Nuru Kane & Bayefall Gnawa

(Live in London & Paris 2004)

Born 31 years ago in Medina, Dakar, Senegalese Nuru Kane walks, talks, sleeps and eats music. Nuru - as in 'n'roo' and Kane like 'can' - was a highlight of the 2004 Festival in the Desert in Mali and the BBC film of the event.

As both a natural frontman and utterly compelling performer, Nuru's tall and commanding presence oozes charisma, mixing intrigue with beguiling openness. But, what about his music?

His acoustic guitar playing is taut, sometimes stumbling and hypnotic while his mastery of the guimbri (a three stringed bass primarily used by Moroccan Gnawa musicians) often leads the way in a frantic and elastic musical mystery tour. Holding everything together is Nuru's golden voice, whether singing in Wolof, Peul, Soninke, French or English - his tone is totally engaging, beyond beauty and never sickly sweet.

The track I've selected is from his forthcoming debut album for the World Music Network, featuring Nuru Kane solo with a slimmed down trio version of Bayefall Gnawa playing their first London show.

Other stand-out tracks include a duet with Malian singer Sira Kouyate, recorded in Paris. The album is produced by Martin Swan of Mouth Music, and is to be released this summer. Get your orders in now! For more information on Nuru Kane, email: transfusion@mailbox.co.uk

Reviewer : Yve Ngoo

Johanta (clip)