Customer Reviews

En Mana Kuoyo

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This recording is one of the few "jewels" in my collection of thousands of musical titles. The music on this disc is spacious, gentle, and at the same time, stimulating. Although I fear some of our reviews as listeners may sound a bit like reviews of `New Age' music, this is African music. (Perhaps informed a bit by Ayub's experiences in the western world.) If you have a heart connected to your ears and an appreciation for acoustic African music, you will be doing yourself a favor by adding this to your collection. If I may add, I find the review by Richard Gehr of ... unfortunate and upsettingly off target. Perhaps this just isn't his kind of music.

'alive' is how I feel listening to Ayub Ogada's music, and especially "Obiero". It is the sound of mother earth and father sky, and all the children.
His vocalizations give rise to my own urge to let my voice resound. I want so 'sing with', even though I do not understand the words.
His voice and music elicit a deep longing of my soul; a co-existence of joy and sorrow, an awareness of both, and a letting go, a birthing of both into song/music.
My taste in music is rather eclectic; I am not a 'fan' of any particular group, direction, performer.
Ayub Ogada stands out in the cosmos of music as one of the brightest shining stars.
Anyone with a desire to feel his/her existence sounded in the most beautiful way can benefit from listening to this music. Opening the heart/voice to sound along is even better. (You will have to get over the insecurity of not knowing the language). What I have read in interviews/biography of Ayub only acknowledged the feeling I got from his music that he is a person of impeccability, giving expression to his inner spark of Divinity in the most diligent and beautiful way.

I fell in love with Ayub Ogada's music after hearing his haunting "Kothbiro" -- effectively the theme song of the film "The Constant Gardener."

I bought the disk for my wife who has played it over and over. She loves the simple, beautiful rhythms, Ogada's liltingly sensual voice and the sense-pictures his music provides of the unforgettable African countryside and people.

My first exposure to 'African Music' happened after I'd been living in a small village in Eritrea, East Africa for a few months already. A friend brought over this recording of En Mana Kuoyo, and we listed to these songs one rainy night...this is music that is best listened to in similar environments or states of mind. In small, electricity-free villages beneath a sky full of stars, by quiet candlelight, glass of wine in hand, gazing out of a window, contemplating life, when your mind is free to wander a bit. A simple sound from his lyre (nyatiti) and his powerful yet haunting voice are enough to make any man (or woman) slip, albeit temporarily, away from their busy, civilized lives and dream about far away places and simpler times...the songs are a mix of some traditional Kenyan ideas with his more modern influences. There are a couple of energetic, upbeat songs, but the majority tend to be more meditative and wistful.

I have since listened to CDs by about 1,000 different 'African', 'Latin', 'Irish', 'American' and just about every other ethnic group artists, and Ayub Ogada's En Mana Kuoyo still stands out as the best for plain simplicity and haunting beauty, mixed with a bit of joy.

Ayub Ogada's musical presence is unmistakable. His formidable natural ability is revealed with a humility that at first may take the listener off-guard. Pure talent notwithstanding, he glides over the razor's edge of combining musical authority with poetic tenderness, and for good measure he throws in an intelligence touched with humor and openness. The apparent simplicity of his tunes are a wonderful venue for the rich and subtle emotional tones of his singing and playing. Simply put, I love this disc. If you have any interest in traditional music of any kind, I think you will love it too.

I received this disc as a present from a friend who knew of my longstanding interest in African music. Ordinarily I'm ambivalent about getting a "gift of music", as I feel some sense of obligation to like it, out of respect for the giver; this rather silly psychology often tends to make me a little paranoid on first listenings. I am happy to report that one minute into the first tune, I knew nothing but the music.

For me, the strongest tunes are those in which Ogada's harp and voice are unaccompanied. There are instrumental tunes in which he shines as well, but too many instruments and voices into the mix sometimes seem to obscure his power. Only one song is recorded with the standard western instruments (piano, guitar) accompanying. While it manages to retain Ogada's fine-tuned sense of restraint and understatement, and generally steers clear of Hollywood schmaltz, at times it seems to want to take the next exit to Disneyland. This isn't so much a complaint as a personal preference (well, OK, it's a bit of a complaint). Ogada can obviously play anything he likes, with an authenticity that is all too uncommon. I've no doubt we'll hear more from him and I look forward to it. However, I do hope he steers clear of those producers with dollar-signs in their eyes and "crossover" or "film score" in their minds. Such producers tend to obscure rather than reveal; to downplay talent to the market's level rather than risk the bold musical statements of which Ogada is clearly capable.

At any rate, that's only one song. The songs that bring Ogada's harp and voice to the forefront are worth the price of admission, many times over. He possesses such clarity of musical vision, and such masterful delivery. I would like everyone to hear this disc.

This music will last forever... But just to be on the safe side, add it to your collection.

Ayub Ogada sings music which delivers instant serenity to the soul. Subtle yet intense rhythms appeal to my percussive nature. The music makes me feel naked and fresh and alive and reborn. I am a musician of 27 years and consider this recording to be one of the best of all time.

All I can say is that the music is like waking from a long sleep, between clean sheets, with absolutely nothing to worry about or fear, no bills to pay, no wolf at the door, no revenants -- and just lying there. Coming slowly awake. Welcoming the time awaiting you. Not fighting it at all. Breathing... Obviously not for those times when you need to listen to the Germs with the volume at 10, but essential for certain times of quiet or hush or mourning.

I can listen to this CD over and over and get lost in the haunting melodies. Thank goodness I wasn't put off by Richard Gehr's editorial review. The customer reviews are far more reflective of what you will find here.

A must-purchase. This album transcends genre and spirit, and really is on the level unlike many other albums these days. A great CD to put on for a drive, for reflection, meditation, wine, etc. It is not one of those cheesy albums that record companies put out pretending to sound African - this is true (Eastern) African rhythms. A brilliant CD, and I am looking forward to hearing more from this innovative artist.

Favorite track: "Kothbiro"

I cant believe Amazons Richard Gher's unsympathetic review of this beautiful and mesmerising collection of songs! Regardless of Ugadas alleged fusion of musical styles and traditions, this is music in its purist form, expressive, creative and untainted by commercial pressures or influences. Whilst the music is understated, the rhythms are highly syncopated yet so subtle. The combination of very melodic vocal work and unconventional phrasing adds to the appeal and mystique of this gifted musician. This is not music to dance to but a very rewarding quiet listening experience.