Customer Reviews

Nairobi Beat - Kenyan Pop Music Today

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

 

 

ienjoyed this cd so much because it amixture of 3 different dialects spoken in Kenya and basically with the same theme. Iam a Kikuyu so my favourites were (mwana wa ndigwa and Ururu mwana) The rhythm and beat is great. It reminds me of old good days back home. i would recomend it to anyone. my next order is Maitu Maitu cant wait to play it. The Luos, the Wakambas great job.

This is African music at its best, full of vivacity, melody, enthusiasm and most important of all, a mesmerizing beat. The guitar riffs, the signature of African pop music, alone are well worth the money These songs depict the rich tableau of Kenyan life and relationships in a warm and colorful way. Nicely done.

I couldn't wait to get the CD. I listen to this CD almost everyday. The guitar, synthesizers, and the drums make this a good CD to listen and dance to. Although I don't speak the language that is used to perform these songs the interpretations of each song gives a bright picture of the Kenyan people in their music.

I actually bought this CD because of one title "Ururu-ruru Mwana", but when I listened to the whole thing, I loved everything in it. If you love guitar soukous music, this is an African rhythm you'll love.

The music is great, however, be forewarned that at least the version sold directly by Amazon is not a normal audio CD, but instead the dreaded CD-R format. Unusually for CD-R reissues, the booklet appears to be complete, but is a low quality color laser print. So, while the music is fine, only 4 stars because of the format and presentation - which is not disclosed in the product description.

This disc on Rounder is an excellent introduction to East African pop music. The benga and rumba represented here is extremely palatable to the beige, American taste. No one should find it too exotic. When I have the opportunity to introduce benga to a friend, I defy them to be able to have any saddness about them. You cannot continue to remain sad while this disc plays. Don't be worried if you don't speak Swahili nor Kyuke, nor Luo, nor Kamba, nor Luhya, whatever. Doug Paterson does an outstanding job offering liner note insights to what is happening in the songs.

Be patient with each selection. The songs often break several minutes into the song with a different rhythm or refrain or complimenting melody. This movement is exciting and really finishes each piece with great effect.

The disc also serves notice that African music isn't just South African and West African as are so popular in the US. You will not be disappointed, I promise.

Kwaheri.