Customer Reviews

Afrika Wassa

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Afrika Wassa
Vieux Diop
Triloka Records TR8069-2

His name is pronounced "Via Jo." Internationally, this Senegalese singer is a respectable competitor to James Brown for the title of "Soul Brother #1." If most Americans are going to have problems understanding the words when the tri-lingual Diop decides to use French or Senegalese, it's not going to be much more trouble than translating James Brown's English. If you're dotty about the words, they're in English in the liner notes.

This is the kind of modern African music that one might today dub "Paul Simon Lite." In addition to the basic rock instruments, there's a lot of percussion, strong, high backing vocals, a little thumb piano and a strong separation between lead and rhythm sections within the band. Vocal work is impassioned, and it is clear that Mr. Diop cares a great deal about each of the eleven topics he addresses in song on Afrika Wassa, which range from Mouille (Sweat) to Lepto Feyto (The Harvest) to Ti Gui(Surely).

It's interesting that "Afrika Wassa" translates into "new Africa." Music has a way of reminding us of all of the foundations of the American culture we live in. "Wassa" has to be "whassup" as clearly as the stringed instrument made by attaching a neck to a large, covered tortoise shell known as a "banjer" in the Wolof language is our "banjo," as clearly as the Wolof "hepi kat," meaning "one who has had his eyes opened," became the "hip cat" of prohibition era jazz. It's not all that foreign. Buying records like Afrika Wassa is just going through a different door to get to the same place. Try it.

I recently purchased this CD after hearing only one song on our local public radio station. I usually listen to Cletic music and found this to be a refreshing change. Although, I was happy to learn that Eilleen Ivers plays fiddle on a few of the tunes. It is a must for any collection. You will find yourself playing it over and over.

Afrika Wassa features eleven songs presenting a joyous sonic experiences reflecting Vieux Diop's grace, charm, evocative vocals, and infectious rhythms. lyrics are sung in French, Senegalese and English with the words an integral part of the overall texture of the instrumental sounds. This superbly crafted and recorded introduction to West African music provides a welcome and thoroughly entertaining listening experience. Afrika Wassa is a splendid addition to personal and community library multicultural music CD collections.

Vieux Diop has always been a favorite of mine, and this CD is no exception. Monsieur Diop has a fantastic voice which is used to perfection on several of the tunes on this CD. The musical styles range from rhythmic to quiet a capaella. The CD will be played on World music shows, for sure, but it has also been used on Hearts of Space, renowned for its low-key productions. Unfortunately, the sole cut you can listen to currently at Amazon.com doesn't really do justice to the range and beauty of the tunes on this CD. Try it, you'll like it...Hey Mikey!

The best African CD I have ever heard. The Songs, the singing, the musicians, and the recording are all as good as it gets. You don't have to love African music to love this cd.

We found this album on a Disney site that listed it as being some of the music played at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which we love. The cd arrived in great condition from the 3rd party seller on here. The quality is excellent. Husband spent a couple of years living in Senegal with Peace Corps in 90's. Makes for a mellow, positive ride to/from work. Also is nice to pump through the outdoor speakers when working in the garden. So happy we found it.

It is different.Very intresting to listen to.