Interactive poll #22: The Africa edition
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Category: Other music related lounges
Forum Name: General Music Discussions
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=124392
Printed Date: February 22 2025 at 17:57
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Topic: Interactive poll #22: The Africa edition
Posted By: The Anders
Subject: Interactive poll #22: The Africa edition
Date Posted: October 26 2020 at 14:58
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Welcome to the 22nd Interactive Poll. This time we go to Africa - a large continent that goes from Alexandria to Cape Town, from Dakar to Mogadishu (plus a few islands along the coastline). Here are the rules: The song (or piece, if it is an instrumental) must be either 1) from Africa, 2) related to Africa or 3) just inspired by African music in one way or another. Thus, we go by a format similar to the Latin American poll earlier on. However, there are no genre restrictions. Cover versions are allowed. Prog artists can participate, but please think twice before entering with a 20 minutes long epic, and please don't choose too well known artists (I believe that, say, tracks from Remain in Light will be too well known around here). Schedule: The voting will open in a week, next Monday. Until then, you are free to post up to three songs, but please have your final nomination ready in time. Thus, there will pleny of time to vote before the next poll is up. I wish everyone good luck :)
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Replies:
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: October 26 2020 at 15:02
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Here is my first nomination. Kokoko! - "Malembe" Kokoko! are from Kinshasa, Congo. They are known for making music with their own self-made instruments which are constructed with things they found on the street. Some of which you can see for yourself in the video. They are working with a French electronic producer whose name I don't remember, and the result is quite unique.
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Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: October 26 2020 at 15:08
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My second nomination is a tractor.  |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: October 26 2020 at 15:49
I have two artists in mind already, let's see if i can find the third one tomorrow. 
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Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: October 26 2020 at 15:56
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When I read the title I knew I had to nominate this song  It's rather long so I'll make it my only suggestion to this poll. |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: October 26 2020 at 16:19
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No doubt that this poll is going to be rhythmic. I had been considering this one for a few earlier polls. Stewart Copeland & Gizmo - Koteja The original version by Copeland was on his album the Rhythmatist from back in the 80's. This live version was recorded in the 2000s. Amazing drummer. I think I'll go one tune at a time this time.
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Posted By: Easy Money
Date Posted: October 26 2020 at 18:26
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King Sunny Ade "365 is my Number/The Message" The cool jam kicks in a little after the 1:50 mark. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 05:58
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Very good choice. I will post some Italian songs with African rhythm and arrangement ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 06:03
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Easy Money wrote:Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 06:14
Thanks a lot. I couldn't access the first link either.
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Posted By: twseel
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 06:55
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I guess I could give you this funky favorite of mine: ------------- 
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Posted By: Easy Money
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 07:19
| ^ Unfortunately that video is not available to me. |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 07:32
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My favorite African guitarist.... Who needs Paul Simon? Or instruments? Miriam Makeba (with Hugh Masekela) - Soweto Blues ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: BrufordFreak
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 08:38
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgv5RQKvZnE&ab_channel=Samite-Topic
My favorite African musicians of all-time have been Samité, Fela Kuti, and Hamza El Din. (I don't know why PA won't accept the YouTube vids I upload.) ------------- Drew Fisher https://progisaliveandwell.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 08:51
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Drew, I had this problem, too. I now have to use another browser than Chrome to upload YT's here, I use Firefox, instead. There is some additional new tag on the end of every YT video accessed via my chrome that somehow seems to personalize the video. Don't know if this is your problem, but try accessing via another browser and see if that helps. Looking forward to what you post of Hamza, I am also a fan! ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 09:15
Fixed.
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Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 09:22
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Great theme, I love this, even though I don't have that much... Here's drums legend Tony Allen (1940-2020, RIP!) with Hugh Maskela paying tribute to their former band leader Fela Kuti. I think this was released only a month or so before Tony's death.  I could propose three of Tony Allen, I love him so much. But that's not what I'm gonna do.
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Posted By: dwill123
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 09:51
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 10:04
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Yes, nice theme! Although music from Africa is not my strongpoint (and I see already some of the artists that I do know presented), there is definitely much African inspired music around. I could have come up with something from Orange Blossom again, but I already presented them in earlier polls. Then I thought I do an Angélique Kidjo special, but there are too many other interesting things - maybe I put up some songs of/with her later on, apart from a first one now. But, in chronological order, first some rock from Tanzania (though several band members came from other countries too, and rock must be considered "world music" from an African point of view...). Typically mid 70s, but very good: Sunburst - Vijana: Then some Angelique Kidjo, but before she broke through with her solo career. She was invited by Dutch jazz (rock) pianist/keyboardist Jasper van 't Hof to take part in his African inspired band Pili Pili - typically mid 80s, but very good... The studio version of this song is 15 minutes, but I stumbled upon a great live version that is almost half that long (and it's nice to see them perform): Pili Pili - Hoomba Hoomba: (for the studio version you can go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm7vP1bSo8k" rel="nofollow - here ) And my third, a kind of african-celtic-electro-mix, typically mid 00s, but very good: Afro Celt Sound System - When I Still Needed You: Enjoy!
