Djam Leelii
Artist: Baaba Maal

Baaba Maal and Mansour Seck, two of Senegal's biggest pop stars, return to their roots (and the roots of the blues, from the sound of it) on this beautifully hypnotic picking session, which also features Djam Leelii. Two guitars, accented by a bit of African percussion and some tasty electric fills by Aziz Dieng, produce pure magic. ~ J. Poet,... Read More

Best of Osibisa - PEGASUS
Artist: Osibisa

"Dance the body music; music makes you happy..." "Everybody do what you're doin'; your smile will bring a sunshine day." The lyrics are simple and repetitive, and the melodies are not too complex either. But, the music of Osibisa will surely put a little sunshine into anyone's day. The rhythms are Afro-funky, the horns are bright and tight, and... Read More

D
Artist: Tarika

Because Tarika has been among Madagascar's top bands of the 1990s, it's quite appropriate the quintet would be the one to pay tribute to Malagasy culture of the 1970s. In Madagascar, the 1970s are looked back on as a golden era for local pop/dance music, and Tarika pays tribute to that time on D. (The "D" is for "dihy," which is the Malagasy... Read More

Zebra Crossing
Artist: Soweto String Quartet

Soweto String Quartet are four musicians from the apartheid-created township of Soweto, South Africa, which was established when blacks were forced to moved out of racially integrated Sophiatown in the early 1950's. Though the members are classically trained musicians and the instruments (first and second violins, viola and cello) make up a... Read More

Toxu
Artist: Wasis Diop

Toxu, Wasis Diop's follow-up to his breakthrough record No Sant, is an equally impressive amalgam of African rhythms, reggae, funk, blues, pop, and soul. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide Read More

Oremi
Artist: Angélique Kidjo
Community Score: 6.00

Afro-pop star Angelique Kidjo's last album of the 1990s is her best yet. Titled Oremi, which means "friends," her fifth album is a tour de force with many great collaborations, including hip-hop star Kelly Price ("Open Your Eyes"), Robbie Neville, Cassandra Wilson (the duet "Never Know"), and Branford Marsalis. Oremi is the first CD in a... Read More

Lam Toro
Artist: Baaba Maal

This is the album that introduced Baaba Maal's singular mix of traditional African rhythms and Western arrangements to the world. His third recording, Lam Toro bounds ahead of his previous two albums (which explored his folk roots), transforming Senegalese music with funky grooves and electrified melodies. ~ Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, All Music... Read More