CD Review: Sorie Kondi's 'Thogolobea'

Sorie Kondi
Thogolobea (Famous)
Dutty Artz

Born blind, Sorie Kondi does not let that deter him from making music. Born, raised, and based in Sierra Leone, Sorie manages to create scintillating tunes on the cheery and tinny mbira or thumb piano. There is a back beat that is highly contemporary and reminiscent of the Congolese funk sounds of the 1970s and 80s. There are backup vocals and bass-driven and drum-infused tunes that are vibrant and moving. Sorie's great vocals, which are indicative of Oliver Mtukudzi's, fill in the music with such an organic presence that it is borderline iconic and infectious. There are nine tunes in all. Each tune has a funky, rumba-like presence that keeps the feet moving and human bodies in dancing unity. Thanks to American, Luke Wasserman, Sorie's music is now a reality for an international crowd. Released on Dutty Artz, Sorie presents an addictive mix of modern sounds and traditional instrumentation that does not disappoint. Thogolobea, which means 'famous,' is aptly-titled and not far from the truth. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Black Bazar's 'Black Bazar'

Black Bazar
Black Bazar
Mabanckou

Modogo & Sam are Modogo Abarambwa and Sam Tshintu, respectively. As purveyors in the Congolese music scene, they attempt to bridge the gap between Cuban and Latin rhythms with the soukous sounds of Congo with their band, Black Bazar. The result is a musical project that sheds the drum machines and techno trance of contemporary society with a raw and spirited selection of songs with bass, piano, percussion, and guitars leading the way. Black Bazar shines with the rumba sounds of Havana and the sparkling, rhythm guitars of Kinshasha. Despite the album artwork looking like something from the TV show Mad Men, Black Bazar livens up any situation with vibrant colors of love and dance. The ten tracks represent nearly an hour of listening pleasure. Anyone with an interest in Cuban rhythms and central African music will cherish the vocal harmonies and bright instrumentation. This is a timeless recording. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Baloji's 'Kinshasha Succursale'

Baloji
Kinshasha Succursale
Crammed

Baloji is a hip hop and rap talent hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium. However, Baloji's rap influences are not as strong as the soukous, afro-pop, and funky dance rhythms that permeate the album from top to bottom. Additionally, Baloji employs collaborations with guest musicians, including Konono No. 1, Monik Tenday, Larousse Marciano, Moise Ilunga, Bebson De La Rue, Zaiko Langa-Langa, and others. The contemporary album contains a hint of rock, Latin, European, and electronica with equal amounts of hip hop, rap, and funky wordplay with drumkit, guitars, and percussion from Africa. Baloji sings in Swahili. The opening cha-cha track, "Le Jour D'Apres," represents a solid, influential genre of music throughout Central Africa. The diverse melodies, rhythms, and genres represented make Kinshasha Succursale a definitive recording for the Congolese music collector and afro-pop aficionado alike. ~ Matthew Forss