Category:
World

Try if you like:
Baaba Maal, Salif Keita, Tarika, Thomas Mapfumo

I still remember the first time a co-worker at the music store I worked at put on Habibe Koite's amazing Ma Ya album. I think everyone within earshot fell in love with the Malian musician. He has that charm, both his voice and classic African instrumental arrangements. I think most people had given up on Habib though. It has been six long years since his last release, 2001's Baro. But Koite insists that it was only his perfectionist tendencies that made this happen, and with the first listen of Afriki, his new album and first for Cumbancha, it is obvious that the time was worthwhile spent.

Habib has always drawn on the rich music of Mali and has been able to integrate it ever so slightly with Western music in order to create a truly global sound. I'm sure this is the reason his last two albums have sold more that 100,000 copies. Afriki has the potential to break those numbers though. He has perfected his guitar playing and his voice is sounding stronger and more profound than ever before. He has some unique techniques tuning his guitar to the pentatonic scale. But is also akin to playing more traditional as well.

Habib's music is fairly mellow but it is full of great musicianship. It's the type of music to relax to without really going to far. Afriki opens with a wonderful return called "Namania". I found "Ntesse" to be one of the many great moments on the album. It has the hypnotic rhythm that you tap your foot to or bop your head along with; a perfect Malian melody. If you are unsure of Koite's guitar playing just throw on the final track, "Titati". It is an instrumental really showcasing his guitar. 

Afriki should keep fans happy for another 5 years. It is a strong album proving that Habib Koite is one of the finest music exports from Africa, let alone Mali.