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: Sia Tolno's 'My Life'

Sia Tolno
My Life
Lusafrica

Sia's Guinean and Sierre Leone roots are eloquently conveyed on her latest release, My Life. Sia combines scintillating rhythms and melodies reflecting the musical cultures of West Africa, Latin America, and European folk/rock. There are elements of dance, funk, and jazz throughout. Sia's voice is very reminiscent of Benin's Angelique Kidjo. In the same manner, fans of Angelique's work should like Sia's commanding voice and creative energy. Twelve tracks reflect a good mix of musical rhythms and instruments, including the iconic balafon pervasive throughout West Africa. My Life is an excellent album showcasing Sia's musical and ethnic heritage without resorting to mindless riffs, dull beats, or unimaginative sound structures. In short, Sia is a musical genius that deserves recognition the world over. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Guinea's Sia Tolno

Sia Tolno

Eh Sanga

Lusafrica

Guinea's Sia Tolno is a shining star coming out of West Africa. Her vocals are strong, sultry, and distinctly African. Drawing from comparisons to Benin's Angelique Kidjo and the late-Miriam Makeba, Sia incorporates pop rhythms with indigenous instrumentation and jazzy beats and backup singers. The album was recorded in Cuba, Paris, and Conakry. The transglobal recording environments certainly influenced the music, as Latin rhythms, Lusophone cafe sounds, and African pop beats permeate the album. Sia sings in English, French, and a mix of Kissi or Pular languages. The opening track, "African Dreams", sets the stage for the rest of the tracks. Essentially, it is an ode to Mother Africa. Fans of West African music should check out Sia today! ~ Matthew Forss