------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 10:09
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German band Dissidenten recorded this one in Morocco with Moroccan band Lem Shaheb. It was something of a hit in Spain if I'm not mistaken. The disco beat surely isn't everybody's cup of tea, but I think they are on fire! |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 10:22
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My first African-influenced song is from Sonia Dada, which is a band I posted way back in the beginning. If you remember that funky and loud track, you might be surprised at how different this one sounds. This band, which was unfortunately ignored by the public, is very versatile, made up of many lead singers and performers, all of which were originally street musicians in New York City. Sonia Dada - Don't Go (Giving Your Love Away) - the live version Here's a jazz band that often mixes African influences to create some excellent sound. Groove Collective - Rentstrike Everyone knows of David Byrne's love of African music and how he incorporated it in his music, and also that of Talking Heads. This one is one of my favorite tracks from them that is a little less known, but is more relevant at this time than ever. The lyrics deal with someone who is trying to live in paradise but can't lose his love of modern convenience. Quite funny, actually. Talking Heads - "(Nothing But) Flowers" Karl Jenkins is from Wales, but he has always mixed styles from other countries with his style. His project Adiemus uses Celtic style harmonics with African styles (among others) and it always works quite well. Adiemus - "Kayama" ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow">  |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 10:31
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Talking Heads video shows as "unavailable" here. |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 10:51
Try this one (the only difference I can see is the other one I posted was the remastered version): ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 10:57
Excellent choice! I have been discovering a lot of Black Bombaim lately as I loved the 2019 release as you know already. That might disqualify the track for me since I'm already familiar with the style and it gives it an unfair advantage, but we'll see what happens. Love it  ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 11:12
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Now, since we're talking Talking Heads, I cannot not propose a song from Angélique Kidjo covering their whole Remain in Light album (and in a fantastic way, indeed! With Tony Allen on drums!). And, in order not to propose Once in a Lifetime: Angélique Kidjo - Born Under Punches: ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 12:03
This time I am going to reprise Senegalese kora player, Seckou Keita, three ways. I introduced him in, I think, the first of these polls that I participated in. He's wonderfully versatile, these three pieces, are all different from one another and he presents the kora in collaborations and also a lovely solo piece here. It's going to take every bit of restraint I have to not vote for the tractor, lol!  And, wonderful idea for a poll, I don't know a lot of African music, more Middle Eastern, so I'm looking forward to some edumacation from all of you. First is him, solo, with "If Only I Knew." Second is with Omar Sosa, "Fatiliku" Third is with Natacha Atlas and Sami Bishai, "DUWA" ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 13:55
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Sorry, but I really meant to post this one too and I forgot earlier. This comes from a traditional village song in Guinea in West Africa. It always seems to move me. Paul Winter Consort - "Minuit" ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 15:47
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Starting up the playlist for all videos. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx5bDb8h2EEpzJW5zx0pbvWO" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx5bDb8h2EEpzJW5zx0pbvWO |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 15:51
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For tune #2, revisiting an artist I had nominated before. Ginger Baker - African Force Another amazing drummer. This tune has got some funky bass to it.
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Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 16:24
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My African favourite is probably Rokia Traore from Mali, but I had her already in one of these polls, so this is out of competition: |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 16:29
This sometimes happens to me, and I have found out that it tends to happen when I don't play the video properly from beginning without interruption but rather jump somewhere in the middle. I found a solution, at least for me, which is to stop the video, delete it from the youtube search history, and then play it again from the beginning (I don't have to play the whole video before linking it, but I shouldn't "jump"). By the way, started to play the playlist, and the KOKOKO is already really, really cool and electrifying. Another great poll, I guess!
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Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 16:44
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Hahaha, I just see that the guy on whose youtube account the Jasper Van't Hof video is posted is Dissidenten drummer Marlon Klein, and he's also the drummer on that one. Jasper Van't Hof is great by the way. I saw him playing Pili Pili live at some point in the 80s or 90s. In the early 70s he was in a free rock jazz outfit called Association P.C. who are listed on PA (although quite outlandish for PA's standards), and at least two of their albums are great. |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 17:16
Video doesn't play for me (U.S.), so it's not included in the playlist. See if you can find another video, and I'll add.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 27 2020 at 19:09
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Had some listening space today, so here are my thoughts on the first page, on first listen. Thank you to The Anders for a fun and different slant than we've had for a while, to George for starting the listening YT link and also, always, to Lorenzo for being the originator of these polls. Nice to see some new faces, too, welcome! The Anders:
Kokoko! “Malembe” Well, this is a TON of fun! Love that they made so many of the
instruments as well as the music. It’s
very spirited, both modern and somehow also ancient in feel. The washboard/guitar thing is very cool. The Tractor.
I love that. One could say it was
very minimalist, as it made no sound at all, even though tractors are known to be a bit noisy.
