Chino Odimba
March 2006 - Nuru Kane, Samba Mapangala and the Awards for World Music
Hello and welcome to Africa on Your Street. This month we will be looking at some names you may not have heard:
- What a year !
- Nuru Kane
- Samba Mapangala
- The Radio 3 Awards for World Music
- Recommended gigs
- Chino's recommended CDs
What a year !
2006 has already been an exciting year for African music. The much awaited African Soul Rebels UK wide tour with Souad Massi, Amadou and Mariam and Emmanuel Jal has brought in the crowds in every town - here in Bristol it was sold out days before they arrived. I hope that it gave everyone who went along to one of the gigs a real insight into the depth and breadth of African music in 2006. But first, a musician who embodies that breadth, bringing together the music of Senegal and Morocco.
Nuru Kane
Nuru Kane was born in Medina, Dakar and has been playing bass and guitar in various bands in Senegal since 1990's. After a trip to Morocco, he became fascinated by the 'gnawa' sounds and rhythms of North Africa. And since then this has been a major influence in his own musical journey. Having learnt to play the 'guimbri' - a 3 stringed acoustic bass instrument central to Gnawa music - Nuru has been experimenting and playing with some of the best musicians from North and West Africa.
In his first international album 'Sigil', Nuru Kane is finally able to show the world just how beautifully he has captured the sprit of gnawa music. The album is lyrically potent, with songs about religious teachings, imperialism and the violence that we live with. Songs like 'Goree' which was recorded live really show off his vocal talents. The bluesy take on African music that you hear on this album is what really makes it stand out.This is an original and beautifully crafted musical fusion of two very different cultures of Africa. A real treat for those who appreciate music that comes from the heart. Look out for its release in March. Nuru Kane will be in Bristol soon: 23 March 2006 - Fiddlers, Bristol (0117 929 9008).
Samba Mapangala
Who is he? Where has he come from? You are curious - well so am I! Samba Mapangala is not a new name in African music though - he is what we would affectionately call an 'old timer'. Born in Matadi, Uganda, Samba enjoyed some success in the mid 1970's and early 1990's, then after a 7 year absence appeared again to present his last album 'Ujumbe' which was released in 2001. Since then there has been little heard from him internationally although he has continued to make music in his adopted country of Kenya - and continued to play with the Orchestra Virunga that he formed in 1981.
But his music should not be forgotten. The familiar Congolese sounds of rumba guitar and horns, together with hip shaking infectious beats of soukous, still make his music irrestible. Making a comeback he is proving yet again that he is still a name to be recognised in East African music history. You can catch this Kenyan/Ugandan all-star on 16th March at the Norwich Arts Centre - 01603 660 352 - www.norwichartscentre.co.uk, 22 March at the Brighton Komedia - 01273 647100 - www.komedia.co.uk. You can also hear him on Andy Kershaw on 26 March, and online for 7 days after the broadcast on the Radio 3 website.
The Radio 3 Awards for World Music
It is that time of year again where the best in African music is celebrated and applauded. Of course this is the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music . African artists dominate the list more than ever this year- with Amadou and Mariam's album sensation 'Dimanche a Bamako' a double winner, scooping the prize for 'Africa' and for 'Album of the Year'. Algerian singer Souad Massi has taken the 'Middle East and North Africa' category, and Congolese electric thumb-piano wizards Konono #1 have taken best 'Newcomer'. Amongst the shortlisted artists you will find the great and lengendary Ali Farka Toure and Salif Keita , along with newcomers such as Lura , Emmanual Jal and Thione Seck.
And the debate goes on about why so many of the best known names are West African musicians. (In fact the entire Album of the Year shortlist is West African).
The winners poll concert is on 7th April 2006 at the Brixton Academy London - not to be missed!
Let me know of any gigs near you by posting your comments and don't forget Africa on Your Street is all you need for your African beats and more.
Bye for now
Chino
Recommended gigs
Nuru Kane - Tuesday 23 March 2006 - Fiddlers, Bristol - 0117 929 9008
Samba Mapangala and Orchestre Virunga - 16th March 2006 - Norwich Arts Centre - 01603 660 352 - www.norwichartscentre.co.uk
Ladysmith Black Mombaza - Colston Hall, Bristol - 0117 922 3686
I Fagiolini and SDASA Chorale of Soweto - Tuesday 17 May 2006 - St George's, Bristol - 7:30pm - 0845 4024 001
The musical sound clash of the British early music group I Fagiolini and the well known all male South African Gospel ensemble. The two groups have met before- and recorded an album in 1998 called 'Simuye' (Zulu for 'we are one'). But this a rare moment to see them live and a capella.
Soweto Kinch - April 2nd 2006 - Colston Hall, Bristol - 0117 922 3686
The outstanding talent of Soweto Kinch.
And don't forget the WOMAD in Spain experience from 10th - 13th May 2006 - this year's line up is still to be confirmed. Look out for further information at www.womad.org
Bye for now,
Chino
Chino's recommended CDs
Nuru Kane - Sigil
Safari Sisters - Mapambano
Check out my recommended CDs this month in the CD Reviews section or go to Music Search to look at our archive of recommended CDs