John Metcalfe’s Tree in Dolby Atmos
With these new 360˚ mixes Metcalfe’s initial intentions for the album are, finally, truly deliver...
Fri, 02 February 24
Gongoma Times
Released 25 January 1993
- Timini
- Yêkêkê
- Maanê
- Gongoma Times
- Seoroba
- Bokê (N'Yaraloum-ma)
- Limbadji Toko
- Söhkö
- Soisisa
Liner notes
Exhilarating traditional dance music from Guinea-Bissau, in West Africa— displaying some of the deepest roots of blues, jazz and pop. Fatala is unique in modern African music as a band, formed in Paris, recreating the roots of the music of Guinea without synths or programmes.
About the Songs
1. Timini
An opening rhythm danced by feticheurs wearing their masks
2. Yêkêkê
The chant of a woman labouring in the fields, sung to her baby whose crying prevents her from working
3. Maanê
A traditional rhythm to which African women present the beauty and skill of their dancing
4. Gongoma Times
The song of young people who live in freedom, and revolt against anything that threatens their liberty
5. Seoroba
A rhythm played as the young men return to their village after six months of initiation rituals
6. Bokê (N’Yaraloum-ma)
The love song of a boy from the town of Kamsar for a girl (Temedi) from the town of Boke
7. Limbadji Toko
The rhythm played during the”deathwalk” of an important chief of the tribe of Limbadji, as the body is returned to the place of its birth
8. Söhkö
The rhythm which can only be danced by a man who has proved himself capable and brave at a time of great suffering
9. Soisisa
A song in the Sousou dialect where the elder of the family argues with the young girls: “It’s time to go to sleep now!”
Further Listening
-
Various Artists
Released 04 June 1989
Whilst recording for his 1989 album Passion, Peter Gabriel worked with many international musicians. Some recorded at Real World Studios, some on the film’s location in North Africa, and others were sought out from past archives. Passion Sources gives us scope to hear more from these musicians in their own right. -
Released 14 February 1994
Legendary master drummer Doudou N’Diaye Rose leads fifty percussionists and eighty singers in a mesmerising performance of power and beauty. Doudou is the recognized modern master of Senegal's traditional drum, the sabar.
Further reading
Les Amazones d’Afrique celebrate the beauty of imperfection on new single ‘Flaws’
The all-female African supergroup kickstart 2024 with their infectious new single, ‘Flaws’.
Thu, 11 January 24
A Tribute to Ernesto ‘Teto’ Ocampo (1969-2023)
Sidestepper's Richard Blair remembers his late bandmate Teto.
Tue, 23 January 24
10 years of resistance: Les Amazones d’Afrique’s fight continues on Musow Danse
Righteous anger has never felt so warm and convincing. Or so goddam danceable.
Thu, 15 February 24