Samuel: Black Bombaim “Africa II” Lots of Dead Can Dance sounding clacky things in the background, with wonderful, fuzzy electric guitar over the top, then moving on into more intensity from both the percussion and guitar. About halfway through, guitar drops out and it moves into a great sax solo with bass and the ever-present clackies. Smooth guitar chords and riffs in a much quieter way, with the sax duetting along. Guitar intensifies again for quite a while, eventually they all quietly exit into deep space. I liked it! George: Steward Copeland & Gizmo “Koteja” This one has a fun sound to it (so much African music has an upbeat feel, doesn’t it?). Very rhythmic with first an African melodic vocal, then a rap in English, back to the African melodic bits and call and response with the audience. Electric lead and bubbling along under bass with very precise drumming undernearth. Easy Money: King Sunny Ade “365 is my Number/The Message” Very gentle, village-y feel here, I love the soft blending of the vocals when everyone joins in singing with him. The jam is very cool, as you’d indicated. Lots of twisty guitar and a deep bass-y guitar twanging along, with tons of understated klicky-clacky percussion. Gets very trance-y too, with guitar curlicue adornments, then they get all plinky towards the end as they gently fade away. Greg: Ali Farka Toure “Savane” The modality kind of feels Middle Eastern, here, interesting hollow-ish guitar tone and interplay between that sound and a twangy kind of picked sound, plus some really low, bass-y notes. Love his vocal quality as well. Ladysmith Black Mambazo “Diamonds On The Soles of Her Shoes” We carried this group many times on the buses. All a capella, done in a light-hearted style, plenty o’ rhythm. Miriam Makeba with Hugh Masekela “Soweto Blues” Beautiful, soulful vocals and you can’t beat Hugh Masekela’s style. This was done in documentary style, something we’ve not seen much of in these polls, but it only added to get more of the story, and then move back to the music. Drew: I knew what you brought would not disappoint. Samite “Night Stories” Begins with kalimba or marimba and some really gorgeous layered vocals, almost sounds prayerful. Distant horn intersperses from time to time with those haunting vocals, as the kalimba sound continues as the foundation of the piece. Little bits of harmonics drift in from time to time, reminds me of stars twinkling in night skies. As far as I’m concerned, this could have gone on twice as long and still seem short. Hamza El Din “Nagrishad” This one, I will have to recuse myself from. I have this on CD and have been lucky enough to see Hamza El Din live a couple of times in a very small, beautiful old church in Santa Cruz. Just a wonderful musician, a completely authentic performance and mesmerizing piece. Lewian: Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela “Never (Lagos Never Gonna Be The Same)” Jazzy piece (as expected), very infectious groove, staccato vocals, great understated drumming, too. Sad and moving memorial piece, taking it all down to some of what life is all about. Dissidenten “fata morgana” Has the feeling very much of Moroccan village music (which I enjoy), but in a modern setting. So much Middle Eastern music is geared toward dance, so the beat doesn’t bother me, it’s just a bit odd to my ear without the heavier sound of oud and dumbek. Gives it a lighter touch. dwill123: Soul Makossa “Mano Dibango” Funky, repetitious vocals, steady beat throughout with horn punctuating, also repeating it’s own sound. Vocals come back in and out, then there’s a more full horn section, which also repeats. suitkees: Sunburst “Vijana” Definitely more rock than we’ve been hearing thus far. Interesting to hear a more “standard,” rock structure, but with a decidedly African edge. I like the bass in this one a lot. They close it out with a bit of a horn, then a fuzzy bass-y guitar solo. Pili Pili “Hoomba Hoomba” A jazz/rock-type setting here, which is nice to hear. Lots of effected keys and horn in this with a steady conga player setting the pace. Angelique is fun to watch in this live setting, also, when she finally gets a chance to add her part. Afro Celt Sound System “When I Still Needed You” Begins with some keys sounding vaguely concertina-like and a way-back-there drone underneath it. Some guitar and bass starts building up and some drum and light cymbal-ly thing accenting the sound here and there. Pretty, fairly deep female voice, with just a touch of vibrato, comes in about halfway in, building the tension nicely. I really like what the acoustic guitar is doing underneath all of this. This is my favourite of the 3 you brought this time. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: October 28 2020 at 04:31
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my nomination I also thought of Myrath, Tunisian/French band, but I don't wanna torture anyone with progressive metal meets Tunisian folklore. Also Shaking the Tree by Peter Gabriel would work here. |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: October 28 2020 at 12:14
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I had planned to go for some Fela Kuti and maybe something off Afreaka, but this will probably be my nomination (I love it). Lokonon Andre Isidore et l’ Orchestre Les Volcans - "Glenon Ho Akue" This so long that I don't expect people to listen: |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 28 2020 at 12:42
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First impression, page 2: Mike: Sonia Dada “Don’t Go (Giving
Your Love Away)” Starts with some bass
and laid back percussion. Lovely, lovely
female vocals, with pretty, pretty harmonies.
