Album: Do Misiani and Shirati Jazz

Daniel Owino Misiani, more than any other Kenyan musician, has helped to develop and advance the modern guitar dance music of the Luo people known as "Benga."The King of History" is an intoxicating amalgam of sounds and songs of the 1970s.

The lyrics apparently warn of imminent social upheaval and political change delivered by means of a sweet vocal harmonies, jangling electric guitars and pounding bass beat that characterize "Benga"

Not to be missed.

Manifesto: a means of expression

Rail Band, Belle Epoque Vol. 3 - Dioba

Rail Band, Belle Epoque Vol 3 showcases post-colonial West African musicians celebrating their cultural legacies which featured world music stars to be Salif Keita and Mory Kante. It is a buoyant interplay of percussion, bass, horns, brass, voices and multiple electric guitars that will take you on a journey through the roots of Mandigo heritage.

Rail band presents a selection of tracks recorded between 1970 and 1983 documenting a blend of Congolese Rumba, Latin music and folklore tradition.

This double-cd testifies the stylistic openness of Malian music, one not to be missed.


Manifesto: a means of expression

Oumou Sangare Music from Mali

Sangare's vibrant electro-acoustics take on infectiously funky Wassoulou sounds of Southern Maliland.

The voice of Oumou Sangare is a extensive and agile, rhythmically emphatic and deeply soulful, her music emanates style and grace.

"Seya" her latest album benefits from fantastic arrangements combining contemporary and traditional instruments in ways that add further nuance to her emotive singing with pungent social commentary.

This is a subtle masterpiece, a journey through roots music/acoustic/Afro-beat that you need to listen.

Not to be missed.

Manifesto: a means of expression