Customer Reviews

Women of Africa

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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Putumayo World Music began in 1993 with a goal to introduce newcomers to the music of other cultures: today its compilations are renowned for both diversity and their ability to keep traditional roots alive while blending in modern influences and sounds. Women Of Africa holds songs by the notable Angelique Kidjo, Tarika and Dorothy Masuka, but blends in lesser-known women from across the continent, from Judith Sephuma to Nawal of Comoros. Some of these individuals, such as Sephuma, are rising stars in their own countries and here provide the opportunity for a new international audience.

I just got this CD recently and I've put it on every morning. The calm, purely happy, energy just makes me start the day on the right foot!

This entertaining compilation of women singers from all over Africa will have broad appeal as it covers a wide cross-section of styles from roots to fusion, soulful and sensual to upbeat and jazzy. Productions are consistently good throughout, and the artistry unfailingly talented and professional. The standout track has to be the funky and vibrant "Sina Mali, Sina Deni" (Free) from Burundi's Khadja Nin, but "Retany" from Madagascar's Tarika with its catchy harp accompaniment, "Hima" from Comoros's Nawal, "Abiani" from the Ivory Coast's Dobet Gnahore and "Le Tsephile Mang" from South Africa's Judith Sephuma are also thoroughly fascinating. Other countries represented include Benin, Cameroon, and Algeria.

A pity the album is so short at 40 minutes. The Congo's dance queen Tshala Muana and others could easily have been included. However there's hardly a dull moment and the album importantly makes some wonderful hard-to-find music accessible.

Listen to the sampling of the tunes and if you've got a soul, you'll buy this wonderful album. I love it and wish I could find a dozen more like it. Had it been released back in the days of vinyl, I would have worn the grooves off the record by now...and it's only a week old!

After seeing the Putumayo CD display in the health food store for several years, I finally decided once and for all to purchase one. After pressing about ten buttons to sample tracks from their large global selection, this is the one I chose. I PICKED THE RIGHT ONE!

I have only had it a few days now, but I have played it about a dozen times, often singing the chorus of "Le Tsephile Mang" to myself throught the day, the perfect opening track. Another highlight is Dorothy Masuka's jazzy "Mfan' Omncane," but all the songs recordings are excellent.

Representing a huge continent, the musical styles vary quite a bit, but I can't imagine someone who is already interested not enjoying the majority of selections. This CD is great whether you're cruising in a car, on a boat, or just chilling in your house or apartment. These women are groovy!

I am already looking forward to my next Putumayo album, but I still have many more times ti listen to this one!

the music is rhythmic and pleasing to the ear. i enjoy the cd and use it in my pilates classes. i have many putumayo cds and like them alot. my only complaint is that like some of the other putumayo cds i wish it had 2-3 more songs.

One of the better entries in the Putumayo catalog -- a very listenable overview of contemporary female African pop singers, ranging across the continent from the Southern horn to the Saharan expanse, from Madagasgar to the Cape Verde islands. Some of the choices include well-known artists such as Dorothy Masuka, Angelique Kidjo and Tarika; others are welcome adventures off the beaten path, introducing lesser known singers such as Dobet Gnahore of Ivory Coast, Maria De Barros, and Kaissa, from Cameroon. A well-programmed, very listenable record, with many soulful, elegant performances... Recommended!

Another primo collection from the "Putumayo Presents" series, "Women of Africa" is a treasure. Unless you're tone deaf or otherwise severely Music Appreciation-Challenged, you're going to love this CD; and in fact, so will your kids and so will your parents. Even your co-workers! There's nothing not to like, and I mean that only in the best possible way, not in a bland "one-size-fits-all" way. There are a variety of sounds and styles, but they follow one another well; this assortment isn't all over the map in a jarring, staccato way. It's suitable for all occasions, from lightening up your commute, to the workplace itself, or as a social lubricant at picnics and parties and other gatherings. Go ahead; conduct an experiment by playing this CD (at a mid-level volume), and watch your formerly uptight friends and colleagues start to loosen up and enjoy themselves.

I'm describing the effect of the music more than the music itself, because that is a visceral experience which you must take part in yourself. But I've already done the weeding; I sample and screen music all the time in search of recordings such as this one, and it involves suffering through a lot of turkeys, believe me. But I've done the work for you, so you don't have to.

But for the record, I will mention that Dorothy Masuka's selection here sounds like the kind of smooth jazz vocal piece one might hear from a Nat Cole or Natalie Cole or Diana Krall ensemble. That's one example only; this collection features a whole potpourri of tuneful sounds and they're all delightful (hard as that might be to believe).

I listened to this soundtrack on the Putumayo Presents website before buying on Amazon. It is a good compilation of African music, which goes well with other African compilations from Putumayo Presents - Acoustic Africa and South Africa. I also bought these soundtracks through Amazon.

I'm a fan of Putamayo collections and this one comes up to their best. The female singers are all different sounding and come from all over Africa - South Africa, Bahia, Cape Verde, Madagascar, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Burundi. The selections include melodic, soft singing and jazzy renditions. All of them are great. I move around the house dancing when I have this CD on. It's hard to keep still. The music is enjoyable, relaxing and inspiring.