Nice easy-going organ kicks in, song mentions summer breezes, the song
does feel very summery. Groove Collective “Rentstrike” Very retro
jazz sounding (as in big band type) to start, then kicks in with a more modern
sound. Horns have a great groove, backed
with strong percussion and plinky (I know, my technical terminology is wanting)
keyboard accents with some whirlies thrown in.
Nice sax solo follows with keyboard interplay. Then it gets a bit skewed. Fun listen, with so many change-ups. Talking Heads [Nothing But] Flowers” I quite enjoyed them back in the day, nice to
revisit this one, I like what they did with the remix, too. Adiemus “Kayama” Really gorgeous African-style layered vocals begin
this one. Keyboard washes way down in
the mix and some gentle percussion, as the vocals continue in the opening
fashion. Flute (or a flute-ish
instrument) kicks in, about halfway in, then more of an orchestral sound joins
the keyboard wash, then the piece concludes with a reprise from all and a big
crescendo and fade out of the vocals. Paul
Winter Consort “Minuit” I remember this
well, really a beautiful piece of music, one of the early ones of it’s kind. I never knew the origins of it. Cristi: Inariwen “Toumast Tincha” Aw, come on, you got me curious about the torture by progressive metal meets Tunisian folklore! Anyway, on to your nomination. Male chorus of voices over twangy guitar (I never knew there was so much twang in African music, but then again, I don’t know a ton of it, so am enjoying the foray into new territory for me). Nice guitar hook here when it comes in, and I enjoy the lead guitar that kicks in about halfway. Additions: suitkees: Angelique Kidjo “Born Under Punches” Syncopated vocals, drums and twangy Africanesque guitar. “All I want is to breathe,” in the lyrics is particularly poignant at this time. Powerful statement song. George: Ginger Baker “The African Force” Also, Ginger, The Force of Nature, himself, lol. In the documentary about him, I loved watching him in the African village portion. Anyway, really solid grooves (what else?) and some horn punctuations, very experimental piece in nature. He really loved to stretch out in this kind of music and it shows. Lewian: Rokia Traore “Tu Voles” Live, begins with a very warm appreciation of the audience by the artist. Then she sings in such a beautiful, evocative voice with minimal accompaniment, which then kicks into the full band. Even though she is softly singing, the balance is excellent, you can hear everyone. This is my favourite of yours this time. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 28 2020 at 12:46
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Very 80's, but I loved this song and am surprised no one brought up Johnny Clegg, here with Juluka (maybe too well known?).
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: October 28 2020 at 15:02
Jasper van 't Hof is world famous in the Netherlands, and I had the pleasure too to see him once with his Pili Pili band at that time. I don't know much about most of his other collaborations (he did many...), but in that same period he had an interesting album with Golden Earring drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk under the name Labyrinth (with the brilliant Dutch vocalist Julya Loko).
------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: October 28 2020 at 18:19
What is music without a few plinkies and whirlies? I also like to hear a little bit of the squeamies and buzz-snorks thrown in from time to time, but only when they are fortissimo! Who need technical terms? Music is the universal language! Thanks again so much for your comments! ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 28 2020 at 18:21
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LOL, Mike! I love buzz-snorks in particular....they add such depth, especially when played fortissimo! ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: October 28 2020 at 19:14
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For tune #3: Tribe After Tribe - White Boys in the Jungle Unless Cristi posts his prog metal meets Tunisian folk, this may be the hardest rocking song in this poll. Originally from Johannesburg, they relocated to L.A. Songs incorporate 'tribal' rhythms with socio-political lyrics. One of my favorite alt rock bands from the 90's. Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Robbi Robb is on PA with his current psyche/space rock band 3rd Ear Experience (also excellent). And bonus tune #4 from a group I've had in a previous interactive poll: Krono Quartet - Escalay "Waterwheel" Also from the 90's, this was written by Egyptian composer Hamza El Din, originally done in the 70's. He did the arrangement for Kronos. The album Pieces of Africa features compositions by seven African composers.
