Customer Reviews

Africa

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Africa" was one of the first world music CD's I bought - I was involved in a show which included African and African-influenced music and I wanted to do some first hand audio research. This CD is just amazing! One of the things which immediately struck me was the beautiful and distinctive guitar work on many of the tracks, particularly those by Oliver Mtukudzi, Habib Koite, and Les 4 Etoiles. Other noteworthy instrumental work includes the B-3 organ intro on the Soul Brothers' "Thandaza", and the accordion featured in Sam Mangwana's "Ya Mbemba". There are also soul-stirring vocals featuring gorgeous harmonies (like Oom's "Anoma") and alternating call-and-response type melodies, and best of all, a wide variety of really cool grooves - each track has its own unique flavor. My favorites are Johnny Clegg and Juluka's "Love Is Just A Dream", Samba Ngo's "Sa Ntima" and Ricardo Lemvo's "Manuela", but really, there isn't one track here I don't love - five years after buying this CD it's still one of my favorites! I have since gone on to buy more CD's by several of the artists featured here, as well as by other African artists. I've also bought many of Putumayo's other compilations, which all serve as great introductions to a variety of artists as well as to many types of world music. By all means I recommend buying "Africa" - you won't regret it, but I warn you, you won't stop here :)

I'm not in the habit of writing these things...however I am so enthralled by this music I felt I had to share my thoughts. The CD is a good introduction to the immense variety of music coming out of Africa. My favorites are Ndima Npapedza (#1) by Oliver Mtukudzi and Wassiye (#7) by Habib Koite'. The music is fun and yet has depth to it. I listen to it and while I'm tapping my toes, my soul is singing right along. I recommend this one highly.

Awesome CD, I grew up listening to this music when my parents told me we were moving to Africa. They weren't kidding, and we eventually did, but this CD was certainly my absolute favorite first experience of African music.

From upbeat bongo to slower more peaceful rhythms of life, this album is about as close to the continent as you can get without actually traveling there. Putamayo puts a great, true-to-life-Africa collection together.

Also recommend the album "Bongo Flava" if you like real upbeat East African hip-hop/rap.

I am just starting to delve into the vast expanse of World music, and this CD was (and is) an awesome way to start. Most of the songs are upbeat and happy, and the wild instruments takes it to another level. All the songs have lyrics (all but one not in English) which adds a nice ambient vibe.

Perfect for the summer months, or if you just want to try something new and eclectic. Always seems to put me into a happy mood, and every song adds something different to the experience.

I usually just sit back and relax to this music, but the songs are upbeat enough that if you feel the urge to dance then this won't hold you back!

Just buy it already.

I have a bar & grill in Bogota Colombia and I play this and other Putumayo CDs to provide an interesting atmosphere. #8 is my favorite, it makes you move and groove. Customers constantly ask about these CDs.

This album is a good one if you put it with others like it and put your collection on "shuffle" while you are working around the house. It's fun to dance to, and there is a good mix of different kinds of African music here. Les 4 Etoiles "Doly" sounds like Tabu Ley, and Oliver Mtukudzi's "Adumi Ndapedza" is pretty much a good representation of his overall sound, even though it's not my favorite song by him. Diaou Kouyate's "Gafale" grows on you, and I find myself humming the tune sometimes because it's catchy. Johnny Klegg has a song on here, as well.