Captain Kid, a Parisian, has released his first album 67 songs on Discograph label. The album is beautifully sculptured pop, hewn by an architect of sound, Julien Ribot.
Mory Kanté, who is in his sixties, has created an album filled with empathy for his fellow-countrywomen in his latest release, La Guinéenne. In 1987, he showcased his ability with Yeke Yeke, the album where he made his indisputable mark on African music. An interview.
Ten years ago, Rodolphe Burger borrowed the expression "This is a Velvet Underground song that I’d like to sing" from the singer Nico for a track on Meteor Show Extended. Now the alchemist of French rock is reactivating his Dernière Bande label with a new album that pays a faithful tribute to the cult group from Warhol’s Factory.
When the Guinean Djeli Moussa Condé moved to Paris he set up home in Ménilmontant. In the heart of this working-class neighbourhood, the kora player dreamed up a world-style album with the help of percussionist, arranger and producer Vincent Lassalle.
The Malian twosome Amadou & Mariam are back with a new album, Folila. With its roots firmly planted in Mali, the collection takes added inspiration from some of the couple’s international alliances, and in particular Français Bertrand Cantat.
He’s 33 and comes from the Congo, but don’t expect Léon Malele to play rumba. With its resolutely Anglo-Saxon sound, his maiden album, Chocolate, could almost be taken for American soul.
Music, sex and politics: it’s an explosive cocktail, and just the stuff to feed the kind of controversy that Koffi Olomide is used to. Not only is he the target of anti-Kabila campaigners who apparently pirated his album Abracadabra by pre-empting its release, the Congolese star is also at the heart of a rape case currently appearing before the French courts. But did he really turn up for trial in the Paris suburbs last February as he claims to have done?
One of the few Chadian artists to be making a name for herself on the international scene, singer Mounira Mitchala has paved the way for the next step with Chili Houritki, five years after winning the RFI Découvertes music award.
The maiden album from young Parisian Mina Tindle was put together with ex Innocents member, JP Nataf, and unveils a captivating, at times elusive voice and a feel for vibrant, intimate pop. Portrait of an artist set to stand the test of time.
There are times when you need a helping hand to reach a new milestone. To put together his fourth album, Nimissa, Guinean singer and musician Ba Cissoko was assisted by reputed producer Philippe Eidel, who has managed to draw out each song’s potential and assure some ship-shape production.