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Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 07:28
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My impressions after a runthrough of the playlist: The Anders: Kokoko! (the French guy is Xavier Thomas, aka Débruit) are creating an interesting blend of captivating music out of their selfmade instruments and with the electronics. Great choice! Prefer them over the tractor, which remains a bit low in the mix... Meltdowner: Wow, that's electrifying! Like that rolling bass rhythm underneath it. This one is captivating too, although in the long end the jam-feel is maybe lingering on a bit too much. Must be great to see and hear this live though. (YT proposed Arabia from the same album, which was a good listen too...) Mathman: Yes, this poll will deliver us some great rhythm sections, percussionists and drummers. Stewart Copeland is one of them. Great playing, but the song leaves me a bit underwhelmed - it sounds a bit too standard to me - until that fantastic final kicks in! Another great drummer with Ginger Baker and I find his African Force much more captivating, from the beginning till the end, also thanks to the electric guitar and the soundscapy things and more so when the sax sets in. Great rhythmic interplay between the percussion and the drums. Wonderful track! Tribe After Tribe are not my cup of tea, a bit too ridicule (both the clip and the music). Kronos Quartet on the other hand cannot do much wrong with me, mainly because of their interpretations of contemporary music. With this one we find Hamza el Din again and I prefer this one over the song proposed by BrufordFreak. Easy Money: King Sunny Adé gives us an intriguing mix of styles with the african rhythms, some reggae, hawaian, steel... and electronic sound effects. Intriguing, but not entirely my blend. The Dark Elf: Ali Farka Touré was one of those great African musicians breaking through in the west. Savane is a nice trailing piece in which we hear his wonderful playing. It wouldn't be my first choice though. Ladysmith Black Mombazo are another exemple of African greatness, here with a typical Paul Simon written/inspired song. A very pleasant listen. Miriam Makeba gives us the blues here with Hugh Masekela. This is my favourite if she wasn't talking through it ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kHtWuVwZSs" rel="nofollow - here is another live version...). Very powerful song. BrufordFreak: Samite's Night Stories are enchanting. Very ambient, which normally would not be my thing, but Samite's kalimba(?) and the vocals make something very beautiful of this song. Hamza El Din is proposing another intriguing piece: he makes the mixing of different rhythms (percussion, hand claps...) sounds so easy. Very nice, but I prefer Samite. Lewian: Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela (him again!) deliver us a wonderful homage to the great Fela Kuti. Who better than Tony Allen could do this? A perfect blend and a nice homage to Tony Allen to put it up here - another one of those great African musicians! Dissidenten deliver a very upbeat Fata Morgana. It has something captivating, but it is a bit too straightforward for me to be a real contender. Rokia Traore is one of these great voices; this song is nice but she has done better than this I think. dwill123: And another great artist, Manu Dibango! (and another one who passed away this year...) Although Soul Makossa wouldn't by my choice of his, it remains a great listen. TCat: Sonia Dada is a very nice surprise. This song has some Paul Simon's Graceland flavor over it but stands on its own as a soulful beautiful original song. Rentstrike by the Groove Collective is very groovy indeed. A nice match these two songs, but I prefer Sonia Dada. Talking Heads are in a league of their own (I didn't dare to put up some TH, but instead I offered Angélique Kidjo's cover...); always fantastic, but they would be out of competition for me. Karl Jenkins is nice to hear but lacks the originality of the other songs, and I find Paul Winter's song a bit underwhelming too. Snicolette: I'm really impressed by Seckou Keita's song: it is beautiful. Is this only a kora we hear or is there a subtle interplay with an acoustic guitar? Very great singing too, which makes this a captivating song! I actually prefer this one over his collaboration pieces, despite their richer instrumentation: nice too, but less surprising. It's been a while that I've heard this song of Johnny Clegg; yes, very 80s and very festive, but not what I prefer (not then, not now). Cristi: Tinariwen has some nice guitar playing over more traditional percussion and bass sounds. A kind of Tunisian americana... very nice! Logan: With Lokonon Andre Isidore et l’ Orchestre Les Volcans we're travelling back in time a bit with a kind of African funky pop. Nice to hear, but not entirely my thing. Fela Kuti's Unknown Soldier on the contrary is for me an all time classic, poignant piece of music (in its two parts!). ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 08:52
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Very nice to read your thoughts, suitkees, and compare with how I heard the pieces. For those who haven't been around as long, we do not expect breakdowns this detailed, although a couple of us do them, it is not a requisite! On the solo piece by Seckou, there are no other artist credits, I am not, sure, he is listed as "primary artist," of course this does not mean there wasn't overlaying of tracks to achieve sound....it undoubtedly is on the choral vocals here. It's on the remarkable recording "22 Strings," which is how I discovered him. He has a wonderful collaboration with Catrin Finch (a harpist, I know you're not that fond of it as a solo instrument), I will post here, but out of competition, these are longer and include improvisations. They are a joy to watch. With the Johnny Clegg piece, the African "hmmmm hmmmm ho hmmmms," always made me think of the Ents (and well before the films were made), which always gave me a chuckle. Seckou & Catrin:
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 10:11
This video of Finch and Keita playing together is quite enjoyable: it is nice to see them produce that rich sound palette with kora and harp alone, those intertwining melodies and rhythms... I understand better why I could suspect an acoustic guitar on his solo piece, but now I see how versatile the kora is as instrument (or how versatile he is playing it). Thanks! ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 10:49
 I agree, it's interesting to hear through others' ears, in a way, by reading the comments....as many here are also reviewers, there's sort of a tendency to want to discuss, I think, and these polls have really done so in a very respectful manner, of course when in agreement, and also when not.I'm glad you enjoyed that, they also do more Celtic pieces together, I really love the live versions, because they both are obviously having so much fun. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 16:34
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A bit from Page Two (Logan) and a couple of additions from George, first impressions. Logan: Lokonon Andre Isidore et l’ Orchestre Les Volcans "Glenon Ho Akue" Very city-scape feeling to me, here. Lots of
horns, percussion and male voices over all, with a dissonance to all. Fela Kuti “Unknown Soldier” Begins with some fingersnaps, brush sounds, then
adds piano keeping to that beat and electric guitar, handclaps and more electric
guitar, holding yet to that beat. Adds
some shaker sound and male voice intoning, cowbell! Singer and female chorus come on full, very
hypnotic piece, with political/social commentary. Horn section comes in about 5 minutes in,
with more cowbell and scatting from Fela, all keeping with the continuing hypnotic
rhythms and the return of the horns, about halfway. Lots more political/social
commentary with some magic thrown in.
