Chino Odimba
May 2006 - Etran Finatawa, Mahotella Queens and Lagos Stori Plenti
Welcome to Africa on your Street - and the freshest sounds on the web. We find out what is happening in the world of new releases and gigs.
Etran Finatawa
Etran Finatawa are a band of extremes. The group is made up of musicians from very different nomadic traditions of Niger (i.e. Touareg and Wodaabe traditional musicians), speaking different languages and bringing two very eclectic musical heritages together. Etran Finatawa are the new boys on the block of desert-inspired music producing a sound that is both subtle and progressive. Formed because of their passion for the annual Festival in the Desert (view Festival in the Desert photo gallery) , they capture everything that makes desert sounds unmissable.
On their album Introducing (World Music Network/ INTRO105CD) they dip into folklore tales, healing songs and ceremonies, and the outstanding beauty of the desert for inspiration. They have produced a spectacularly unique first album. Songs like 'Maleele' are borrowed from healing songs from Niger, whilst 'Anadjibo' talks of the complexities of Islamic life alongside the day-to-day life. Watch out for Etran Finatawa - this is definitely not the last we will hear from them!
The Mahotella Queens
Queens' is truly what these women should be called. Seven years after they lost their front man Mahlathini, the Mahotella Queensare still proving to the world that they are more than just backing singers. Hilda Tloubatla, Mildred Mangxola, and Nobesuthu Mbadu have been in the business for over 40 years, yet have the youthfulness and freshness that most new musicians would cry for.
Their new album Reign & Shine (Wrasse Records/ WRASS 177) really takes you back to where they came from musically, and it's strange to think that in 2006, a lot of it reminds me of those performances of the 1960s and 1970s. I love this album - it is one of the most uplifting and energetic albums I have heard this year - proves that things only get better with age. Enjoy!
Lagos Stori Plenti
WOW WOW!!! I knew Nigerian city music was good - but until I heard the compilation Lagos Stori Plenti - Urban Sounds from Nigeria (Out Here Records/ OH 005, released 12 June 2006), I didn't realise just how good. From the first song by
Terry tha Rapman
entitled 'I am a Nigerian', I was smiling. I am a Nigerian, you see, so I take great joy in singing those words. The whole album demonstrates maturity and progress in the Nigerian hip-hop scene. Some songs are strangely reminiscent of the upbeat and carefree sounds of early hi-life. Some names are familiar also like the talented
JJC & 419 Squad and Weird MC
- the only female artist on the compilation. Others simply take you by surprise - in a very good way! Nigeria may be one of the craziest places in this world but it has always been a big player in international music - and this album just proves that.
Recommended gigs
As summer approaches there is plenty going on and lots of places to enjoy African music: 
Doreen Thobekile
, talented singer and performer, plays at the
Wychwood Festival
in Cheltenham this year alongside
Amadou and Miriam
. To find out more about the festival check out the festival's website .
You can catch also Inemo , the new voice in Afrobeat at HiFi Club, Leeds (0870 060 0100) on the 1st June 2006. Inemo's album Afro Funky Beats (Black Mango Music) is out on 29 May. You can check out more info on Inemo and the show in our Gigs and Events guide.
And if you haven't caught the double act of the moment yet - Toumani Diabaté and Cheikh Lô - then make your way to Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on the 30 th May (0121 780 3333). For more info and to purchase tickets online check out the Symphony Hall's website .
Keep your comments coming - and remember to send in information on any events going on in you area. See you at the end of festival season.
Bye for now,
Chino
Chino's recommended CDs
Various artists - Lagos Stori Plenti - Urban Sounds from Nigeria
Etran Finatawa - Introducing
The Mahotella Queens - Reign & Shine