Customer Reviews

African Reggae

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"Putumayo Presents: African Reggae"
(Putumayo Records, 2009)
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This is a strong set of modern reggae tunes from various Africa countries, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, South Africa and several artists each from the Cape Verde Islands and Ivory Coast. The appeal of reggae music, which is a product of the African diaspora, to African artists is readily apparent -- it shares a musical heritage with Africa's past, along with a politically conscious world view in the present. Most of the artists here are unknown to me (which I usually find appealing) and several are pleasant surprises. There are some pretty cool songs on here, particularly those sung in local languages... indeed, hearing reggae sung in different languages does a lot to help a jaded old-timer like me to hear the music with new ears, and get into the music again. Another strong set on Putumayo -- definitely worth checking out! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To World Music)

"African Reggae" is Putumayo's journey through the Jamaican music's African roots. Rastafarianism, which brought forth reggae, came from a syncretic Ethiopian/Christian reverence for Haile Selassie. Reggae often has socially conscious lyrics,and this collection is no exception. It's delightful, rootsy,and one of Putumayo's best African compilations.

"African Reggae" opens with Cote D'Ivoire's dynamic Ishmael Isaac singing "Magno Mako" (Pity). Ishmael Isaac suffered from polio at a young age, yet it hasn't stopped his music. Burkina Faso's Bingui Jaa Jammy honors Africa in song. South African singer Zoro sings about being jubilant despite suffering. He sings from experience. He was shot by a cop and was paralyzed from the waist down. Amazingly, he recovered. One Love Family from Cape Verde sings about uniting to combat humanity's ills. Kwame Bediako's "Steppin' into Zion" is another song about triumph over adversity. Guinea's Ba Cissoko sings a rootsy love song. Serges Kassy, from Cote d'Ivoire, sings about racial unity.

"African Reggae" is socially conscious and delightful! Feel the righteous rootsy riddims!

I purchased this cd for my grandson's bday, but had to open it up first and listen to the entire cd. it's great, each track has its own beat and sound, just makes you want to get up and dance. you won't be disappointed.