The singing intensifies, and some piano comes in, improvising, it sounds
like, along with the horns again and the shaker instruments (and the guitar lines
have never really stopped underneath). Horns
come in with flourishes and interplay with piano for a bit near the end, then
it abruptly halts. Had to hear it
all. 😊 George: Tribe After Tribe “White Boys in the Jungle” Definitely in rock-land here. Heavy guitar riffs, steady beat and and an
alt-rock vocal. Made me curious about
what lead guy would do with space rock setting.
Kronos Quartet “Escalay
– Waterwheel” Very different than your
other Kronos Quartet piece…I love the deep sound at the beginning (not sure if
it’s actually oud or not), beautiful with the understated oriental orchestra
feel to this, as the various other instruments kick in, great tension build and
gets into some plucky back and forth between the percussive and string
elements. Lovely and my favourite of
yours here. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 16:37
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As Rokia Traore was out of competition (sorry Nicky! Comment was much appreciated) I have another suggestion to make. Kalifa Kone - this amazing multiinstrumentalist apparently lives half in Africa and half in Italy and plays a lot here. Together with an Italian musician (whose name I unfortunately forgot as they didn't have anything published together and neither could I find anything of the two together on the web) he played one of the three little gigs (the best!) that I managed to see in summer in the time window when we actually had concerts. I actually didn't know them before but checked out some of his stuff to decide whether I should go. They were just wonderful, and I bought Kalifa's Luna album, which is largely very good as well. surely his band on the album grooves. Here's "Funky". |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 16:51
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Just so everyone knows, I haven't heard the songs yet. I will wait until the final nominations have been decided. But I see there are already a lot of songs being posted which is good :) |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 17:16
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My nominations: Mau Mau is an Italian band from Turin, formed in 1990 by Luca Morino (vocals and guitar), Fabio Barovero (accordion) and Cameroonian Tatè Nsongan (Djembe). Born from the ashes of the underground cult group Loschi Dezi, the band draws its influences from world music, especially Mediterranean, African, Arabic and Latin traditions. They mainly sing in native Piedmontese. The band's name has a double meaning: it references the Kenyan Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule,and in Piedmontese, Mau Mau designates "people who come from afar". 1) Mau Mau: Ellis Island 2) Mau Mau: Basura ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 29 2020 at 18:10
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Here are initial thoughts on Lorenzo's offerings and Lewian's alternate: Lorenzo Mau Mau “Ellis Island” Upbeat horns and percussion starts this one
out. Spirited male vocalist, I can
certainly also hear the Mediterranean and Latin influences here. It’s upbeat, but it seems that it is about
the experience that immigrants have at Ellis Island in the US, which is not
always positive. Lots of rangy swirls of
sound, the horns have a really different-sounding kind of lead that they create
a bit past the middle. “Basura” Here we have some sort of concertina or
accordion sounds in the beginning. They go
into a bit of a rap from time to time. Another
strident piece, very danceable, as the first would also be. Really a different sound than most that we’ve
been hearing from….as usual, the Italian take creates it’s own special
viewpoint. Lewian: Kalifa Kone “Funky” Here we have an I am not sure what it is that starts the piece (is it a kora, or guitar or what?), then some funky organ glisses come along and some horns. Really intriguing, I’m glad you added this one, too, esp since Rokia is out of competition.. Cool! ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 30 2020 at 04:09
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At some point a German newspaper published some of the notes of notorious contemporary avantgarde music composer Karlheinz Stockhausen (not quite as contemporary anymore  ) when listening to some popular music including some prog. In style these were quite similar to yours Nicky, he'd also note down how it starts, the major changes, his overall impression in a similarly compressed way. Professional listener's style one could call it. Only difference was that he would never hide that he thinks all popular music is ultimately garbage and which of his works the musicians should listen to in order to learn. Can's Holger Czukay (my avatar man) and Irmin Schmidt were actually students of his. Here's some African Can stuff, to make the connection to the thread. Out of competition of course. Excellent underrated album in my view, where they teamed up with Ex-Traffic African rhythm force Rosko Gee and Rebop Kwaku Baah. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 30 2020 at 08:43
Can't say I completely agree that all popular music is garbage, but doubtless his depth of knowledge was much more than mine! I'm sure he'd know exactly what to call the plinkies and whirlies, for instance. Sadly, your video doesn't work for me here, can you give me the name of the piece and I can look it up that way on my own? And thank you for your thoughts here, as well, and the continued widening of my horizons. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: October 30 2020 at 09:00
| I don't have much time right now to comment, but I am enjoying the songs posted and this will be a tough one for me to decide on my top three once the nominations are set. |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: October 30 2020 at 18:18
Call Me by Can. I was thinking about posting Don't Say No from the same album (Saw Delight).
