Track Listing

1. Pas de Problèmes - Kana, Kana
2. Om Numah Shivaya - Apache Indian
3. Notre Devoir - Intik
4. African Unity - Majek Fashek
5. Riberonzinha - Maria de Barros
6. Ya Laymi - Gnawa Diffusion
7. Maguinha Do Sá Viana - Alê Muniz,
8. Agua - Más Y Más,
9. Babylone Buildings - Chris Combette
10. Lalogo - Alpha Blondy
11. Rawagu - Bernard Uedre
12. O Si Keka - Kaissa,

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14534 in Music
• Released on: 2004-12-27
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
Reggae's crooning melodies, masculine bass lines, syncopated rhythms, and sensual spirituality makes it one of the most easily recognized, well-traveled styles in the African Diaspora. It has come a long way from its beginnings in Jamaica and the heyday of Bob Marley, but despite assorted depredations and ill-conceived interpolations, reggae still symbolizes an incongruous blend of fun, sex, good times, and social consciousness. It is always an education to hear what musicians from different cultures have made of this most malleable yet indelible of grooves. The most interesting permutations tend to be those that avoid mere imitation by incorporating strong local flavors. Thus, Apache Indian's Bhangra-laced version, with its breathy Bollywood-ish female choir and haunting woodwinds, Gnawa Diffusion's filigreed Arabic vocals, and Maria de Barrio's Cape Verdean morna-reggae make the strongest impressions. But other practitioners have chosen to recreate the good old days, and this Nigeria's Majek Fashek has certainly accomplished. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

New world reggae discovery
This Cd accomplished so much for me. It opened my world of reggae, with Maria de Barros, track #5 and a sweet flavor of brazilian reggae. Chris Combette, track#9 with some very rootsey reggae in french. Alpha Blondy on track#10 will rock any dance party. I could not wait to get my hands on more Alpha Blondy. I'm still looking for the other's solo projects. Everyday, I find something else that I like on this cd.

Almost Excellent
First, let me begin by saying this is a thoroughly enjoyable set, the songs overall are first rate. I've listened to it dozens of times in my store and never tire of it. The Amazon editorial review pretty much has it right on, but it didn't mention the solid cuts from Alphy Blondy (#10) and Kiassa (#12). I'm very much looking forward to hearing more of Kiassa - her voice is strong the hypnotic song makes a nice end to a groovy disc.

BUT, I can't give it five stars because it totally neglects Spanish Speaking Latin America. Nothing from Los Cafres? Gondwana? Los Pericos?? Los Fabulosos Cadillacs? HUH? Not just an overisght, but nearly criminal...

Great CD
I love reggae, but have purchased my share of lame CD's. I hit the jackpot with this one ... the more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it. Great dinner music or background music for a party. I also bought Euro Lounge and like that one as well.