Customer Reviews

Kenya Dance Mania

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

 

 

This CD perfectly demonstrates the wonders of technology. Having struggled to listen to a gradually deteriorating taped version of SINA MAKOSA, that classic by LES WANYIKA, since the early 1980's, I am now able to enjoy this and other equally exceptional classic recordings on CD. The quality of guitar playing, the rythmn, melodies and harmonies of these songs is exquisite. They have soul. To anyone with memories of Kenyan music in the 70's and 80's, or anyone who wants to acquaint themself with this spirited music, this album is a blessing.(Also check out LES WANYIKA's new CD AMIGO (CLP001).)

For those of you who aren't familiar with the rumbas and other musical styles of Kenya, this is the album to buy to receive the proper introduction! I happened to notice that this is also a very rare album (at least on Amazon), so, if you happen to see it available, be sure to purchase it. KENYA DANCE MANIA: EAST AFRICA'S FINEST RUMBAS & OTHER STYLES has some of the most beautiful rumba and benga-influenced tracks I have ever heard. Benga is a musical genre of Kenyan popular music. It evolved between the late 1940s and late 1960s, in Kenya's capital city of Nairobi. In the 1940s, the African Broadcasting Service in Nairobi aired a steady stream of soukous, South African kwela, Zairean finger-style guitar and various kinds of Cuban dance music. There were also popular folk songs of Kenya's Luo and Kikuyu peoples. What's more, the songs featured here are some of the all-time greatest tracks recorded in Nairobi by bands like The Maroon Commandos, the musicians Gabriel Omolo, Ochieng 'H.O' Kabaselleh and Les Wanyika. There are up-tempo numbers, interspersed with slower, more soulful jams. Plus, these are some of the most beautiful vocals I have ever heard in my life. I am not exaggerating. Especially rare is "Sina Makosa," recorded by Les Wanyika. Yes, it is more than ten minutes long, but you won't even notice. Don't miss out.

The CD HAS INCOMPLETE SONGS AND SOME OF THEM SCRAPPED. I DID NOT SEND IT BACK DUE TO SHIPPING COSTS.