss