With so much good music coming through thick and fast, it’s easy for albums to drop online and go overlooked. No lengthy write-ups, as who reads those anyway? We keep it short and to the point because you’re here to listen to the music! Check out our weekly mini-guide below, and if you like what you hear, click the links and support the artists.
Albums
Alogte Oho & his Sounds of Joy – O Yinne!
If you’re feeling world-weary, listening to Alogte Oho & his Sounds of Joy might be the answer. Their uplifting Frafra gospel and positive Afro roots vibes make them the perfect tonic for a weary soul. Alogte Oho & his Sounds of Joy are the ideal pick-me-up. Listen to O Yinne!, and you’ll feel your spirits lifted.
Flammer Dance Band – Dedikasjon Til Inspirasjon
The Flammer Dance Band from Norway are back with another fire album of psychedelic afro-funk workouts out on Lyskestrekk Records – it’s a must-listen!
BCUC – Millions Of Us
Soweto’s Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness album The Healing was a highlight in 2019. Now their new release, Millions Of Us, is out! So, does it will live up to the previous album? I’m pleased to tell you that it’s even better. We won’t waste too many words. You can click play below, begin the listening adventure, and decide for yourself. It’s something special and one of the year’s most innovative and powerful albums.
WITCH – Zango
An incredible return from Zamrock’s founding fathers. This excellent album combines WITCH’s most notable musical influences and demonstrates why they can reinvent themselves some half a century after their first release in 1973. Zango includes collaborations with Sampa The Great, Keith Kabwe, Theresa Ng’ambi, and Hanna Tembo. One not to miss.
Mestizo – Mestizo
Mais Um Discos just dropped the first album from Mestizo, a collaboration between Steam Down’s Ahnansé, Daniel Michel from Mambo Negro Records, and an incredible array of British and Colombian musicians. This 14-strong collective creates an innovative interpretation of Colombian folk traditions, London jazz and hip-hop. Make sure you give it a spin because this cultural exchange is essential!
Andi Otto & MD Pallavi – Songs for Broken Ships
One of last month’s top discoveries was the first collaborative album by long-time creative partners MD Pallavi & Andi Otto. After meeting ten years ago, the duo developed a distinct sound that moves between organically woven folktronica to cut-up disco tracks and acoustic ballads. Across the ten tracks, they offer an interwoven pop aesthetic complete with beautiful harmonies and hooks. Songs for Broken Ships is a testament to the duo’s unique creative chemistry and showcases their growth over the past decade. This album is simply beautiful.
Namian Sidibé – Namian Sidibé
Malian singer Namian Sidibé shares her debut album through the brilliant Sahel Sounds. Sidibé and her cousin Jules Diabaté recorded a raw acoustic session of eight stripped-down compositions at her home. Her unique take on Malian praise music is inspiring and passionate, conveying its message in new ways. Well worth a listen.
Tinariwen – Amatssou
Desert rockers Tinariwen share their new album Amatssou. The album was recorded in a tent in an Algerian national park (a Unesco World Heritage Site) and features lyrics that explore themes of migration, identity and resistance. Tinariwen’s infectious music mixes traditional Tuareg sounds with country, rock and blues influences. It is a powerful and uplifting album that captures the band’s spirit.
