The Toure Kunda Collection

Touré Kunda, Putumayo Presents (Series) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 19, 1996)
• Original Release Date: March 19, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Putumayo World Music
• ASIN: B000003EJN
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,387 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #21 in Music > World Music > Africa > Senegal & Gambia
  • #44 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Africa

Track Listings

1. Wadini

2. Ndoungou

3. Guerrilla

4. Cira

5. Casale

6. Ke Diare

7. On Verra Quoi? Ca!

8. Fatou Yo

9. Akila

10. Okunaya

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Triumph over tragedy, July 19, 2007

By 

Amaranth "music fan" (Northern California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Toure Kunda Collection (Audio CD)

The Senegalese Afropop supergroup Toure Kunda has staying power. They began in the '70s,successfully touring in France before West African diva Angelique Kidjo got her start there. In 1983, Amadou died onstage of a heart attack. Throughout the '80s,band members left (some joined Kaoma,becoming one hit wonders with "Lambada"),and the remaining pair-Ismael and Sixu-were in protracted legal battles with their record label. Nonetheless,Toure Kunda still remains. This collection,unfortunately out of print,is a tribute to their endurance.

The opening number,"Wadini",is a rousing tribute to a prominent Muslim in northern Senegal. "Ndoungo" is a moving prayer and an abundant harvest. "Guerrilla" is a melancholy ballad about those who died during Guinea-Bissau's war of independence. "Casale" is a standout track with its infectious blend of reggae and Afropop. It's the best reason to buy this album. "Fatou Yo" is an electrifying dance number. "Okunaya" is a call to perpetuate tradition.

While some of the songs sound similar,it's a great album,and a perfect introduction to Afropop. Though this compilation is 11 years old and out of print,it's inspiring to know that Toure Kunda is still performing live and in the studio. Despite personal tragedies and business tribulations,they've triumphed.