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 30 2020 at 18:47
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Oh, thank you! Will give it a listen later tonight or tomorrow. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: twseel
Date Posted: October 30 2020 at 19:25
Oh so funky... -------------
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Posted By: Easy Money
Date Posted: October 30 2020 at 20:27
| ^ Yeah, good stuff! |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 31 2020 at 11:46
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: October 31 2020 at 11:55
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First thoughts on twseel's later entry. twseel: Se Ba Ho “Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou” Begins with steady beat from drums and
guitar, deep male vocals, very hypnotic piece.
Loved watching the live one best, even though they were similar in sound
overall, it was infectious to see them dancing along. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: October 31 2020 at 14:11
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Here's just a reminder that I will open the voting on Monday (evening most probably), so you still have a couple of days to decide on your final nomination. |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: November 01 2020 at 17:41
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I have listened to everything more than once, if often while doing other things, but haven't found the time to write. Overall once more a very enjoyable selection. Africa deserves more space in my collection for sure! There is some material I already know and like, Ali Farka Toure, Pili Pili, Covid victim Manu Dibango , Talking Heads (although it's not exactly my favourite of them, same with Fela Kuti), and Seckou Keita (whom I started to buy after Nicky had nominated him in the earlier poll, although I didn't know the collaborations yet; I prefer the one with Omar Sosa although I actually like the first one most that I won't vote because I know it already). Oddly I don't remember the Ginger Baker one, although it is very good and I know some stuff of his from that period. The first three KOKOKO, Black Bombaim (surprising style in this poll but very well done), Steward Copeland & Gizmo are excellent. Mr Copeland is surely not as relaxed as Tony Allen, but his sharpness has its own merit. The Samite one is very beautiful, Afro Celt Sound System is quite cool, the Kronos Quartet does well there, Ellis Island of Mau Mau resonates quite a bit better with me than the other Mau Mau. That's all to say for the moment.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 01 2020 at 18:09
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Glad you enjoy Seckou Keita so much, I really love pretty much anything he does, any style, with any other musicians or solo. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: November 01 2020 at 18:33
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My nomination: Mau Mau : Ellis Island ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 01 2020 at 18:48
| It's difficult times we're living in. I am a bus driver, and that is not exactly the easiest job in a Corona time either. |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: November 01 2020 at 19:06
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I'm going to nominate Sonia Dada ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 01 2020 at 19:08
I hope you and your family are able to stay safe in this, Lorenzo. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 01 2020 at 19:09
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 03:32
Bologna is in a somewhat better position and I can work 95% from home, so all the best wishes to you! I have heard that transmission from pupils to teachers is very rare, but not sure how reliable that information is.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 08:19
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My nomination will be Seckou Keita, solo, "If Only I Knew." I love all three, so a hard choice, the collaborations are so varied. But going with the man, himself. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 08:37
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Ali Farka Touré -Savane is my choice, and then I am retiring from these interactive polls.
------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Shadowyzard
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 09:49
Lorenzo, best wishes to you... I think the best is a break with payment, but if it is not the case, I hope you won't catch the virus... or else, it won't catch you. 
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Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 10:20
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Despite the fact that the videotape on which the youtube is based seems to be a bit washed out and thus doesn't give a very homogeneous sound quality, my nomination is: Pili Pili - Hoomba Hoomba. We're indeed in a very bizarre period... I am also teaching some classes, but from this week on our university goes online, so I will do my classes by video conferencing. Not ideal, but we have to adapt. Let's hope it won't be for long and life can go back to normal for everybody. Stay healthy and keep courage! ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 10:28
| My nomination is Never by Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela. |
Posted By: Shadowyzard
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 10:57
Oops, I failed to see that some other people also expressed their situation. (Just as I posted my previous post in The American Politics thread, accidentally, first! )So a +1 to what I quoted from suitkees' post. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 11:48
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 12:23
| Think I'll go with Ginger Baker "African Force". |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 15:16
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So ten nominations have now been added to the poll. Please tell me if I missed some. |
Posted By: Easy Money
Date Posted: November 02 2020 at 16:01
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Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: November 03 2020 at 07:54
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Nominated songs playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx4zFZNGpUElMjGtwWl5GP8y" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx4zFZNGpUElMjGtwWl5GP8y Will update as poll gets updated.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 03 2020 at 08:25
Thank you once again, George!!!! This helps so much!  ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 03 2020 at 10:07
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It doesn't seen there are any more nominations, so you may start voting :) |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: November 03 2020 at 10:20
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Am I wrong that 14 people have suggested something but we currently have only 11 nominations? (Not quite sure about the 14 because I may have counted somebody twice but I'd be surprised if it wasn't at least 13.) |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 03 2020 at 10:27
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If there are still people to nominate a song, they should do so as soon as possible.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 03 2020 at 10:37
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 03 2020 at 14:28
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Right, so last chance to nominate a song is tonight. I will open the poll tomorrow. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: November 03 2020 at 14:38
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 04 2020 at 11:29
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I went back through the thread and found three songs which were the only ones posted by their users. These are now added to the poll. So: The poll is now officially open, and we have 14 songs altogether. Sorry for missing these three songs in first place.
