Customer Reviews

Na Afriki (Dig)

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

 

 

This is a great album by a very talented singer, backed by an equally talented band. Dobet's music ranges from danceable, upbeat rock to tribal chants to bluesy dirges. Her compositions are consistently interesting, and the jazz-like variety of the melodies puts her far above other African artists. These are songs that are a bit more challenging melodically and rhythmically, but they are consistently rewarding; you won't tire of them easily.

The other, more satisfying aspect of her art is her raw intensity. These songs (check out Djiguene or Massacre) make most current Western pop music sound like elevator muzak. Yes, she can be hoarse at times, but so was Janice Joplin.

What is interesting about this CD by Dobet Gnahore is her polyglot singing: Dida and Guere of her own Ivory Coast; Wolof of Senegal; Malinke of Mali; Xhosa of South Africa; Fon of Benin; and Lingala of the Congo. There is also a brief vocalise polyphony in homage of the Pygmies. She has a warm, soft voice and the various African styles are nicely arranged and well performed. True, the CD does not have an instant popular "hit" song and she does not dominate with a unique sound, yet the album overall is a relaxed tour of Africa in the same spirit as Putumayo's Acoustic Africa CD and tour, which included the contribution by Gnahore. From the inserted notes and pictures, she may have exciting stage presence. This CD is not of classic calibre, but I still very much enjoyed listening to it, about 5 times now. It provides a sense of quiet dignity and passion.

I love to listen to many different kinds of music. I love DG's voice and expression/inflections.

I downloaded the music before this and could not get the notes with words to the music. Personally, I enjoy reading what an artist puts together, it gives you a great idea of what they were trying to achieve. The notes really added to understanding of the beautiful sound that DG creates.

I saw this woman perform in Chicago this year at a summer festival. Spectacular hardly describes her and her band. The dancing, the music will take you away. She is young so expect to hear from this lady for a long time. Wowie Zowie

Dobet Gnahore is a strong young voice out of Africa who deserves a good bit of attention. Her albums are simply outlines of her journey. The true way to experience Gnahore is live, headlining a show. The Acoustic Africa tour left her too little room to flex her considerable performing muscles. Growing up in an artists colony, she's put together a full package of striking presence, a well paced performance that pulls you in and energizes you, and a powerful voice. Her most recent tour garnered her plenty of new fans, happy to see the strength on stage we haven't seen since the earliest days of Zap Mama.

I haven't bought the album yet, but I just saw her in Chicago and I think she's amazing. I think the hoarsesness, that the previous reviewer notes, of her voice is actually jazzy/rock and roll sneaking into the African vibe of her music. She reminds me of an African Kate Bush in some songs...very emotional, real and the melodies veer off into surprising directions. And if you see her live, her dancing is beautiful and the live harmonies are divine.

Dobet Gnahore has been hyped as the next Miriam Makeba or Angelique Kidjo. It's true her sophomore album,"Na Afriki" is charting on the US and Canadian public and college radio stations. Nonetheless,it doesn't live up to its very high expectations.

Gnahore debuted in the US on the Putumayo compilations "Music from the Chocolate Lands" and "Acoustic Africa",contributing rather forgettable songs to each. To her credit, Gnahore addresses social issues such as child abuse,female empowerment,greed,polygamy and motherhood. She's a striking beauty (despite the unflattering cover art) in her native Ivory Coast tribal garb and face paint. She has great backing musicians and vocalists. Unfortunately, her voice sounds strained in her songs.

There are some highlights to "Na Afriki." The opening track,"Djiguene",is anthemic. The instrumentals on Issa are pleasant. "Inyembezi Sam" has unexpected techno effects,as if a DJ had remixed it. "Jho Avido" is dancelike. "Yekiyi" has a gentle chorus. "Pygmees" is a very tribal,primal song. A thumb piano is the highlight of "Pillage." Gnahore has brought together an ensemble of marvelous musicians and backing singers. In contrast to Miriam Makeba and Angelique Kidjo,Gnahore is overwhelmed by those who back her. Her voice is weak and strained in comparison, especially in the songs "Massacre" and "Palea",her anthem about unrequited love. She sounds almost hoarse;her voice lacks a certain richness and range.

Dobet Gnahore is promising,but she has yet to live up to her potential. With practice,practice,practice,she may perform at Carnegie Hall and follow in Angelique Kidjo's footsteps.