ALL ARTISTSAfrica > Mali > Amadou et Mariam
// Amadou et Mariam
© D.R.
Welcome to Mali
Amadou & Mariam never fail to cause a reaction. Their modernist approach to African music annoys purists but delights fans of contemporary Afro-rock rhythms. Their simple, direct choruses about love may irritate those with a penchant for complex lyrics, but they deliver a clear and positive message to their fellow citizens. To some scholars of African culture, Amadou & Mariam’s success renders them suspect. But their popularity is a symbol of hope for many Africans. To an even greater extent than their previous album (produced by Manu Chao), Welcome to Mali is aimed at fans of high quality international pop, rather than roots music aficionados.
The most famous couple in Mali are joined here by some of the best known pop artists today. To kick off, Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) is on hand to lend his talented production touch to the single ‘Sabali’, giving it an 80s electro revival feel. He has some more fun with them on ‘Ce n’est pas bon’ with the lyrics innocently gunning towards politics. Next up, the guitar hero M produces ‘Masiteladi’ with jagged riffs and clearcut vocals. We also have contributions from three visitors from the planet funk – the French ‘Prince’, Juan Rozoff provides a rolling counterpoint on ‘Je te kiffe’, the Somalian rapper K'Naan is in full flow on ‘Africa’ and the Paris Metro users’ favourite Nigerian artist Keziah Jones gives ‘Unissons Nous’ a blues-funk flavour. A few minutes of silence follow the last track, and then Tiken Jah recounts the history of his Fakoly ancestors, who built the Mandinka empire. Despite this deluxe roll call, Welcome To Mali, manages to hold its course, thanks to the careful guidance of Laurent Jaïs and Marc Antoine Moreau. Amadou & Mariam’s loyal producers have made sure the duo’s untouchable fresh groove doesn’t get lost (too often) in a sea of trendy guest appearances and modish special effects.
In the end, the electro disco loops and the winks to vintage sounds (from the 60s up to today) do lock into a groove with Toumani Diabaté’s kora, the kamélé n’goni, the single-stringed guitar or the classic trio bass-guitar-drums. Ultimately everything comes together to deliver what Amadou & Mariam have always done best - euphoric stripped-down African rhythm and blues, full of love. And nobody is complaining that they want to share their happiness with us.
(Translation by Jody Gillett)
Benjamin MiNiMuM
// ALSO
- Live Wire
- Djitoumou
- Venus On Earth
- Joe Bataan & James Pants live at Cargo 11 June plus dates in Leeds and Birmingham
- Quantic and his Combo Barbaro album launch tour starts Friday 5 June at the ICA
- Titi Robin: on the crimes of a state
- Toumani Diabaté, Toumani Diabaté - My mission is to play
- Oliver Mtukudzi, Oliver Mtukudzi - African Soul Rebel
- Youssou N'Dour, Special Fin D’Année 2009
// ALL AMADOU ET MARIAM'S REVIEWS
Welcome to Mali
18/11/2008
// DISCOGRAPHY
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Welcome to Mali (Album)
Wati (Album)
Son ni tilé (Album)
Dimanche ŕ Bamako (Album)
Tjé ni Mousso (Album)// LINKS
RELATED ARTISTS
>> SMOD
>> Idrissa Soumaoro
>> Positive Black Soul
>> Cheikh Lô
>> Manu Chao
REPORTS
>> Gilles Peterson DJ Chart
// CONTACT
Because Music (Label)
Tel : 01 41 46 00 00 Fax : 01 41 46 94 96
107, rue Pierre Poli Issy les Moulineaux FRA 92130
Amadou et Mariam's Website
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