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Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: November 04 2020 at 16:04
| ^Added those three to the nominations playlist. |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: November 04 2020 at 16:48
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Listening and choosing tomorrow.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 04 2020 at 23:07
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Same as Cristi for me, I did listen through the other day to the point that the nominations were done, now adding in the remainders. Congrats to all for such a varied field! ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: November 05 2020 at 10:28
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The Anders: The poll needs to be changed to allow for multiple votes. Here is my top 3: 1. Black Bombaim - "Africa 2" 2. King Sunny Ade - "365 is my number/The Message" 3. Kokoko - "Malembe" ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 05 2020 at 11:03
Done. I hope it works now.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 05 2020 at 11:43
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I went back through and realized that Drew (BrufordFreak) hadn't chimed in on his choice....Since one of his choices is one of my top contenders....anything we can do, or should I just give the one I liked of his a special mention, since he wasn't able to check in before the voting officially began? ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 05 2020 at 11:59
You can do so if you like :)
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 05 2020 at 12:01
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OK, thanks! I was glad to see a new face joining in, don't want to discourage participation. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 05 2020 at 13:05
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My votes for this very fine poll! 1. Sonia
Dada “Don’t Go (Giving Your Love Away)”
Starts with some bass and laid back percussion. Lovely, lovely female vocals, with pretty,
pretty harmonies. Nice easy-going organ
kicks in, song mentions summer breezes, the song does feel very summery 2. Black Bombaim “Africa II” Lots of Dead Can Dance sounding clacky things
in the background, with wonderful, fuzzy electric guitar over the top, then
moving on into more intensity from both the percussion and guitar. About halfway through, guitar drops out and
it moves into a great sax solo with bass and the ever-present clackies. Smooth
guitar chords and riffs in a much quieter way, with the sax duetting
along. Guitar intensifies again for
quite a while, eventually they all quietly exit into deep space. I liked it! 3. Ali
Farka Toure “Savane” The modality kind of feels Middle Eastern, here,
interesting hollow-ish guitar tone and interplay between that sound and a
twangy kind of picked sound, plus some really low, bass-y notes. Love his vocal quality as well. Very Special Mention: For me, this was the winner over all, but Drew couldn't make it back in time to nominate it or not, of his 2 selections. Samite “Night Stories” Begins with kalimba or marimba and some
really gorgeous layered vocals, almost sounds prayerful. Distant horn intersperses from time to time
with those haunting vocals, as the kalimba sound continues as the foundation of
the piece. Little bits of harmonics
drift in from time to time, reminds me of stars twinkling in night skies. As far as I’m concerned, this could have gone
on twice as long and still seem short. This was very hard for me. Three honourable mentions go to: Mau Mau “Ellis Island” Upbeat horns and percussion starts this one
out. Spirited male vocalist, I can
certainly also hear the Mediterranean and Latin influences here. It’s upbeat, but it seems that it is about
the experience that immigrants have at Ellis Island in the US, which is not
always positive. Lots of rangy swirls of
sound, the horns have a really different-sounding kind of lead that they create
a bit past the middle. Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela “Never (Lagos Never Gonna Be The Same)” Jazzy piece (as expected), very infectious groove, staccato vocals, great understated drumming, too. Sad and moving memorial piece, taking it all down to some of what life is all about. King Sunny Ade “365 is my Number/The Message” Very gentle, village-y feel here, I love the soft blending of the vocals when everyone joins in singing with him. The jam is very cool, as you’d indicated. Lots of twisty guitar and a deep bass-y guitar twanging along, with tons of understated klicky-clacky percussion. Gets very trance-y too, with guitar curlicue adornments, then they get all plinky towards the end as they gently fade away. Which really, is half of all of the entries, excluding my choice....once again, kudos to all participants, to The Anders for conducting the poll, to George for creating the playlists and to Lorenzo (who I hope is doing well) for the creation of these strings of polls. Every one had merit, to my ears, once again, a very difficult poll, yet some managed to stand out more than others for me. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: November 06 2020 at 10:08
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The song from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou was the only that
resonated with me on this poll, probably because of both the rhythm and
the slightly psychedelic electric organ. Other than that, I voted for
Sonia Dada and Seckou Keita. I guess I'm more into the African rhythmic/percussive elements in Psych Rock than actual African music. Vespero used these elements really well on "Lique Mekwas", one of my favourite recent albums of the genre.
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Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: November 06 2020 at 10:40
a more interesting round than I thought it would be.  tough one, a lot of good songs in there.
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Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: November 06 2020 at 16:03